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⚾ Talk about a curveball
New season, new name. | Rendering via Asheville Tourists
After a 100+ season run at McCormick Field, the Asheville Tourists’ ballpark is getting a new name: HomeTrust Park.
The rebrand arrives just in time for opening day on Tuesday, April 21, when fans will get their first full look at a $40 million transformation designed to modernize one of the country’s oldest minor league ballparks.
Renovations stretch from the front gates to the outfield, with an expanded entrance, new ticket office, high-tech video board, new clubhouses and hitting cages, and a brand-new playing surface. The project also adds the Asheville Baseball History Walk, taking you through the stadium’s past.
Speaking of history, although the ballpark is changing names for the first time, it’s certainly not the team’s first reinvention. Prior to officially becoming the Tourists in 1915, the team was known as the Moonshiners and the Mountaineers — and during a four-season stint in the ‘70s, they were dubbed the Asheville Orioles.
Asked
Asked
Which of these are the official colors of the Asheville Tourists?
Summit RAD has taken up residence in the soon-to-open listening lounge. | Photo via Summit Coffee
Open
Summit Coffee is back to serving coffee in the RAD. While Helene took its Foundy Street home, the cafe is taking up daytime residence in Joyful Noise Listening Lounge and Kitchen in Wedge Studios. While Summit’s soft opening is underway, Joyful Noise will open by early May.
Traffic
The NCDOT will permanently close several ramps along I-26 as construction begins for the nearly $2 billion I-26 Connector project. This week, the Riverside Drive entrance ramp to I-240/I-26 and the I-240/I-26 off-ramp to Hill Street will close. See detour routes.
Coming Soon
Gemelli has made the move to Biltmore Village, opening this Friday, April 17. To make things even sweeter, the Italian restaurant will soon open Affogato, a counter service coffee, gelato, and lunch cafe. More delicious details coming soon.
Development
Biltmore Farms is selling a ridgeline property near Asheville’s historic Round Top estate to a Greensboro developer proposing 305 apartments. The site sits adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway, drawing neighbor concerns about environmental impact. A county Board of Adjustment hearing has been continued to May. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Environment
Conditions are improving and containment is increasing as several wildfires continue to burn across WNC. Despite improvement, a statewide open burning ban remains in place until further notice. (WLOS)
Trending
In honor of America’s 250-year anniversary, Coca-Cola is releasing special cans for all 50 states, each adorned with “iconic local symbols.” Can you guess what NC’s is? Hint: You’ll see it among the spring blooms. (Nexstar)
Shop
Nordstrom’s end of season saleis on. Save up to 50% off best-selling spring items, like Sanctuary’s top-rated The Perfect T-Shirt. Hurry — the sale ends tomorrow, April 15.*
Category
City
Pick a spot for the PicklePlex
The sport has exploded in popularity across the US, and Asheville is no exception. | Photo via City of Asheville
Funded by 2024 general obligation bonds, Asheville will soon get its very first public pickleball complex. The final site will be selected by the end of summer, but first, pickleballers and neighbors can provide input on the potential locations.
Aston Park and Roger Farmer Park have been chosen as front-runners for the 8- to 10-court complex for ease of accessibility and having enough underutilized space to support parking and restrooms.
The community is invited to give their two cents on the project during three upcoming drop-in sessions:
Monday, April 27 | Roger Farmer Park | 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 28 | Aston Park | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 28 | Asheville Sports Club | 4:30-7 p.m. | Bonus: free open play pickleball
Can’t make it to a session? An online survey will be available once sessions begin.
The Buy
This No. 1 best-selling jelly tote bag that we’re low-key obsessed with for spring and summer. The tip-proof design keeps your tote upright, but it still folds flat to pack or store. It’s also waterproof, easy to clean, and carry-on approved — hello, beach vacay bag. Grab your favorite color (we like iridescent) and let the compliments pour in.
Breakfast just got better. Jersey South Bagel Co. is branching out to serve breakfast sandwiches, starting out with weekdays only. A bacon, egg, and cheese is certainly in my future.
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