# Grainger Stadium > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Grainger_Stadium > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Grainger_Stadium.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grainger_Stadium > Source revision: 1341709290 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{short description|Baseball stadium in North Carolina, United States}} {{Use American English|date=July 2025}} {{Infobox venue | name = Grainger Stadium | nickname = | image = Compressed374.jpg | image_size = 265 | mapframe = yes | mapframe-zoom = 13 | pushpin_map = North Carolina # USA | pushpin_relief = yes | fullname = | former_names = | address = 400 East Grainger Avenue | city = [Kinston, North Carolina](/source/Kinston%2C_North_Carolina) | country = United States | coordinates = {{coord|35|16|12|N|77|34|27|W|type:landmark_region:US-NC|display=inline,title}} | owner = [City of Kinston](/source/Kinston%2C_North_Carolina) | operator = Down East Bird Dawgs | capacity = 5,000 (1949–1995)
4,100 (1995–2025)
3,400 (2025–present) | record_attendance = | dimensions = '''Right Field:''' {{convert|335|ft|m|abbr=on}}
'''Center Field:''' {{convert|390|ft|m|abbr=on}}
'''Left Field:''' {{convert|335|ft|m|abbr=on}} | surface = Grass | broke_ground = September 1948 | opened = {{Start date|1949|04|21}} | cost = $170,000
(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|170000|1949}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}}) | architect = Wooten and Rowland | general_contractor = George DuBose | tenants = [Kinston Indians](/source/Kinston_Indians) ([CL](/source/Carolina_League)) 1986–2011
[Down East Wood Ducks](/source/Down_East_Wood_Ducks) ([CL](/source/Carolina_League)) 2017–2024
[Down East Bird Dawgs](/source/Down_East_Bird_Dawgs) ([FL](/source/Frontier_League)) 2025–present | website = }} '''Grainger Stadium''' is a [baseball stadium](/source/Ballpark) located in [Kinston, North Carolina](/source/Kinston%2C_North_Carolina). It is the home ballpark for the [Down East Bird Dawgs](/source/Down_East_Bird_Dawgs) who competes in the [Frontier League](/source/Frontier_League) (FL), as well as the annual Freedom Classic between [Navy](/source/Navy_Midshipmen) and [Air Force](/source/Air_Force_Falcons). Grainger was previously home to the [Down East Wood Ducks](/source/Down_East_Wood_Ducks), the [Kinston Indians](/source/Kinston_Indians) and all the professional Kinston baseball teams since 1949.{{cite news |title=Baseball Rolls Back Into Kinston|first=Michelle|last=Piper|url=http://www.newbernsj.com/news/20160822/baseball-rolls-back-into-kinston|newspaper=[Kinston Free Press](/source/Kinston_Free_Press)|date=August 22, 2016|accessdate=August 23, 2016}} ==History and naming== The stadium is located at 400 East Grainger Avenue in Kinston. The original structure was built by architect John J. Rowland in 1949 at a cost of US$170,000 inclusive of everything except the land. Bonds were issued to raised $150,000 of the necessary money.{{cite journal |last=Mock Jr.|first=Frank L.|title=Kinston's New Stadium|journal=Athletic Journal|volume=29|issue=10|pages=14|date=June 1950}} The name Grainger comes from the donor of half of the cost of the land on which it is situated, Jesse Willis Grainger. Located on Grainger Avenue, it was initially used by Grainger High School. Grainger is a prominent old family name in [Greene](/source/Greene_County%2C_North_Carolina) and [Lenoir Counties](/source/Lenoir_County%2C_North_Carolina). The stadium is owned by the city and leased by the team. A dedicatory plaque identifies the structure as "Municipal Stadium", but it has been called Grainger Stadium since it was built. Ownership began referring to it as "Historic Grainger Stadium" due to its age relative to other fields in the [Carolina League](/source/Carolina_League), as it is the second-oldest stadium in the circuit. It remains one of the oldest active ballparks in [Minor League Baseball](/source/Minor_League_Baseball).{{cite news |url=https://www.milb.com/news/oldest-11-minor-league-ballparks |title=Been a while: Oldest Minor League ballparks |first=Benjamin |last=Hill |website=[Minor League Baseball](/source/Minor_League_Baseball) |date=February 18, 2021 |access-date=April 18, 2021}} ==Features== ===Playing field=== The field itself has dimensions of {{convert|335|ft|m}} down the [left](/source/Left_field) and [right field](/source/right_field) lines, and {{convert|390|ft|m}} to straightaway [center field](/source/Baseball_field).{{cite web |title=A to Z Guide|url=https://www.milb.com/down-east/ballpark/atozguide|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327170708/https://www.milb.com/down-east/ballpark/atozguide|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 27, 2019|website=Down East Wood Ducks|publisher=Minor League Baseball|accessdate=April 20, 2019}} The Grainger Stadium field has been recognized for its quality. This is largely due to the efforts of two men, Lewis B. "Mac" McAvery and Tommy Walston. McAvery was the head [groundskeeper](/source/groundskeeper) from 1949 to his death in 1979. In honor of his accomplishments, the team established an annual award in his name to be given to the individual who has done the most to "preserve and enhance" professional baseball in Kinston. Walston was the head groundskeeper until the spring of 2008. He was honored with four Carolina League Groundskeeper of the Year awards as well as the Sportsturf Manager of the Year award for all of Class A baseball in 2003. Walston is also president and founder of the Eastern North Carolina Sportsturf Association.