Council approves McCormick Field renovations and Home Trust Bank naming rights

The Asheville City Council approved changes to conditional zoning for McCormick Field and adopted a resolution authorizing the stadium’s renaming under a naming‑rights agreement the team negotiated with a sponsor.

Planning staff presented a conditional zoning amendment to allow three signs totaling 292 square feet at McCormick Field (30 Buchanan Place): an internally‑illuminated ticket‑entry sign (64 sq. ft.), an internally‑illuminated sign above the right‑field grandstand (100 sq. ft.), and a pavilion mural (up to 128 sq. ft.). Staff said the amendment does not regulate content and recommended approval; no members of the public signed up to speak on that specific zoning amendment and council adopted it.

Later, Chris Correll, director of community and regional entertainment facilities, outlined a nearly completed $38.5 million renovation intended to meet Major League Baseball player development facility standards and extend the facility’s competitive event uses. Under a 20‑year lease approved earlier, the team may market naming rights subject to council approval of any specific sponsor name; the team proposed 'Home Trust Park' with Home Trust Bank as the sponsor. Correll said sponsor payments were factored into lease revenue and would help offset annual debt service.

Council members asked about parking and neighborhood impacts for non‑baseball events; Correll said the team will manage parking and expand shuttle operations for large events. Several speakers during the public comment period urged protecting the field’s historical references to Dr. Lewis McCormick; staff said a history wall and other tributes will remain in place.

Council approved the naming‑rights resolution by recorded vote, 7–0.

Next steps: team and staff will finalize signage in coordination with the conditional zoning and coordinate community notification and parking plans for large events.