Bristol, Virginia, October 15, 2025
News Summary
The Bristol, Virginia City Council unanimously voted to purchase nearly 9 acres of land for $1.1 million to build a new multi-purpose stadium. This venue will be home to the Bristol State Liners and Virginia High’s baseball program, as well as host concerts and community events. Groundbreaking is scheduled for this spring, with completion expected by the 2027 baseball season. The reduced property price was negotiated with K-VA-T Food Stores, which will receive naming rights for the park.
Bristol, Virginia City Council Approves $1.1 Million Purchase for New Multi-Purpose Stadium
The Bristol, Virginia City Council has voted unanimously to purchase nearly 9 acres of land for $1.1 million. This property is situated on Bob Morrison Boulevard behind Food City. The newly approved stadium will serve as the home field for the Bristol State Liners and Virginia High’s baseball program. Additionally, the facility is designed to be a multi-purpose venue for concerts and community events.
City leaders have voiced their excitement about the revival of baseball in Bristol, a city with a rich baseball history that includes the Bristol Tigers and various minor league teams. The management of the new park is expected to be handled by Boyd Sports, an organization based in Knoxville. Groundbreaking for the stadium is slated for this spring, and it is projected to be ready for use by the 2027 baseball season.
The original property price of $1.6 million was negotiated down during discussions with K-VA-T Food Stores, which owns Food City. In return for the reduced price, Food City will receive naming rights for the new park. This announcement follows unsuccessful negotiations with Bristol, Tennessee, regarding the renovation of Tod Houston Field for the State Liners.
Bristol’s Mayor Becky Nave has emphasized that this project transcends baseball; it is also aimed at creating a community gathering space for future generations. City officials believe the stadium will not only benefit sports but will also enhance community events throughout the year. Councilman Neal Osborne pointed out the importance of having a professional organization like Boyd Sports involved in the project.
The athletic director for Virginia High School, Brad Harper, remarked that the stadium project aligns perfectly with the proud tradition of baseball in Bristol. Meanwhile, the Bristol, Tennessee City Council has expressed disappointment over losing the State Liners along with the opportunity to develop a new stadium in their jurisdiction. They have acknowledged the collaborative efforts previously made toward establishing a facility for student-athletes.
Features of the New Stadium
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bob Morrison Boulevard, behind Food City |
| Size | Nearly 9 acres |
| Cost | $1.1 million |
| Primary Use | Home field for Bristol State Liners and Virginia High’s baseball program |
| Additional Uses | Multi-purpose venue for concerts and community events |
| Management | Boyd Sports |
| Groundbreaking | Scheduled for this spring |
| Projected Completion | Ready by 2027 baseball season |
| Naming Rights | K-VA-T Food Stores |
FAQ
What did the Bristol, Virginia City Council approve?
The Bristol, Virginia City Council voted unanimously to purchase nearly 9 acres of land for $1.1 million.
Where will the new stadium be located?
The property is located on Bob Morrison Boulevard behind Food City.
What will the new stadium be used for?
The new stadium will serve as the home field for the Bristol State Liners and Virginia High’s baseball program, as well as a multi-purpose venue for concerts and community events.
When is the groundbreaking for the stadium scheduled?
The groundbreaking for the stadium is scheduled for this spring.
When is the stadium projected to be ready for use?
The stadium is projected to be ready for use by the 2027 baseball season.
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Additional Resources
- WCYB News 5
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Virginia
- Bristol Herald Courier
- Google Search: Bristol State Liners
- WCYB Sports
- Google Scholar: Bristol State Liners
- Knox News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol
- USA Today High School Sports
- Google News: Bristol High School Baseball
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.
