HomeTrust Park - Asheville Tourists
- James Clotfelter
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Photos by James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86
HomeTrust Park 30 Buchanan Pl Asheville, NC 28801
Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 4,000
Cozy Baseball in Appalachia
Baseball in Asheville dates back to 1897, making it one of the South's oldest baseball towns. That year, the Asheville Moonshiners took the field at Allandale Park, the city's first home for professional baseball. Through the decades, teams have come and gone, leagues have changed, and nicknames have evolved, but one constant has remained: baseball has long been woven into the fabric of Asheville's culture.
That tradition found its permanent home in 1924 with the opening of McCormick Field, one of the oldest active professional baseball stadiums in the United States. Known today as HomeTrust Bank Park, the historic venue has welcomed everyone from Hall of Famers to future major league stars while remaining one of Minor League Baseball's most cherished ballparks. Since 1959, the current incarnation of the Asheville Tourists has called McCormick Field home, and today the club serves as the High-A affiliate of the Houston Astros.
Steeped in history, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and fueled by a community that has embraced the sport for well over a century, McCormick Field offers one of the most authentic experiences in Minor League Baseball. Whether you're a lifelong fan or simply passing through western North Carolina, an evening with the Tourists combines historic charm, mountain scenery, and affordable entertainment into a ballpark experience that is difficult to replicate anywhere else.
Food & Beverage 5
There is often a preconceived notion that a ballpark of HomeTrust’s age will offer only the bare essentials when it comes to food and beverages. Fortunately, the Asheville Tourists defy that expectation. Like many aspects of the fan experience, the age of the stadium has done little to limit either the quality or variety of its concessions.
The main concourse along the first-base line is lined with a collection of food and beverage kiosks, each offering something different. Fans can choose from made-to-order smash burgers, cheesesteaks, tacos, popcorn, snow cones, and more. Traditional concession stands supplement these specialty vendors with classic ballpark fare, including hot dogs, pretzels, chicken tenders, and fries, while also serving elevated options such as chili nachos, grass-fed beef hot dogs, and soft-serve ice cream. During my visit, the made-to-order smash burger stood out as one of the best items in the ballpark, but the depth of the menu ensures there is something to satisfy every appetite. Overall, the Tourists' food selection rivals- and in many cases surpasses- that of their South Atlantic League counterparts.
It would be almost criminal for a team playing in "Beer City, USA" to neglect its local craft beer scene, and thankfully the Tourists embrace it wholeheartedly. Fans will find an impressive selection from Asheville favorites such as Wicked Weed, Highland Brewing, Asheville Brewing Company, alongside regional staples like New Belgium, Foothills Brewing, and Sierra Nevada. Domestic beers remain readily available for those who prefer them, while non-beer drinkers can choose from Coca-Cola products, hard seltzers, cocktails, and other refreshments throughout the concourse. The beverage program is every bit as strong as the food, giving fans plenty of opportunities to sample Asheville's renowned craft brewing culture without ever leaving the ballpark.
Atmosphere 4
I absolutely love when a team can preserve the history of an older ballpark while still delivering a first-class fan experience, and the Asheville Tourists have found that balance perfectly. HomeTrust Bank Park features a single concourse that begins near the left-field foul pole beside the team store and wraps around the entire seating bowl. Throughout the concourse are roster boards, South Atlantic League standings, historical displays, murals, and tributes to former Tourists who went on to reach the major leagues. Numerous tunnels lead directly into the seating bowl, helping preserve the classic feel of the stadium.
The seating bowl consists of lower and upper seating sections, with the lower sections identified by single letters and the upper sections by double letters. A large awning extends over much of the seating area, providing welcome shade while leaving only the far ends of the grandstand (Sections AA-BB and LL-NN) exposed to the elements. Premium seating is available along both foul lines, while the Dugout Club offers some of the closest views in the park from directly behind the on-deck circles.
A modern video board in left field provides player statistics, replays, and between-inning entertainment, while a smaller digital scoreboard in left-center handles the traditional line score. The field itself is notably compact, measuring just 297 feet down the left-field line and under 400 feet to straightaway center. Despite the cozy dimensions, towering outfield walls - overed almost entirely in advertisements - keep many would-be home runs in the park while adding another layer of personality to the ballpark.
The seating is comfortable with generous legroom, and because of the intimate size of the stadium, there are very few bad views anywhere in the house. Beyond the outfield, a grassy hillside and the surrounding landscape provide a subtle reminder that you're in the heart of Appalachia.
