Renovation of Durham ballpark to start

The city of Durham will mark the start of a $5 million renovation of Durham Athletic Park with a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday morning.

The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. at the athletic park, 400 Cleveland St.

The renovation will include a new playing field to be installed and maintained by Minor League Baseball professionals. The city also plans upgrades to restrooms and concession and seating areas as well as new picnic areas and concourses.

The restoration is due for completion in December.

The Durham Athletic Park was home of the Durham Bulls from 1926 until 1994. Since 1995, local baseball and softball leagues have used the park, which also serves as home field for the N.C. School of the Arts.

The park has been the scene of concerts and festivals, such as the Bimbe Cultural Arts Festival, Bull Durham Blues Festival and the World Beer Festival.

N.C. Central University will make the ballpark its home field beginning in the 2009 season.

Participating in the groundbreaking will be Mayor Bill Bell, City Manager Patrick Baker, Minor League Baseball President and CEO Pat O'Conner, NCCU Chancellor Charles Nelms and Capitol Broadcasting Co. President James Goodmon.

The event will conclude with a special performance by the NCCU band.