Update: The Bristol, Virginia City Council approved purchasing the property for the proposed stadium.

BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) – The Bristol State Liners, owned by Boyd Sports, are collaborating with the Bristol, Virginia City Council to develop a new multi-use baseball stadium.

Earlier this year, Boyd Sports acquired the collegiate summer baseball team. CEO Chris Allen mentioned that the stadium is planned for an 8.73-acre site on Bob Morrison Boulevard.

“We believe it’s an ideal spot for a baseball facility,” Allen stated. “Even if we had the chance to choose again, we would still pick that location for the new ballpark.”

The property’s current price is $1.1 million, and the overall stadium design is anticipated to cost $12 million. The facility is intended to host the Virginia High School baseball team, along with concerts and other events.

The City Council has been working with Boyd Sports on the project, according to Mayor Becky Nave.

“We’re enthusiastic about the partnership as Boyd Sports takes the lead in managing the facility entirely, so this collaboration excites us,” Nave commented.

Boyd Sports is organizing meetings with local architectural firms to create a design for a stadium with an expected capacity of 2,500 people. The stadium’s features will encompass suites, climate-controlled event spaces, a turf athletic field, and additional amenities.

“The history of the park there, it’s got such a rich history with all the teams,” Allen told News Channel 11. “It made a lot of sense that it would be a good story to tell once we bring that stadium back, and you know, we’re going to bring all the new bells and whistles in a new ballpark.”

Nave said prior to Tuesday’s City Council meeting that the council was leaning “in favor” of the proposal.

“I feel as though for the most part, everyone is on board,” Nave said. “Everyone is really excited about bringing baseball back to Bristol, Virginia.”

The State Liners have been using the TVA Credit Union Ballpark in Johnson City as a temporary facility until they can build a permanent one.

Nave said the council is excited to bring the State Liners back to Virginia.

“While it’s great for Bristol, Virginia, it’s a win-win for all of us,” Nave said. “Baseball has a tradition in Virginia between our Virginia Bearcats, Major League teams, Minor League teams; to bring baseball back to Virginia is huge for our community.”