While the crowd may never reach the volume of a major league park, it generates more than enough energy to create an engaging atmosphere. The compact design makes every game feel personal, giving fans the quintessential small-town baseball experience. One final tip: while sightlines are excellent throughout the stadium, sun exposure is not. For afternoon games, the extra few dollars for seats beneath the awning are money well spent.
Neighborhood 5
Being nicknamed "Beer City" would lead you to expect Asheville to have plenty of places to grab a pregame drink and bite, but the area surrounding HomeTrust Bank Park has far more to offer. Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville is surrounded by mountain trails ranging from quick, easy walks to challenging full-day hikes. If you have the time, I highly recommend the Art Loeb Trail toward Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain. The drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway is spectacular, and the roughly four-mile portion of the hike offers sweeping 360-degree views as it follows the ridgeline.
HomeTrust Bank Park sits in Asheville's South Slope district, just south of the heart of downtown. Despite being technically outside the downtown core, Asheville's compact layout means nearly all of downtown is within a comfortable walk of the ballpark. South Slope itself is home to several excellent breweries, including Green Man and Twin Leaf, as well as Urban Orchard Cider, an award-winning cidery renowned as one of the country's top destinations for craft cider. I'm not normally a craft cider guy, but even I came away happy with the visit. With dozens of breweries throughout the city, Asheville is a dream destination for craft beer and cider enthusiasts.
Restaurants are scattered throughout downtown, with particularly strong selections of breakfast, Mexican, and Indian cuisine. For a pregame meal, however, Farm Burger is a can't-miss option. Between the breweries, restaurants, downtown attractions, and access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, there is enough to keep visitors occupied well beyond the nine innings.
Fans 3
The South Atlantic League averages roughly 2,800 fans per game, while the Tourists are currently drawing a little over 3,000 per night. That represents a significant increase from last season and puts Asheville around the league average in attendance. Considering the relatively small capacity of HomeTrust Bank Park, there is nothing to be ashamed of in those numbers.
On the Saturday night of my visit, the Tourists faithful showed up in solid numbers. Fans were decked out in Tourists gear, although surprisingly, I did not spot much Astros representation. A few Braves hats were scattered throughout the crowd, but for the most part, the stands belonged to the home team.
What stood out most was the character of the crowd. Tourist fans were knowledgeable, welcoming, and enthusiastic without becoming overbearing. The atmosphere maintained that friendly, local Southern hospitality that makes minor league baseball so enjoyable. The crowd may not produce the overwhelming noise found at some of the best-supported minor league parks, but it provides a comfortable and authentic small-town baseball atmosphere.
Access 3
Getting to the stadium is not anything too crazy. Asheville's downtown does not get too hectic with traffic, but there is no dedicated stadium parking lot. Instead, the city uses parking lots and decks around the stadium and offers complimentary trolley service from the popular decks to the ballpark. These rides begin 60 minutes before the game. I did not drive to the game, but I can see how parking could get a little hectic, so it is advised to have a game plan before arriving. Uber and Lyft are also readily available throughout Asheville, so getting a ride to or from the stadium should not be a problem.
The concourse is surprisingly wide inside the stadium, allowing for easy movement around the ballpark, something that is not always the case with older parks. The team store is located beside the left-field foul pole, making it easy to access before or during the game. The entire stadium features chairback seating with plenty of legroom between rows, providing a comfortable experience throughout the seating bowl.
Return on Investment 4
Like most of Minor League Baseball, the Tourists provide a quality night out without breaking the bank. Normal tickets range from $12 to $20, and with the compact size of the stadium, every seat offers a good view. Basic concession items such as hot dogs, pretzels, and sodas typically cost between $2 and $7, while premium options like smash burgers and cheesesteaks run from $8 to $12. Craft beer comes in at a little over $8, with domestic options slightly cheaper at around $6. Parking depends on which city deck or lot you use and is generally charged at an hourly rate, making parking one of the few costs that requires a little more planning.
Extras 3
HomeTrust Bank Park is an old-school ballpark filled with quirky features, from the oddly high outfield wall to the giant grassy hill beyond the outfield. Together, these elements give the stadium a unique, cozy feel that is difficult to replicate in a modern ballpark. The team store is also one of the best I've seen at this level, offering a wide variety of merchandise and logos that embrace Asheville's culture. Even the mascot carries a piece of the city's baseball history, featuring a moon-shaped head as a tribute to the Asheville Moonshiners.
Final Thoughts
The city of Asheville, North Carolina is an underrated summer destination. Of course, baseball is an integral part of any proper summer road trip. While exploring the mansions and breweries of this fine city, make sure to stop in at McCormick Field, a ballpark that manages to be old and new at the same time.
