Bristol State Liners to Build New Multi-Use Stadium

Bristol, Virginia, October 16, 2025

News Summary

The Bristol State Liners are returning to Bristol, Virginia with plans for a new multi-use stadium after a site was approved by the City Council. The stadium, located behind Food City on Bob Morrison Boulevard, aims to be a central venue for baseball and community events. The estimated construction cost is $12 million, with groundbreaking set for spring 2025 and an anticipated opening for the 2027 season. Despite taxpayer concerns over property tax increases, city officials indicate tax rates will likely remain unchanged.

Bristol, Virginia – The Bristol State Liners are set to return home with a new multi-use stadium, following a decision by the Bristol, Virginia City Council to designate a site for the team’s future home. The City Council approved the location behind Food City on Bob Morrison Boulevard, which is expected to become a key venue for the team in the upcoming years.

The announcement comes after a challenging period for the State Liners, who agreed to relocate from Bristol, Virginia, to Bristol, Tennessee, in 2023. Plans for a stadium at White Top Park in Tennessee were ultimately canceled. Additionally, a potential agreement in May 2025 to use Tod Houston Field in Tennessee was abandoned due to funding and relationship issues, as noted by Chris Allen, president and COO of Boyd Sports. The continuing challenge of securing a permanent home has made it difficult for the State Liners to establish a stable presence.

Bristol, Virginia’s new multi-use stadium is envisioned as not just a baseball venue but also a hub for festivals and other community events. City officials, including Mack Chapman, the city’s economic development specialist, anticipate that the new stadium will drive economic growth by attracting visitors and benefiting local businesses. The estimated cost for the construction of this new facility is approximately $12 million.

While there are some concerns among taxpayers regarding potential property tax increases to fund the new stadium, City Manager Randy Eads has indicated that preliminary estimates suggest that tax rates will not need to be raised. Groundbreaking for the stadium is expected to commence in spring 2025, with plans for the field to be ready for the 2027 season.

In the meantime, the State Liners will continue their season at Tod Houston Field in Tennessee during renovations. This agreement involves a financial contribution of $2 million from Boyd Sports, $1.5 million from the school system, and $5 million from the city for renovation costs. Boyd Sports has committed to a 15-year lease with the city, paying an annual fee of $25,000. A phased renovation approach at Tod Houston Field will be implemented to minimize disruptions to the Tennessee High baseball schedule during the 2026 season.

For the past few seasons, the State Liners have played their home games in Greeneville in 2024 and moved to Johnson City for the current season. The organization is optimistic that the new stadium in Bristol, Virginia, will stabilize their operations and create a thriving environment for baseball and other community events.

Key Features of the New Stadium

• Location: Behind Food City on Bob Morrison Boulevard, Bristol, Virginia
• Estimated Cost: $12 million
• Groundbreaking: Spring 2025
• Anticipated Opening: 2027 season
• Funding Sources: $2 million from Boyd Sports, $1.5 million from the school system, $5 million from the city
• Lease Terms: 15-year lease at Tod Houston Field for $25,000 per year

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Additional Resources

• WCYB: Bristol State Liners to Call Tod Houston Field Home
• Wikipedia: Bristol
• Herald Courier: Bristol’s Business News
• Google Search: Bristol State Liners New Stadium
• WCYB: Bristol State Liners Set to Return Home with Economic Benefits
• Google Scholar: Economic Impact of Stadiums
• Supertalk929: Bristol VA and Boyd Sports Announce New State Liners Stadium
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball Stadium
• Supertalk929: Bristol Virginia Food City Parent Company Agree to Terms on New Baseball Stadium
• 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.