Smithfield Mayor Casts Deciding Vote On Baseball Stadium As Questions Linger
Debate over costs, transparency continues
SMITHFIELD, N.C. — A divided Smithfield Town Council voted to move forward with a proposed $6 million baseball stadium after Mayor Andy Moore cast the deciding vote to break a 3-3 tie during a contentious meeting March 17.
The vote followed a lengthy presentation and debate over the planned 1,500-seat stadium at Smithfield Community Park, which is expected to become the future home of the Smithfield Tobs, a collegiate summer baseball team relocating from Wilson.
Project details raise new questions
Parks and Recreation Director Gary Johnson presented updated plans for the stadium, including preliminary drawings showing a synthetic turf field designed to increase playable days by roughly 60% compared to natural grass.
Johnson said the design pushes the limits of the available space, with outfield netting extending to within about 10 feet of the property line.
Councilman Travis Scott, who has consistently raised concerns about the project, said the updated plans appear to show more tree removal than previously discussed and questioned whether the site is appropriate.
“This is a real issue for the future of Smithfield,” Scott said, urging greater transparency about the project’s total cost.
Cost concerns and missing elements
Town officials have said the stadium can be built for $6 million. However, information presented at the meeting indicated the project is already estimated at $5,996,937 million without several key components.
Those exclusions include permanent restrooms, a concession stand, paved parking, a scoreboard and a sound system, as well as potential roadway improvements required by the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Interim Town Manager Kimberly Pickett said temporary solutions such as portable restrooms, food trucks and gravel parking could be used initially, though some of those measures would likely not comply with existing town ordinances.
Pickett said additional expenses would be covered through fundraising efforts and state grants, adding that no additional taxpayer funding would be required. She did not provide details on specific funding sources.
Parking, traffic and safety issues
The proposed stadium design includes only 60 parking spaces for the 1,500-seat facility.
Johnson said additional parking could be accommodated within the park and at the nearby Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center. Town officials also said discussions are underway with Johnston County Public Schools to use parking at Smithfield Middle School and Smithfield-Selma High School.
Pickett said a crosswalk across Buffalo Road would be required and staffed by Smithfield police during events. Scott questioned the safety of a crosswalk on the busy highway and who would cover those costs. Pickett said the baseball organization would be responsible for paying the police officers.
Park impacts and ordinance questions
The project would also require changes within Community Park, including the removal of a disc golf area and one soccer field. Johnson estimated it would cost about $250,000 to replace the soccer field elsewhere.
Scott also raised concerns about alcohol sales at the stadium, noting the town’s Unified Development Ordinance may need to be amended. He questioned how alcohol consumption would be regulated in a public park near two schools. Pickett said alcohol would be restricted to within the stadium.
Scott further argued the town’s agreement with the Tobs may not be valid without a public hearing, a position disputed by the town manager and attorney, who said the project qualifies as a recreational use and does not require one.
Background and ongoing debate
The council previously approved the project in late 2025, including a 20-year agreement with the Tobs and a contract for design and construction with a guaranteed maximum price of $6 million.
Scott has continued to push for a pause in the project, citing concerns about transparency, potential cost overruns and the impact on existing park amenities — some of which were funded through state grants.
Tie vote broken by mayor
Following discussion, Scott made a motion to pause the project until all costs are fully identified and to explore alternative sites. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Doris Wallace.
The council split 3-3, with Scott, Wallace and Councilman Dr. Gettys Cohen voting in favor of delaying the project. Council members John Dunn, Roger Wood and Sloan Stevens voted to continue.
Mayor Moore then cast the deciding vote in favor of proceeding with the project.
Additional disclosure
During the meeting, officials also disclosed the town is paying $1,000 per month rent for office space used by the Tobs in a downtown building. Pickett said the town has prepaid six months of rent for space on the second floor at Wells Fargo for the privately-owned organization.
Scott closed by again calling for greater transparency.
“Please be transparent on the budget,” he said.
Pickett responded, “Yes, I will.”
Town officials have said the stadium is expected to open in 2027 and could bring new tourism and economic activity to Smithfield. However, questions about the project’s total cost and long-term impact remain unresolved.
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Lets keep wasting taxpayers money instead of helping build more fire stations and hiring more firefighters. Did you know that if the town has a house fire on the north end of town today, Selma fire department would be the first fire department to arrive to put out your fire. Smithfield Needs a Fire Station on the Northside of Town not a Ballpark that is draining money from taxpayers.
So question for me is where will the disabled veterans going to go to??
A few years from now, they can name this Regrets Field.
That is funny right there…
This whole stadium debacle is utter stupidity! Included in the SIX MILLION DOLLAR estimate for this money pit is 60 parking space for a 1,500 seat stadium! That right there should be enough to derail this idiotic “project”.
Please, dear council people, tell us why the good people of Johnston County should be on the hook for this HUGE waste of taxpayer money and public land?
If the multimillionaire owners of the “tobs” want to come here, they should buy their own land and pay for their own freaking stadium! Not one life-long resident of this county, that I have spoken to, thinks this is a good idea. If any of the recent “transplants” want to invest in this debacle, let them, at their own expense.
I know I’m yelling into the wind, but maybe I got my voice heard.
Has anyone looked at the disadvantages of artificial turf?
Smithfield/Johnston co. needs a baseball stadium about like Smithfield/ Johnston co. needs another subdivision. Such a waste of space and money.
You are so right, plus we lose disc golf and outdoor recreation space for another baseball stadium? Fund the fire department and the EMS that’s a lot of money that could be spent on emergency services and other important projects the people need, SHAMELESS waste of resources
Agreed!!!
