Bristol, Virginia, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Bristol, Virginia is set to build a new baseball stadium on an 8.73-acre site on Bob Morrison Boulevard behind a Food City store. The city council will vote on a $1.1 million purchase agreement for the land. This multi-purpose facility will host local events, including games for the Virginia High School and the Bristol State Liners. Although the deal has some contingency clauses, including a penalty if the stadium isn’t developed within four years, city officials are excited about its potential to enhance the community and promote local sports.
Bristol, Virginia is preparing for the construction of a new baseball stadium proposed to be built on a vacant lot on Bob Morrison Boulevard behind a Food City store. The Bristol Virginia City Council is expected to vote on a purchase agreement for the 8.73-acre parcel at a price of $1.1 million.
The new stadium is anticipated to function as a multi-purpose facility benefiting Virginia High School, the Bristol State Liners, and hosting various public events. City leaders reached an agreement in August with Boyd Sports of Knoxville to revive the Appalachian League State Liners, highlighting a strong local commitment to bringing baseball back to the community.
Discussions regarding potential stadium locations had previously taken place with Bristol Tennessee, but these negotiations did not culminate in a satisfactory agreement. The original asking price for the property by Marathon Realty was $1.6 million, but the city negotiated this down to $1.1 million.
The current owner, K-VA-T Stores/Food City, will have a significant role in the new facility. They will retain exclusive rights to designate the official name and logo of a portion of the ballpark. However, the purchase agreement is contingent upon the establishment of a marketing agreement between the city and K-VA-T.
Before the deal closes, there will be a 90-day inspection period, concluding on or before the 30th day following this period. Should the city fail to develop the ballpark or fail to enter into an agreement for hosting games within four years, it would incur a penalty of $500,000 payable to K-VA-T Foods.
Despite the stadium’s promising outlook, there exists a deed restriction that prevents the land from being utilized as a grocery store or for the sale of groceries, automotive fueling products, hot and cold coffee, espresso drinks, or prescription pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, these restrictions will not inhibit the operation of concessions or food trucks that provide prepared food during events.
The proposed stadium site is situated within a special FEMA-designed 100-year flood hazard area, necessitating careful planning and development strategies to address potential flooding issues. A city council meeting regarding the stadium proposal is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall, located at 300 Lee St.
City officials express enthusiasm about the prospect of establishing a new multi-use facility in Bristol, looking forward to the anticipated grand opening of the stadium, which is expected to occur in 2027.
Key Features of the Proposed Stadium
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bob Morrison Boulevard, behind Food City |
| Parcel Size | 8.73 acres |
| Purchase Price | $1.1 million |
| Facility Use | Multi-purpose events including baseball |
| Penalty Clause | $500,000 if stadium not developed in four years |
| Grand Opening | Expected in 2027 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where will the new baseball stadium be built?
A new baseball stadium is proposed to be built on a vacant lot on Bob Morrison Boulevard behind a Food City store in Bristol, Virginia.
What is the purchase price for the stadium’s site?
The Bristol Virginia City Council is expected to vote on a purchase agreement for the 8.73-acre parcel for $1.1 million.
What events will the stadium host?
The stadium will serve as a multi-purpose facility for Virginia High School, the Bristol State Liners, and other public events.
What happens if the city does not develop the stadium?
If the city fails to develop the ballpark or enter into an agreement for hosting games within four years, it must pay K-VA-T Foods a $500,000 penalty.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WCYB Sports
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Virginia
- Herald Courier News
- Google Search: Bristol State Liners stadium
- Super Talk 929
- Google Scholar: Bristol State Liners stadium
- Herald Courier Business
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Virginia baseball stadium
- NASCAR News
- Google News: Bristol Virginia new stadium
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
