Diamond Baseball announces new Spartanburg stadium opening in April 2024

Greenville's City Council Work Session on March 24, 2025, spotlighted the transformative impact of local minor league baseball on community engagement and economic development. Key discussions revealed that the Greenville Drive, the city's minor league team, is committed to enhancing community ties through various initiatives beyond the baseball diamond.

A significant focus was placed on the upcoming opening of a new ballpark in Spartanburg, set to debut on April 15. This facility, funded by state and county resources, is part of a broader trend in minor league baseball, with over $2.3 billion committed to new stadiums and upgrades nationwide since 2021. The Drive's leadership emphasized their dedication to a local ownership model, asserting that community-focused management can better address local needs than corporate structures.

The Drive's executives highlighted their ongoing efforts to leverage the stadium as a platform for community benefit. They discussed various initiatives aimed at promoting education, workforce development, and health care access, showcasing how the ballpark serves as a hub for positive community impact. Notably, the Drive's "Reading All Stars" program has engaged over 1.5 million participants in its 17-year history, underscoring the team's commitment to educational outreach.

As the meeting concluded, the Drive's leadership reiterated their mission to prioritize community engagement, stating, "It's always been community first. It'll always be community first." This commitment not only enhances the local quality of life but also positions Greenville as a model for how sports can foster community spirit and economic growth. The anticipated opening of the Spartanburg ballpark is expected to further solidify these efforts, promising a bright future for both the team and the region.