So... what exactly is going on with the Asheville Tourists?

Will 2023 be the Asheville Tourists’ final season at McCormick Field?

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McCormick Field attracts more than 180,000 visitors per year for Asheville Tourists games. | Photo by AVLtoday

That’s a question many are wondering after the minor league baseball team shared that it may have to leave McCormick Field after its 2023 season. The fate of the team — which has represented Asheville under various monikers since the 1920s — rests on whether or not the Tourists can secure $30 million of upgrades for McCormick Field.

Where will the money come from? As of now, no one knows for certain — but many are eyeing local government entities.

The Asheville Tourists circa 1925 — The Asheville Tourists at McCormick Field circa 1925.

About those upgrades...

In December 2020, the MLB published a new list of requirements for its minor league baseball facilities, the majority of which McCormick Field does not currently meet. That includes: shower facilities for female umpires, a larger press box, weight room upgrades, and more — for a total of $13 million.

We bet you’re wondering “what about the other $17 million?” The rest of the proposed upgrades — including new HVAC systems, updated seating, a replacement scoreboard, and an expansion of guest facilities — would work in tandem with the required upgrades.

In an interview with the Asheville Citizen-Times, Asheville Tourists owner Brian DeWine explained the stadium needs these additional funds to “modernize for the 21st century.”

McCormick Field rendering — A rendering of proposed changes for McCormick Field.

So, who’s gonna foot the bill?

The baseball team’s administration is in conversation with the City of Asheville (the owner of McCormick Field — which leases the building to the Tourists for $1 a year). The Tourists have also asked Buncombe County, the BCTDA, and the state government. So far, no entity has made a formal commitment. (Check out the Asheville Citizen-Times’ coverage for a more detailed budget breakdown).

The clock is ticking ⏰

April 1, 2023 is the deadline for the Tourists to develop a funding plan. If the team doesn’t have a plan by then, the MLB will start making plans to relocate the team for its 2024 season.

THE STADIUM'S STORY

How would you feel if the Asheville Tourists left the 828?

A. I’d be really bummed, I’m a huge fan!
B. I’m not into baseball, but it would be sad to see them go
C. I’m indifferent
D. $30 million is a lot, maybe they should leave

SHOW US YOUR SWING

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Thursday, Dec. 8

Holiday Market | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 2-6 p.m. | Eldr, 111 Grovewood Rd., Asheville | Free | Shop jewelry, games, ceramics, herbs, and wooden treasures at this local artist market — there will also be baked goods, hot cocoa, cider, and mulled wine to keep you warm and cozy.

Friday, Dec. 9

Taste of NC | Friday, Dec. 9 | 6-8 p.m. | The Asheville Masonic Temple, 80 Broadway St., Asheville | $35 | Sample a variety of North Carolina wines paired with bites from Tar Heel restaurants, caterers, and food trucks.
Cookie Drive | Friday, Dec. 9 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Kenilworth Center, 4 Chiles Ave., Asheville | Free | Bake or buy four dozen cookies for Loving Food Resources’ Annual Cookie Drive — you can also drop off goods at the Loving Food Resource Lobby.
An Extraordinary Tasting Adventure | Fri., Dec. 9 - Fri., Dec. 23 | 12-5 p.m. | VICARIO Distillery and Farm, 800 Old Jones Rd. Greer, SC 29651, Greenville | $15.00 | Road trip to Greer, SC to meet the makers of VICARIO’s award-winning liqueurs and gin, tour the farm and distillery + relax with an in-depth tasting of their unique spirits.*
Velvet Magnum Christmas Party | Friday, Dec. 9 | 6-11:59 p.m. | Burial Beer Co., 40 Collier Ave., Asheville | Free | This annual tropical Christmas Party features guest taps, special beer and merch releases, a live DJ + more.*

Saturday, Dec. 10

Asheville Vaudeville | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 7 p.m. | The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville | $20-$25 | Be delighted by WNC’s longest-running variety event, which features comedy, juggling, burlesque, clowns, and puppetry.
Moonlight Makers Mega Huge Warehouse Clearance Sale | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Moonlight Makers, 47 Rankin Ave., Asheville | Free | Check out Moonlight Makers for deep discounts on shirts, dish towels, tote bags, and coasters.

Sunday, Dec. 11

Biscuits and Gravy Pop-up | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bad Manners, 728 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Free entry | Chef Beth Kellerhals will set up a biscuit and gravy bar, plus there will be scones + other baked treats.
Rakim | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $32 | Prepare to be dazzled by one of the genre’s most influential and skilled MCs and one half of pioneering rap duo Erik B. and Rakim.

