Smithfield Stadium Cost Rises 172%, From $6M To $16.3M

SMITHFIELD – A baseball stadium approved by the Smithfield Town Council last November with a $6 million price tag is now projected to cost approximately $16.3 million, an increase of more than $10.2 million, or nearly 172 percent.

Despite the higher cost, the Town Council voted Tuesday night, Aug. 18, to continue moving forward with the project after Mayor Andy Moore broke a 3-3 council tie.

Mayor Pro Tem Sloan Stevens and Council Members John Dunn and Steve Rabil voted in favor. Council Members Travis Scott, Doris Wallace and Dr. Gettys Cohen voted against the expenditure.

Councilman Roger Wood was absent as he recovers from medical issues.

The town’s latest budget places Phase 1 at $10,772,752 and Phase 2 at $5,525,999, for a combined projected cost of $16,298,751.

That is $10,298,751 more than the $6 million stadium plan approved by the council in November 2025.

From $6 Million To $16.3 Million

When the council initially approved the Tobs baseball partnership last November, the stadium was presented with a construction cost of no more than $6 million.

Councilman Travis Scott reminded the board Tuesday that the contractor had previously indicated the stadium could be constructed for $6 million to no more than $8 million.

The latest estimate has now more than doubled that upper figure.

Interim Town Manager Kim Pickett said several factors account for the increase, including relocation of the stadium, a larger facility and substantially more site work.

The current design also includes 258 parking spaces, compared with approximately 60 contemplated in an earlier plan.

The stadium has changed locations during the planning process. It was originally proposed at the existing Community Park before the council temporarily abandoned that site and pursued a long-term arrangement at Legion Field. The town later reversed course again after acquiring property for a new community park and stadium site.

Pickett also cited additional clearing and grading expenses associated with the current property.

Asked whether the project could ultimately cost more than the new $16.3 million figure, Pickett replied, “This is it.”

Phase 1 Alone Tops $10.7 Million

Under the plan presented Tuesday, Phase 1 includes the baseball diamond, stadium grandstand, bullpens, permanent concessions and ticket box office, an unpaved parking lot and a secondary entrance. The Tobs are expected to provide the scoreboard.

Among the largest Phase 1 costs are approximately $2.72 million for exterior improvements, $2.6 million for design, incidentals and contingency, $1.65 million for furnishings, $1.54 million for electrical and utilities, and nearly $848,000 for site demolition and earthwork.

Pickett said $502,125 has already been spent on the project.

The town’s presentation shows the latest budget from Muter Construction was received Aug. 13, just five days before Tuesday’s council discussion.

Cohen questioned why the substantially higher total had not been discussed earlier in the process.

Mayor Moore called the new information “a lot to digest.”

$3.27 Million From Town Reserves

The town currently identifies approximately $7 million from several sources for the stadium project.

That includes $2 million in Town of Smithfield economic development funds, $584,187 from the tourism budget, $250,000 from a town capital budget, $365,789 from the Bingham Park fund, $300,000 in park-in-lieu funds, $500,000 from the Johnston County Visitors Bureau, $2 million from Johnston County and $1 million from the 2026 state budget.

That still leaves Phase 1 short of the $10.77 million needed.

To close the gap, the town plans to ask the Johnston County Visitors Bureau for an additional $500,000 and withdraw $3,272,752 from Smithfield’s fund balance, or reserves.

Scott asked whether borrowing or other debt financing had been considered for the stadium.

Pickett said no.

Another $5.5 Million In Phase 2

Phase 2 carries an estimated cost of $5,525,999.

It includes a road from Buffalo Road, restrooms and a merchandise building, a future team building, paving of the parking lot and completion of the remaining concourse.

Town officials discussed the possibility of dividing some of that work into a third phase next year.

Scott questioned where the money for Phase 2 would come from.

No complete funding package for the $5.5 million phase was presented Tuesday.

Pickett said she plans to return to the council in September with information on naming rights for the stadium and playing field. Pickett and Parks and Recreation Director Gary Johnson estimated those agreements could potentially generate a combined $1 million to $1.5 million.

Scott expressed concern the town could fall short of those projections. He pointed to a fundraising partnership associated with construction of the Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center (SRAC) that did not generate the amount originally anticipated.

‘It’s Just A Lot Of Money’

Stevens defended the expenditure and the use of town reserves.

“We’re a healthy town. We sit on a lot of money,” Stevens said. “It will be great once it’s done. … It’s not a bad thing. It’s just a lot of money.”