{{cite news |title=K-Tribe's Head Groundskeeper to receive award|newspaper=[The Daily Reflector](/source/The_Daily_Reflector)|location=Greenville, NC|date=November 8, 2003}} ===Seating and construction=== Grainger Stadium originally had a [seating capacity](/source/seating_capacity) of 5,000,{{citation needed|date=May 2025}} but was reduced to 4,100 in 1995.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}} The stadium includes a covered [grandstand](/source/grandstand) of eight sections partially protected by netting, uncovered metal [bleachers](/source/bleachers) down the third base line, and several rows of uncovered seating along the first base line. There is also a picnic area with tables that have a full view of the playing field. Box seats stretch from first to third base just in front of the grandstand. With the exception of the metal bleachers, all seats in Grainger Stadium are formed plastic. The box seats are squared off sections bordered by metal railing with plastic folding chairs and have waitresses assigned to them. The closest seating is mere inches from the playing field while the furthest seats in the top row of the grandstand sit {{convert|52|ft|4|in}} from the action. During the days of [segregation](/source/Racial_segregation), section one of the grandstand and a now removed set of metal bleachers that sat adjacent to section one were designated for black attendees. A majority of the supporting structure is brick and steel, and steel beams cause some partially obstructed views. The roof is wooden, as is the press box. The outfield wall is made of brick with signs of various materials and a wooden [batter's eye](/source/batter's_eye).{{cite journal |last1=Rowland|first1=John J.|last2=Simpson|first2=James M.|title=Stadium for All Municipal Functions, Kinston, N. C.|journal=Architectural Record|volume=106|issue=1|pages=121–123|date=July 1949}} ==Other uses== The facility is often used for a variety of events besides minor league baseball. In September 1979, the [USSSA](/source/USSSA) ([slow-pitch softball](/source/Softball)) World Series was held in Grainger Stadium. The stadium hosted the [Colonial Athletic Association baseball tournament](/source/Colonial_Athletic_Association_baseball_tournament) from 1995 to 1999{{cite web|title=Baseball Record Book|url=http://www.nmnathletics.com/fls/8500/supportfiles/Records/recordbookbase.pdf|publisher=Colonial Athletic Association|accessdate=February 18, 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413200333/http://www.nmnathletics.com/fls/8500/supportfiles/Records/recordbookbase.pdf|archivedate=April 13, 2015|pages=6–10|url-status=dead}} and the [Conference USA baseball tournament](/source/Conference_USA_baseball_tournament) in [2002](/source/2002_Conference_USA_Baseball_Tournament).{{cite web|title=2012 Conference USA Baseball Media Guide|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/c-usa/sports/m-basebl/auto_pdf/2011-12/misc_non_event/c-usa-m-basebl-guide-2012.pdf|accessdate=June 21, 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112132014/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/c-usa/sports/m-basebl/auto_pdf/2011-12/misc_non_event/c-usa-m-basebl-guide-2012.pdf|archivedate=November 12, 2012|page=75|url-status=dead}} Two devoted fans who met at a Kinston Indians game decided to get married at the ballpark.{{cite news |title=Couple Recite Vows in Ballpark Wedding|first=Stanley B.|last=Chambers Jr.|newspaper=[The Daily Reflector](/source/The_Daily_Reflector)|location=Greenville, NC|date=August 1, 2004}} On September 30, 2006, Grainger Stadium was the site of the Whole Hog Blues Festival.{{cite news |title=Festival lineup 2006|newspaper=[Sun Journal (New Bern, North Carolina)](/source/Sun_Journal_(New_Bern%2C_North_Carolina))|date=September 21, 2006}} The facility is often used for regional youth and collegiate baseball tournaments. For example, in May 2007, the ballpark was the site of the 2007 [NCAA Division II](/source/NCAA_Division_II) South Atlantic Regional. It is currently the home of the "Freedom Classic" which is the annual baseball series between the Air Force Academy and the Naval Academy. [East Carolina University](/source/East_Carolina_Pirates_baseball) in nearby [Greenville](/source/Greenville%2C_North_Carolina) hosted an NCAA super regional in 2001 and an NCAA regional in 2004 at Kinston because the Pirates' on-campus facility, [Clark-LeClair Stadium](/source/Clark%E2%80%93LeClair_Stadium), was not up to Division I standards to host postseason tournaments at the time. Subsequent upgrades to Clark-LeClair have allowed ECU to host in Greenville. ==Renovations== {{wide image|GraingerStadium910814.JPG|800px|Grainger Stadium in 1991}} Grainger Stadium has been renovated often through the years to maintain the facility and to try to keep it up to the standards of professional baseball. At times, these renovations have been quite extensive.