Tuesday, Dec. 13

Thievery Corporation | Tuesday, Dec. 13 | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $55-$60 | The vibes are right with this iconic electronic duo’s genre-defying signature sounds.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

62º | Scattered showers | 60% chance of rain

Civic

Sandra Kilgore is Asheville’s newest vice mayor. Kilgore was selected in a 4-1 vote by fellow city council members and will serve in the position for the next two years. 🗳️ (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Open

Fermenti has opened its first brick-and-mortar location at 175 Weaverville Hwy. Currently, the shop is open on Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and carries its classic line of kimchi, kraut, chow chow, Sichuan carrots, hot sauce, and salsa. Bonus: You can also find unique, small-batch ferments such as the ramp kimchi + “pickle dust.” 🥒

Eat

After a brief hiatus, vegan meal service Eden Out has resumed operations. Interested? Place an order between Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 8 a.m. to receive a meal delivery the following Wednesday. Learn more. (Mountain Xpress)

Outdoors

The Great Trails State Coalition has announced the official launch of its “Year of the Trail” campaign, which aims to celebrate NC’s vast network of trails, greenways, and blueways. The campaign kicks off on New Year’s Day with the “First Day Outdoors” initiative. Learn how to participate. 🥾

Drink

We’re spilling the tea on “Teahouse Tuesday” ceremonies at High Climate Tea Co. Starting at 7 p.m., stop by every Tuesday for special events, including a full moon cacao ceremony, ecstatic dance sessions, and a men’s circle. Check out this month’s lineup. 🫖

Film

Have you heard of the cult film “The Room”? Local author Adam Rosen published a whole book on it — and on Wednesday, Dec. 14, he’s hosting a special book party + screening at Grail Moviehouse. While the 7 p.m. screening is sold out, there’s still tickets available for 9:30 p.m. 🎥

Award

Congrats to local author Brent Martin on winning the 2022 Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award. In the words of the award committee, Martin’s book “George Masa’s Wild Vision” brings together “arresting images and his own reflections on walking in Masa’s footsteps to tell one of our region’s important stories in an innovative way.”

Asked

The AVLtoday team is on the lookout for local makers of Jewish baked goods. Think: everything from bagels and babka to challah and rugelach. Know of a bakery, pop-up, or retail business that sells ‘em? Direct your tips to us, please and thank you.

Shop

‘Tis the season to shop items from our online shop Six & Main. Our gift guides feature shirts, jewelry, gourmet popcorn, coffee, and more. There’s no time to waste, let the shopping begin. 🛍️

Job

Want to apply for a job at MB HAYNES? They’re hiring seasoned and entry-level positions in all skilled trades areas (think: plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling + more). See details and apply. 🔧*

Try This

Give the gift of a quality shave month after month with a Harry’s trial set and blade subscription. Choose your handle color, refill frequency, and let the good shave days roll in for as little as $5 on sign-up (yes, you heard that right). 🪒*

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Shop (locally) until you drop

Win the holidays with gifts from these local Etsy sellers

The binds of leather sketchbooks in rainbow colors.

Choose the thread color of these custom sketchbooks. | Photo via Etsy

Falling behind on holiday shopping? Don’t let yourself get lost in the dust gingerbread crumbs. To help you out, we’ve created a handy dandy Etsy gift guide featuring local small businesses and artisans. We even organized our gift recommendations by price point so that you can easily find something that fits your budget.

🎁 Under $25

Hand printed fig kitchen towel ($16) | A husband and wife team designs, prints, and stitches these whimsical towels and napkins. | The High Fiber — Star Seller ⭐

Appalachian black bear glass straw ($18) | Trust us, there’s no way they already have this adorable, hand-blown reusable straw. | Full Blown Glass

🎁 $25-$50

Personalized leather highball sleeves ($49.99) | These 100% genuine leather drink accessories are hand sewn by adults on the autistic spectrum. | Oowee Products

Tie dye baby romper ($38) | Give the gift of psychedelic, 100% cotton fashion. | Psychedelic Circus — Star Seller ⭐

🎁 $50-$100

18K Vermeil long branch earring posts ($118) | This botanical jewelry is delicate, unique, and cast directly from plants. | Mani Designs

Personalized leather sketchbook ($52+) | Choose the thread color and add initials for the doodler in your life. | absolutely evo — Star Seller ⭐

8 MORE GIFTS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Laura.

Editor’s pick: And now for one more local gift recommendation, for those of you who made it all the way down here. I recently tried Viva La Vibe’s plant-based hot cocoa mix, and I loved the earthy and rich flavor. If you’re looking for a less sugary, warm winter beverage, Viva La Vibe is where it’s at.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Count down 12 days of Asheville, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Hackett, Brook Bolen, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Helen Purnell | Advertise with us.

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