PEARL, Miss. ( WJTV ) – The Mississippi Braves began their final homestand at Trustmark Park Tuesday night against the Tennessee Smokies.

The M-Braves have had a huge impact on the Central Mississippi community for the past 20 years. They will be moving to Columbus, Georgia. Their last home game in Pearl will be on Sunday, September 8.

“We’re going to miss the Braves, of course. But, you know, I think all in all, everything will work out good. We’ll be fine,” said Kim Oxley, technical director for the M-Braves.

After Trustmark Park was built in Pearl, the city added a hotel, the Bass Pro Shop, the Outlets of Mississippi and other restaurants and businesses. Pearl Mayor Jake Windham wants to keep the momentum going.

“The connection over there is a destination spot, and we certainly want to accentuate it. That’s why we’re working so hard to try to get the stadium and get a get a new baseball team in there, and then also partner with somebody that sees our vision, as far as utilizing the venue much more to increase people’s quality of life,” he said.

Windham said along with baseball, there will be other entertainment at the stadium.

“A concept that we’re looking at is something that is more event driven. We want competitive baseball there. We want to see good players. You’ll see former collegiate players there, but we also want events in that stadium. That’s Spectrum’s goal, as well as the county,” the mayor said.

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