SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Win New Events for Downtown Greenville

Published on June 25, 2007 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, S.C. - In its ongoing partnership with the City to help fuel the revitalization of the Downtown West End, the Drive announced that Greenville will be the site of two major baseball events which will draw visitors from across the Southeast over the coming seasons.

Responding to a Drive proposal showcasing Greenville and West End Field, Minor League Baseball's popular South Atlantic League has awarded the Drive rights to host its All Star Game in 2010. Professional baseball enthusiasts, plus staff and players from 16 teams and cities from 8 states, will gather in Greenville to socialize, celebrate baseball and watch future Major League stars take the field. "40% of today's major league players came through the South Atlantic League", noted Drive General Manager, Mike DeMaine, "and the All Star game will provide a unique opportunity to watch a new class of future big leaguers play here in Greenville."

In a similar nod to Greenville, and in recognition of the enthusiastic response from fans and teams to the intercollegiate games the Drive recently brought to West End Field, the Southern Conference has agreed to move its 2009 baseball tournament from Charleston SC, where it has been held for the past 16 years, to Greenville. School boosters and baseball fans from the 11 SoCon colleges will come to the Drive's home field during the third week in May to see their teams play, and enjoy the experience of being in downtown Greenville.

City Manager, Jim Bourey, expressed his enthusiasm for the impact of these upcoming events, saying "The SoCon Tournament will be headquartered in downtown hotels, which will create a nice buzz around town and a definite boost for local businesses over the 5 day event." Bourey added, "Having sports fans from across the Southeast come to Greenville for both of these events presents a great opportunity to show visitors why our community is such a terrific place to visit, as well as to live and work."

Commenting on the news from the Drive, Chamber of Commerce President, Ben Haskew, noted, "Our hopes for the economic lift downtown baseball would have on Greenville and the surrounding area are clearly being achieved. The Drive have proven to be a proactive and dynamic partner in helping Greenville realize its economic development and quality of life objectives."

Drive President and Co-owner, Craig Brown, summarized the organization's feelings about these developments, saying, "We are proud to be part of the fabric of this Community and will continue to look for appropriate opportunities to leverage our baseball assets in ways that will have long term benefits for Greenville and the Upstate." Brown added, "The appeal of West End Field and the amenities of Downtown Greenville are a tough team to beat!"

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 25, 2007


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