By Heidi Kirk, WRAL eastern North Carolina reporter

Wilson, N.C. — The Carolina Mudcats, who have called Wake County home for more than three decades, are one step closer to moving to Wilson.

Dozens of people showed up on Douglas Street in Wilson on Thursday morning for a groundbreaking ceremony for the franchise’s new Wilson stadium.

But the project is about so much more than a baseball stadium.

The stadium is one piece of a sports entertainment complex that’s planned. A hotel, family housing and business opportunities could be part of this.

Earlier in 2024, they city approved $73 million in bond money to build the stadium for the Carolina Mudcats, who plan to move in 2026.

The developer said inflation is what’s causing the higher-than-normal cost. They’ve led other minor league baseball projects in the state and it’s about $10 million more than those.

The entire project is expected to cost $280 million private and public dollars.

It’s a more than $60 million investment for the City of Wilson, who is working with the Mudcats parent club, the Milwaukee Brewers.

Plus, there’s a $300 million commitment by NSV Development for mixed-use housing, offices and retail projects.

It sounds like a lot of money, but WRAL found it’s actually on par with other Class A Minor League Stadiums. The Mudcats’ new home will accommodate up to 4,500 people.

The hope is it will transform Wilson into a destination.

“We see Wilson as an emerging downtown and we think Wilson’s going to surprise people and really be a focus for eastern North Carolina,” said Michael Lemanski with NSV Development.

“A very small portion of this economic burden of this stadium will fall onto the taxpayers, and eventually, it could be none of those costs,” Wilson City Manager Grant Goings said.

At one point, Goings took off his suit jacket to show off his Brewers jersey. The Brewers own and operate the Mudcats, their Class-A affiliate.

“I see this project as an opportunity to not only provide growth for Wilson now but more importantly growth for Wilson for the future,” said Wilson Mayor Carlton L. Stevens. “This project is going to enhance the lives of not only us who are here now, but our children and our children’s children.”

The Mudcats currently play at Five County Stadium in Zebulon. That stadium is where Hunt High School baseball player Nick Worrell and so many others grew up attending games. There are plans for ongoing athletics, concerts and community events to keep that legacy going.

“I’ll be here,” Worrell said when asked about attending games in Wilson.

You can find updates about the project at wilsonstadiumprogress.com.

You may have heard that they may change the Mudcats‘ name. We asked the Brewers about the name and a spokesperson said they’re researching the possibility and reviewing their options.

Source: wralsportsfan.com