WILSON: An Unusual Piece of Art

By: Matt Preslar

​If you build it, they will come. That is apparently the case as the Carolina Mudcats pulled out of Zebulon, moved 30 minutes east, and became the Wilson Warbirds. Although I’ve umpired Barton College at a couple locations in Wilson, I’d never ventured to downtown before this ballpark adventure...

Taking advantage of a rare Saturday off from umpiring summer baseball, we made the three hour trip east. The main event of the night was the Wilson Warbirds hosting the Charleston RiverDogs. We also hit a couple spots downtown before the game as we got to town very early. 

Up First... Stadium Walk

We parked at a free parking lot in the downtown. Before anything else, we walked the couple blocks to the stadium to preview the ballpark. While many new stadiums are cookie cutter and made by the same architects, Wilson Warbirds stadium seemed a little different. 

There are several entrances, but the best looking entrance was “VIP” at a gigantic brick wall. It’s quite a site of grandeur. 

As we walked the full perimeter of the stadium, we saw the bullpens basically neighbor each other in right field. There is also a hotel (still under construction) that lines the 3rd base side of the ballpark, creating a unique aesthetic. 

While the view past the outfield is currently a little bare, construction in the coming years will surely remedy and create a better backdrop.

Back to Town... Casita Brewing Company

Our first stop was Casita Brewing. This was a great local spot to sit and unwind with a beverage. A plentiful amount of indoor seating, while also having a fenced in side yard with some playground equipment, selling the family-friendly vibe. I also overheard the bartender telling a patron about the Warbirds game that night. It’s always a good sign when the local businesses support one another.

Dinner Time... Ruckus and Redemption

The restaurant was very quaint. We had an early dinner, but there was an outdoor patio and green space that turned into a live music venue at night. The restaurant featured upscale bar food—a lot of premium burger options and sandwiches.

I elected on the Smokehouse burger with tots. The bacon, steak sauce and onions all sealed by a melted piece of cheese was too good to pass on. However, the Ruckus combo of a burger, PBR, and shot of whiskey was tough to ignore. Maybe next time…

Almost Game Time... But First the Whirligigs

Officially named, Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, this has been the centerpiece of downtown Wilson until the baseball stadium was built. Whirligig Park is a collection of piece metal artwork suspended well above the ground. The concept is so unique that anybody can appreciate the art and craftsmanship.

Finally... Game Time

A Saturday night game created plenty of buzz around the stadium. As we explored the 360 concourse, we took note of the pros and cons of the ballpark.

Not many negatives: 

• We did not see any souvenir cups or items/signage for an inaugural season for the WILSON WARBIRDS. 
• There was also nothing of note announcing the affiliation with the Milwaukee Brewers. Not that the Brewers have any presence in Eastern North Carolina, however, we as baseball fans think knowing the PARENT CLUB matters.

Plenty of positives:

• The team store was located right at the primary entrance. It’s nice, new, very clean, and a great selection.
• Left field fair pole is reachable from the concourse. One of my signatures is touching the pole at every ballpark I visit.
• Both bullpens neighbor each other in the outfield, almost like an observation deck from the concourse.
• There was a really nice kids' play area, fenced in and very secure. 
• Views unlike any of ballpark I remember visiting, with a hotel on the 3rd base side, and the Whirligigs visible straight left. As construction continues the views will evolve.
• Full bar in outfield, grab and go stations, multiple ice cream stations with helmets.
• Also plenty of margin for improvement of the downtown and around the park.

Although, Wilson was quite a long day trip, we enjoyed our time in downtown. The breweries and restaurants were relaxing with good food. The stadium looked nice. The overall presentation met expectations. I also look very forward to the next 3 years or so to go back and see the improvements. As always, we are very grateful for the investment capital spent in North Carolina, the best baseball state in the country!