Sandhills Bogeys Relocate to Armory Field in 2027

For IMMEDIATE RELEASE

-Southern Pines, North Carolina 

Big news for The Sandhills: The Southern Pines Town Council unanimously approved a 10-year management agreement with the Sandhills Bogeys on Tuesday, allowing the team to relocate its home games to Armory Field starting with the 2027 Old North State League season.

The more centrally located Armory Field will become the Bogeys’ new home, with the team managing and improving the facility while the town retains ownership and priority access for its recreation programs. Planned upgrades include infield renovation, new fencing and bleachers, relocation of lights from the current site, coverage of all game-day utilities and operations, and lighting improvements at J. Pleasant Hines Park.

In exchange, the Bogeys will be permitted to charge admission, sell concessions (including alcohol), rent the field during available times, and sell advertising and naming rights (subject to town approval). They will retain naming-rights revenue for the first five years, with net proceeds reinvested in facility improvements thereafter.

Council members reviewed protections for town scheduling priority, maintenance responsibilities, parking, restroom capacity (using trailer units to avoid septic issues), and security (off-duty police). Minor clarifications were requested to confirm the town’s ultimate control.

Jay Francis, Sandhills Bogeys General Manager, commented: “We’re incredibly thankful for the first five years at Dempsey Diamond at Sandhills Community College-the championships, the memories, and the incredible support from our community.  We’re ready for this new exciting chapter at Armory Field, bringing championship-caliber baseball to a more central spot in Southern Pines where fans can pack in and cheer louder than ever!”

Alec Allred, CEO of The Players League, the parent umbrella organization that oversees the Old North State League added: “This is a tremendous boost for the Bogeys and the Old North State League. More teams in the ONSL are moving to downtown locations. The population is approaching 50,000 people in a 5-mile radius of Armory Field, in the heart of Southern Pines and the Sandhills Metro Area. That’s huge.” Allred continued, “The story of the success of the Bogeys can’t be told without acknowledging the partnership and support of Dr. Dempsey and Dr. Stewart as well as the college staff and board of trustees. They have been a vital contributor to the league and this franchise.”

The agreement takes effect for the 2027 season and is expected to enhance local recreation and community engagement.