{{cite web |title=Grainger Stadium Renovations|url=http://www.kinstonindians.com/construction_02/index.htm|publisher=Kinston Indians|accessdate=July 15, 2007|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070804133909/http://www.kinstonindians.com/construction_02/index.htm|archivedate=August 4, 2007}} In January 2007, the Kinston-[Lenoir County](/source/Lenoir_County) Tourism Development Authority approved $75,000 to help fund a new scoreboard and video board. The funds were disbursed in $15,000 increments over five years. The City of Kinston provided $175,000 in additional funds toward the project. The new boards cost an estimated $350,000.{{cite news |title=Tourism Development Authority Grants Funds|first=Bob|last=Shiles|newspaper=[Kinston Free Press](/source/Kinston_Free_Press)|date=January 11, 2007}} On August 10, 2016, new turf grass was put down to replace the 18-year-old surface. Other upgrades included those to the parking lot, lighting, grandstand, and outfield wall.{{cite news |title=Grainger Stadium: New Sod Installed as Franchise Move Talk Continues|url=http://www.havenews.com/news/20160811/grainger-stadium-new-sod-installed-as-franchise-move-talk-continues|newspaper=[Havelock News](/source/Havelock_News)|date=August 11, 2016|accessdate=April 8, 2017}} Additional renovations took place in 2025 in preparation for the Bird Dawgs' arrival. The main grandstand had been renovated the previous year, while the latest renovations included expanded concessions and team store, a new scoreboard, a new training facility and renovated offices. Additionally, the clubhouse were remodeled to meet Frontier League specifications. These renovations were completed prior to the 2025 Freedom Classic. Following the Freedom Classic, the third base bleachers were demolished and a new patio was built in its place in time for the Bird Dawgs' inaugural season, reducing the seating capacity to 3,400. ==Former Kinston ballparks== thumb|right|Grainger Park, 1939 *'''West End Park''' was the home field of the [Eastern Carolina Baseball Association](/source/Eastern_Carolina_Baseball_Association), "[outlaw league](/source/Independent_league_baseball)" [Kinston Robins](/source/Kinston_Robins) and [Highwaymen](/source/Kinston_Highwaymen), and the [Kinston Eagles](/source/Kinston_Eagles_(Virginia_League)) of the [Virginia League](/source/Virginia_League) and the [Kinston Eagles](/source/Kinston_Eagles_(Eastern_Carolina_League)) of the [Eastern Carolina League](/source/Eastern_Carolina_League). It was designed by local baseball figure [George Suggs](/source/George_Suggs) and constructed from 1920 to 1921. The stadium was overhauled when Kinston joined the Virginia League in 1925 as the Eagles.{{cite news |title=Baseball Club's To Improve Park And Get Manager|newspaper=[Kinston Free Press](/source/Kinston_Free_Press)|date=December 12, 1924}} [John McGraw](/source/John_McGraw)'s [New York Giants](/source/New_York_Giants_(NL)) played an exhibition game against the Eagles in this venue in the spring of 1925.{{cite news |title=Giants Arrive for Game With Eagles; Season is Started on Kinston Lot|newspaper=[Kinston Free Press](/source/Kinston_Free_Press)|date=April 1, 1925}} West End Park was last used was 1929. *'''Grainger Park''' was shared by the [Kinston Eagles](/source/Kinston_Eagles_(Coastal_Plain_League)) of the [Coastal Plain League](/source/Coastal_Plain_League_(Class_D)) and the Grainger High School Red Devils who used it for both [baseball](/source/baseball) and [football](/source/American_football). It was located directly behind the high school, a few hundred yards from where Grainger Stadium now sits. It was used as a minor league stadium from 1934 to 1948. Grainger Park hosted the Coastal Plain League [All-Star Game](/source/All-Star_Game) in 1938. [Connie Mack](/source/Connie_Mack)'s [Philadelphia Athletics](/source/Philadelphia_Athletics) played an exhibition game with the Eagles at the park in the spring of 1939.{{cite book |last=Gaunt|first=Robert H.|title=We Would Have Played Forever: The Story of the Coastal Plain Baseball League|publisher=Baseball America, Inc.|year=1997|location=Durham, North Carolina|isbn=0-9637189-8-3|page=84}} ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== *[https://web.archive.org/web/20170409021530/http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20170109&content_id=213147634&sid=t485&vkey=team1 Grainger Stadium - Down East Wood Ducks] *[http://www.littleballparks.com/Stadium/2005/Kinston/Kinston.htm Grainger Stadium Views - ''Ball Parks of the Minor Leagues''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531164357/http://www.littleballparks.com/Stadium/2005/Kinston/Kinston.htm |date=2009-05-31 }} {{Frontier League Ballparks}} Category:Buildings and structures in Kinston, North Carolina Category:Baseball venues in North Carolina Category:1949 establishments in North Carolina Category:Sports venues completed in 1949 Category:Frontier League ballparks --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Grainger Stadium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grainger_Stadium) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grainger_Stadium?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.