Photos by Paul Baker and James Hilchen, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71
McCormick Field 30 Buchanan Pl Asheville, NC 28801
Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 4,000
Beer City Baseball
Dr. Lewis McCormick Field is the third oldest ballpark in Minor League Baseball. It has been the home of professional baseball in Asheville, NC since 1924. Named for the city bacteriologist who started the “Swat That Fly” campaign in 1905, McCormick is credited with successfully combating Asheville’s housefly problem.
While McCormick Field is celebrating its 100th season of play in 2024, the ballpark at the site is not the original. After the 1991 season, the original $200,000 wooden structure was torn down and replaced with the current concrete facility. The new ballpark was designed to look similar to the original.
In this era of teams rebranding at the drop of a hat, it’s refreshing to learn that Asheville’s pro baseball teams have been named the Tourists since 1915, with only a brief break as the Orioles in the 70s. The team has played in the South Atlantic League since 1976. In their lengthy history, the Tourists have won seven championships.
Fans may not realize that the Tourist moniker was not created in homage to the many visitors to the area. Back in the day, the writers covering the team noticed that none of the players were from the area. Thus, they were a bunch of “Tourists.”
Food & Beverage 4
Several concession stands are built into the exterior of McCormick Field’s grandstand. Fans looking for something besides the typical ballpark fare won’t be disappointed, as items such as sweet potato waffle fries, hot honey pimento cheese bites, and Nutella beignets dot the menus. The State Fair Experience stand deep-fries Oreos, moon pies, corn dogs, and almost everything on their menu.
Sprinkled amongst all this deep-fried goodness are healthier options, including hummus and chips and grass-fed beef hot dogs. Portable carts line the exterior of the concourse, augmenting the menu with everything from cheesesteaks to taco bowls. Concessions are reasonably priced and can be packaged into combo meals to save a few more dollars.
Coca-Cola products are featured at McCormick Field. As you might expect in a stadium in “Beer City,” the craft beer scene here is amazing. Many of the city’s outstanding craft breweries are represented, including Hi-Wire, Sierra Nevada, Oskar Blues, Wicked Weed, Foothills, French Broad River, Bell’s, and Highland Brewing. If craft beers aren’t your thing, national brands are available. With the quality and quantity of beer sold at McCormick Field, it’s a wonder more fans don’t just fall down the hill after the game.
Atmosphere 3
Much of the atmosphere in this quaint ballpark is provided by its setting, as the field is nestled right into the side of a mountain. It’s a backdrop begging for a more traditional game day presentation. The Tourists’ staff do accommodate with a simple, but effective show that hits all the expected notes without a lot of your typical minor league shenanigans.
The 36-foot wall in right field is covered in advertisements and topped by a simple scoreboard, which provides the line score, balls, strikes, and outs. There’s no fancy video board with computerized graphics and such here in Asheville. The sound system is solid and the PA announcer professionally gives game information.
The team employs a pair of mascots, Mr. Moon and Ted E. Tourist. They do their thing throughout the game, posing for photos and interacting with fans. Mr. Moon’s name is a nod to Asheville baseball history. In the late 1800s, even before the arrival of the original Tourists, the local nine were nicknamed the Moonshiners. When the team’s logo and uniforms were updated in 2010, Mr. Moon was created in their honor.
Neighborhood 4
McCormick Field is located in downtown Asheville, on the edge of the South Slope neighborhood. This part of the city is notable for its craft breweries. There are six breweries located within a four-block radius of the ballpark, with several more just a little bit further. Do yourself a favor get to the park early and walk around the neighborhood.
Asheville is known, of course, for the famous Biltmore Estate, the home of George and Edith Vanderbilt. The Biltmore House spans 175,000 square feet and includes 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces. If the fancy surroundings or the high price tags of the tour and the dining room are too much for you, you may wish to explore the Pinball Museum, which features over 70 classic pinball machines as well as arcade games, beer, and snacks.
While you will have to venture out into the city to find many of the city’s best lodging or dining options, Asheville’s neighborhoods are very walkable and there is something here for everyone. Explore Asheville has a great deal of information about everything the city has to offer.
Fans 3
Asheville averaged over 2,700 fans per game in 2023, a slight increase from the year before and a slight decrease from the record-high figures the team enjoyed pre-pandemic. This figure places the Tourist in the middle of the South Atlantic League.
The Tourists are an institution in Asheville, with the team ingrained in the fabric of the community. Fans seem to be into the game to a great degree and are knowledgeable about the future Major Leaguers playing in town. You’ll see die-hard fans, casual fans, families, and groups at a Tourists game.
Access 3
Asheville is a city of about 94,000 residents located in western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s known for its vibrant arts scene and historic architecture. The city is easy to reach if driving, as Interstates 40 and 26 meet within city limits. Asheville Regional Airport serves the region for fans flying into town.
The ballpark is located in a mixed business/retail/residential neighborhood a bit removed from the highways, so you’ll have to drive through the city to get here. Ashville Rides Transit has several routes that stop near the ballpark.
This is where the good news ends. McCormick Field is built into one of Asheville’s many hills, about halfway up. This means that no matter where you park, you’re walking up a steep hill one way or the other. The entrance to the ballpark is located on the right-field side of the facility. After a quick security check, you’ll find yourself in the entry plaza, where the team store, offices, and concession stands are located.
The seating bowl stretches around from about first base to about third base, with party decks located beyond the seating area. All seats are blue plastic stadium seats with cupholders and decent legroom. There are good views of the field from all seats, even with the presence of netting throughout. A walkway runs the length of the seating area about a third of the way up. Be wary of the lack of railings on the stairways here, especially if you’ve been pregaming at one (or more) of the great breweries downtown.
Return on Investment 5
Tickets to Tourists games start at $11 for general admission, with prices increasing to a maximum of $19 for Press Row Tickets. Seniors and members of the Military receive a one-dollar discount, with children receiving a two-dollar discount.
Parking is free in the small lot up the hill from the ballpark (yes, you have to go uphill in both directions from McCormick Field). There are only 50 spots in this lot, so get to the ballpark early. Other free lots a short distance from McCormick Field are free as well, and there is on-street parking in the neighborhood.
Concession prices are reasonable, and there are bargains to be found during theme nights and by purchasing combo meals.
Extras 4
A scene from the classic baseball movie Bull Durham was filmed at McCormick Field. The team pays homage to the movie with the “Crash’s Kitchen” concession stand, complete with a photo of Crash Davis on the wall. Eagle-eyed fans may spot a mural that appeared briefly in the movie on the third-base locker room building’s wall.
Championship flags fly along the first base side of the ballpark, and a listing of every Tourist player to reach the Major Leagues is posted on the concourse.
For a few years in the 1950s, there was no baseball being played at McCormick Field. No problem, the owners turned the ballpark into a racetrack. A NASCAR Grand National race was even held here in 1958.
Final Thoughts
The city of Asheville, North Carolina is an underrated summer destination. Of course, baseball is an integral part of any proper summer road trip. While exploring the mansions and breweries of this fine city, make sure to stop in at McCormick Field, a ballpark that manages to be old and new at the same time.
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