Councilman Calls For Pause On $6 Million Smithfield Stadium Work

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – Questions about transparency and the potential cost of relocating park amenities are resurfacing as Smithfield moves forward with plans to build a $6 million baseball stadium at Community Park.

On March 10, Councilman Travis Scott asked town leaders to pause demolition and other preliminary work connected to the project and hold a public hearing before additional steps are taken.

The stadium is intended to serve as the future home of the Smithfield Tobs, a collegiate summer baseball franchise relocating from Wilson. In November 2025, the Smithfield Town Council voted 5–1 to approve a 20-year agreement with the team and authorized construction of a 1,500-seat stadium at Community Park. Scott cast the lone dissenting vote.

Concerns about process and costs

Scott said he became concerned after noticing heavy equipment at the park and learning the former Disabled American Veterans house on the property was scheduled for demolition.

In an email to council members and the town attorney, Scott requested that all demolition, site work and related expenditures associated with the stadium project be paused until the project can be reviewed through a public hearing.

“This is not some minor park maintenance item,” Scott wrote. “A $6 million baseball stadium tied to a long-term agreement for a private baseball operation is not the same as the youth soccer field and the disabled veterans’ and children’s area that have historically existed at this site.”

Scott said the public deserves a full accounting of the potential costs tied to the project, including demolition of existing facilities and relocation of park amenities.

Community Park currently includes several improvements built with state grant funding, including the Miracle Inclusive Playground and the DAV Fitness Trail, which were funded through the Connect NC bond program.

Scott said the public should know whether relocating or altering those facilities could create additional obligations for the town, including repaying some of the grants.

“The public deserves a full accounting of the costs associated with demolition of existing improvements, relocation of park facilities and any potential grant obligations tied to those structures,” Scott wrote.

Scott also asked for a written report identifying any grant restrictions, repayment risks or maintenance commitments tied to park amenities at Community Park.

He also questioned whether the stadium agreement could set a precedent for alcohol sales on town property. “Are we going to allow alcohol to be consumed in all our parks?” Scott said in an email.

Town manager responds

Interim Town Manager Kimberly Pickett said the project has been discussed and approved in multiple public meetings and that town staff is continuing to carry out the council’s direction.

Pickett noted that on Oct. 7, 2025, the town council voted 6–1 to authorize staff to begin working with design-build firms to develop plans for a baseball stadium at Community Park after a selection committee reviewed proposals from 12 firms.

She said the council later voted 5–1 on Nov. 18, 2025, to approve a contract with Muter Construction Inc. for the design and construction of the stadium with a guaranteed maximum price of $6 million, along with a separate agreement with W.T.B.C., LLC, the ownership group behind the Tobs franchise.

According to Pickett, the stadium funding plan includes contributions from several sources, including $2 million from Johnston County, $2 million from the Town of Smithfield’s economic development funds, tourism funding, park funds and other capital budget allocations.

Pickett said the demolition of the DAV house had been discussed during early planning for the stadium and would not be paid for using the stadium construction budget.

She also said no public hearing has been required for any of the council’s actions so far because the project is considered a recreation facility and the property is already properly zoned.

Pickett said staff has been working with the contractor to finalize the design while keeping the project within the $6 million budget.

Permit applications are expected to be submitted to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality before the project proceeds through the town’s normal site plan review process, the interim town manager said.

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Next steps

Town officials say the stadium project is expected to bring new tourism and entertainment opportunities to Smithfield.

The Smithfield Tobs plan to relocate from Wilson and begin playing at the new stadium in 2027. The team will also play some games under an alternate identity, the JOCO TaterHogs, honoring Johnston County’s agricultural heritage.

Town staff is expected to present the proposed stadium design and updated budget information during the March 17 Smithfield Town Council meeting.

Scott said he believes the public should have the opportunity to weigh in before additional work is done at the park. He also disputed the town’s explanation of the process and said he will continue raising concerns about transparency.

“The citizens of Smithfield, especially those directly affected by this project, deserve a lawful and transparent process before any further damage is done to already developed public land,” Councilman Scott stated.

Other council members have not publicly commented on Councilman Scott’s request to pause work on the stadium or indicated whether they would support holding a public hearing.