Bristol, Tenn. BOE approves upgrades to Tod Houston Field for State Liners, Vikings

BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) — Bristol, Tennessee school leaders are on board with upgrading Tod Houston Field for use by the Bristol State Liners Appalachian League team.

Monday evening, the Board of Education approved a resolution committing $1.5 million to upgrading the facility located next to Haynesfield Elementary School.

Tod Houston Field is the home of Tennessee High School’s baseball team.

Earlier this month, the City Council also approved a resolution and agreed to commit $5 million toward the project.

Major League Baseball wanted a commitment letter from city and school leaders outlining funding, a timeline for construction, and an overview of ownership and operations of the State Liners.

“We’ve been able to put a plan together to where, you know, it’ll still be the home of the Vikings, would also still be the home of the State Liners,” school board chair Eric Cuddy said. “And so it’s just really a great opportunity for our city. One, to keep baseball in Bristol, but two, for our student-athletes who get to play in a great facility that they deserve.”

Cuddy said construction will take place quickly once they “get the OK from everyone.”

The project will involve enlarging the field for the State Liners, installing new stands and concession areas, and building more parking spaces.

Upgrading the facility is expected to cost around $8 million.

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