Stevens said taking $3.27 million from reserves would not increase the town’s property tax rate, noting the money had already been collected from taxpayers.

He also pointed to the potential long-term economic development impact of the stadium.

“I’m a long term thinker,” Stevens said. “This will outlive all of us.”

Stevens suggested there was still a “good chance” Smithfield itself could build the stadium for $6 million to $7 million if contributions from Johnston County, the state and other outside sources are excluded when calculating the town’s direct share.

The total project budget presented to council Tuesday, however, was $16.3 million from all funding sources.

‘This Is A Want, Not A Need’

Councilman Scott questioned whether the stadium represents the best use of more than $16 million in public money.

He said the same amount could have a significant economic development impact if invested elsewhere in Smithfield.

Scott also said Smithfield already spends more per capita on parks and recreation than Cary or Raleigh, even before stadium expenditures are included.

“This is a want, not a need,” Scott said. “The town has many other needs.”

He described himself as “alarmed” by the increased estimate and questioned whether inflation or other construction expenses could ultimately drive the price higher.

Scott also reminded council members that there remains opposition to the stadium within the community and repeated concerns that no public hearing has been held specifically on the project or its financing.

A public hearing was held on rezoning the stadium property, but there has not been a separate public hearing devoted specifically to approving the stadium expenditures.

Wallace Questions Priorities

Wallace questioned the proposed $3.27 million withdrawal from reserves in light of other needs around town.

She said Pickett had told her only weeks earlier there was no money in the budget to repair a fence at Gertrude Grady Johnson Memorial Park in West Smithfield.

Pickett disputed that characterization, saying she had not told Wallace money was unavailable but instead said she would look into the issue.

Moore said it was important for Smithfield to continue taking care of the parks and facilities the town already owns.

Pickett was also asked whether anything could be cut from the $10.77 million Phase 1 budget.

“No. Trust me. We have looked. We have turned every rock,” Pickett responded. “No. No.”

Questions About Development Rules

Scott sought assurances that Smithfield would follow its own Unified Development Ordinance and other development regulations as the stadium moves into construction.

“I value my job too much,” Pickett replied.

Scott also questioned whether allowing grading and clearing before final site-plan approval could establish a precedent for private developers seeking to do the same thing.

Pickett said it would not establish a precedent and described such work as common practice.

Scott continues to have concerns about alcohol permitting at the stadium, an issue he has raised during previous council discussions.

Town Continues Paying Tobs Office Rent

Separate from the $16.3 million stadium budget, the Town of Smithfield continues to pay for office space used by the Tobs organization.

The town pays $1,000 per month for space upstairs in a downtown bank building.

That expense is not included in the stadium construction figure discussed Tuesday.

Mayor Breaks Tie Again

Stevens made the motion to proceed with the $16.3 million project, seconded by Dunn.

Stevens, Dunn and Rabil voted yes.

Scott, Wallace and Cohen voted no.

With the council deadlocked 3-3, Mayor Moore cast the deciding vote in favor, giving the proposal a 4-3 majority.

“Keep pressing on,” Stevens said.

Residents Question Rising Cost

Several residents later addressed the stadium during the public-comment portion of Tuesday’s meeting.

Rick Bruckner said the project has changed repeatedly during the past several months.

“It feels like we are making up the rules as we go,” Bruckner said.

He also questioned why there had not been a public hearing specifically on the stadium and its financing.

“Travis Scott asks a lot of questions that don’t get answered,” Bruckner said. “It’s almost a joke at this point.”

Bruckner also questioned the selection of the contractor, alleging that among the companies considered for the project, the town selected the only one without previous baseball stadium construction experience.

Smithfield resident and retired Johnston County 911 Director Brett Renfrow told the council he was not opposed to a new baseball park but questioned how much the town was ultimately prepared to spend.

“What is the amount that ends up being too much for this council?” Renfrow asked. “What is that number?”

He also questioned what taxpayers would receive for the investment and whether stadium visitors would generate significant spending at existing Smithfield businesses.

“What does the town get in return for $16.2 million?” Renfrow asked. “How does this benefit local businesses?”

What Comes Next

Smithfield now has a projected $16.3 million stadium budget, with Phase 1 scheduled to require more than $10.7 million.

The town plans to seek another $500,000 from the Johnston County Visitors Bureau and use $3.27 million in reserves to complete that first phase.

Pickett is expected to return to council in September with proposed naming-rights opportunities that could generate an estimated $1 million to $1.5 million.

Funding for the remaining $5.5 million Phase 2 has yet to be finalized.