This probably why our property taxes increased so much this year. The Tobs want to play ball in this county, they need to buy the land and pay to have the stadium built. There should be enough parking for at least half the seats available and don’t forget the handicapped parking. Portable restrooms are disgusting and the permanent restrooms need to be included in the budget. This whole project needs to be stopped immediately and a real budget including all aspects be included. Why not put the stadium near I95 where it’s more accessible to not just Smithfield but to the whole county, state and even the tourists passing thru the area. It could be a real draw to bring tourism to the area.
This so called investment will never turn a profit even with future subsidies that it’s going to require.
Why not a minor league team instead of a summer college league.
Exactly! $6 million for a summer camp stadium lol ridiculous
Could someone(ANYONE) with some insight, or experience in NC State Government get some information on this FIASCO up to State Auditor Dave Boliek?? Could that be an option? Just wondering.
We need this like we needed the SRAC. Still bleeding the taxpayers dry just like this will do
…..Interim Town Manager Kimberly Pickett said temporary solutions such as portable restrooms, food trucks and gravel parking could be used initially….
Might as well go camping instead.
Still dont have the numbers, Kim
Pickett said additional expenses would be covered through fundraising efforts and state grants, adding that no additional taxpayer funding would be required.
She does not understand about state grants that is tax payers money that is allocated for special projects!
I love these people who think they are very smart!
If your town taxes don’t yet exceed your county taxes, my crystal ball says it’s coming. Call the Sheriff, it’s a robbery in progress. Gotta be great not to have to turn a profit and still get paid.
Well. It looks like families will not be able to take their kids to the park when there are games going on because there will be nowhere to park their vehicle to enjoy their family time
A 1500 seat stadium with 60 parking spaces? Now this is funny. 😆
I’m sure there are other places around the Smithfield area where this stadium can be built allowing for adequate parking.
Will The projected stadium cause issues with scheduling during peak season events between normal Allstar baseball and the stadium? Parking is already at a premium!
I guess we could park on Market St and walk over.
How about spending 1 million to add bleachers, bathrooms and concession stands at sss baseball field. Let SSS run the concessions and take 50% of net for their athletics. The tobs take 100% of gate receipts. Parking is already available . There is no need to build an entire stadium for 22 home games a summer. The Clayton clovers are a summer league team and they play at a municipal field on glen laurel road. With a new team playing in Zebulon, the demand is not going to be a s great. Stupid idea to build a multimillion dollar stadium. You have to question the people who made this decision motive……
Might be on to something.
The current park is a treasure for many.
Who in the world came up with such a stupid idea as a ballpark? Do what we do these days and use what you already have and save for things that we do need.
Do something that improves life for ALL.
Sounds to me like most people don’t want it
I hope they kill this project. This a total waste of taxpayer money especially when 70 needs major improvements and no alternative parking spaces downtown. I see a no parking sign every 3 feet but no upgrade to the actually road with Semis flying through the narrow strip.
Love seeing this kind of investment in Johnston County! Places like this give young families and our youth something positive to do locally. Proud to see JoCo growing the right way. Well done, Commissioners.
If the multimillionaire owners of the “tobs” were “investing” their own money in their OWN land and paying for their OWN stadium, then yes, let them invest their own money. HOWEVER, this money pit of a stadium is putting the taxpayers on the hook for it AND it is going to be on public land. HECK NO! This is a very, very bad idea. WE DO NOT WANT THIS!
For real what can we do to kill this. Lawsuit?
Why not a parking deck by the courthouse? Figure that out. Fixing the downtown parking crisis should come before a baseball stadium. Someone is getting paid to push this through.
Field Of Financial Nightmares
$6 million dollars for some ball park? Let me see, $6 million dollars for a ball park or $6 million dollars for improving areas of Smithfield that really needs improvement? I’ll choose the second one. What happens on the next 5, 10 or 15 years from now if the team dissolves or decides to move somewhere else? What will happen if property gets damaged or the home owners that lives at the walking trail or fights or something starts happening or something along the way? I’ll say the town just wasted away $6 million dollars on a land with turf grass, empty dugouts and collectible junk on a piece of property that can be used for something else. The ones that voted for this stadium to move forward, they should be move forward off the town council and keep the ones to hold off of the stadium to see what alternatives out there.
Have they actually take. Bids for the individual building? The numbers seem very specific. I would rather they present th bids than the “estimates”
Build it and they won’t come.
wonder if the council has given any thought if this is the right time to go for this venture. 3.79 for regular gas and up. still prices are high on groceries and lets talk about the hike in property tax. How in the world can this be a need for this town & county? who would want to park a half a mile or so from the stadium? TRAFFIC, hello??? the kids and family areas going to be disrupted and moved. all in all this is just a CRAZY idea for Smithfield. and that name chosen for the team uggggh…….. slow down the process……..too much of a hurry to get this project done.
Instead of investing in the long time residents of Smithfield, this ludicrous amount of money is being ripped up right in front of the faces of those residents. Smithfield deserves and must demand better leadership than what we currently have. Sounds like the “tobs” found a winner here. They say a sucker is born every day. This is shameful.
Why are we wasting our tax dollars on a baseball stadium when the parking downtown is horrible. Fix the necessities first then go for extra stuff.
So why can’t this baseball team from Wilson go use the old Carolina Mudcats five county stadium that’s now sitting unused? Why do the taxpayers of JoCo have to fund this stupidity that isn’t going to bring any money into the town and is just going to be a financial drain on the tax payers of this county? There isn’t enough room for a baseball stadium or enough parking where they are trying to put this. Whoever came up with this dumb idea needs their skull thumped!
They already have a team