The Forest City Owls baseball team is a summer collegiate league made up of high-level players from across the nation. They play at the state-of-the-art McNair field, named for Robert McNair, a Forest City resident, team benefactor, and owner of the Houston Texans NFL team.
For more information on Forest City Owls Baseball and other great Asheville attractions, download our complimentary Vacation Guide. It’s the perfect resource to help you plan an incredible North Carolina vacation!
Reasons to Experience a Forest City Owls Baseball Game
Here are three great reasons you’ll love Forest City Owls baseball!
- State-of-the-Art Field
McNair Field opened in 2008 and is the newest stadium in the Coastal Plain League. It was built at the site of the old Legion Field. The stadium has approximately 550 reserved seats and 1,000 seats available for general seating. Fans can also bring their blankets and spread out on the grassy area behind third base or explore the beer garden and concession stands down the right field line.
Another thing fans love about the McNair Field is the 15’ x 8’10” color screen, which is perfect for replays! The Sports Turf Management Association recognized McNair as one of the best baseball fields in the country. And in 2016, it was also named the fourth best collegiate summer stadium in America!
- Excellent Roster
One thing you can always expect from the Forest City Owls is a great lineup! First-year manager Matt Reed recently solidified the 2017 roster. Seven players from last season’s division championship team will be returning, with the addition of a few exciting new recruits.
For instance, the Owls are excited to bring on Chris Chatfield from the University of Florida, who led his team in home runs and had been selected by the Padres in the 2015 MLB draft. They will also be adding Colin Dupree to the roster from Western Carolina where he batted .333 with three home runs and had a .344 on-base average in his most recent season of play.
- Hoot and Annie
Hoot and Annie are the Forest City Owls mascots. They will be the hosts for all the games and the source of entertainment for fans and kids. Don’t forget to check out Hoot and Annie’s Kid Club for ages 3 to 12! Kids get special discounts on merchandise and the chance to participate in on-field games with Hoot and Annie!
Make Your Trip a Homerun at the Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant
After a fun Forest City Owls baseball game, come back to your home away from home at the Esmeralda Inn, one of the most unique lodging options in the area. Our charming, rustic inn has rooms with mountain views, as well as cabins for families or larger parties. The delicious, on-site restaurant serves up a hot breakfast in the morning and is one of Chimney Rock’s premiere dining destinations for lunch and dinner.
Come stay with us, and experience all the beauty Chimney Rock has to offer! For more information on our area, be sure to download our complimentary Vacation Guide. We hope to see you soon!