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Council voices tentative support for Sandhills Bogeys using Armory Field; staff to negotiate 10‑year term and alcohol rules
Summary
The Sandhills Bogeys proposed investing $200,000–$300,000 to upgrade Armory Field and requested a minimum 10‑year agreement plus permission to sell beer and wine in a confined game-area; council signaled general support and instructed staff to continue negotiations and draft site-specific ordinance language if needed.
Southern Pines — Representatives of the Sandhills Bogeys and league owner Alec Allred told the Town Council the team could invest approximately $200,000–$300,000 to bring Armory Field at Southern Pines Sports Park up to collegiate standards and requested a minimum 10‑year agreement and permission to sell beer and wine in a confined game-day area.
Assistant Manager Jessica Roth summarized prior staff meetings and said the town and team staff had worked through logistics including field configuration, fencing and schedules. League owner Alec Allred described summer-season timing and said the team typically plays from mid‑May through mid‑August and would seek about 25 regular-season games, many on weekends. "They're in the coastal division … so those dates are gonna have to be approved by you guys," Allred said.
Parks and recreation staff said the team offered to install permanent or new lighting at Hines Park (or movable fixtures) to shift other field uses and preserve existing recreational programming. Staff also noted the town had to consider Land and Water Conservation Fund restrictions that apply to Armory Field and would coordinate with state contacts; parks staff said the proposed accessory parking and lighting for outdoor recreation appeared allowable.
Council members asked about public-safety measures, traffic and alcohol sales. Allred said exterior fencing and controlled entry would confine alcohol sales, and leases typically require off-duty officers at events in proportion to anticipated attendance. Council members expressed caution given the field’s proximity to residential areas but generally approved staff continuing to negotiate a site‑specific agreement that could include explicit limits and required security measures. The council requested staff return with draft lease terms and any necessary code changes before final approval.
What’s next: Staff will continue drafting an agreement and any ordinance or code language necessary to allow confined on-site retail alcohol sales, and will return to council for formal approval.
