News Summary
Fluor Field, home to the Greenville Drive, has sparked a major economic transformation in Greenville, SC, generating around $288 million in economic impact since its 2006 opening. The stadium supports half a million visitors annually and significantly revitalizes the downtown area, resulting in 433 new business permits and $277 million in new construction investments. Additionally, it contributes $34 million in local economic impact in 2024 alone, highlighting its role as a unifying community space that fosters local growth.
Greenville, SC is witnessing a significant economic transformation fueled by Fluor Field, the home of the Greenville Drive, a High-A Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Boston Red Sox. Since its opening in 2006, Fluor Field has ignited an economic renaissance in the downtown area, generating approximately $288 million in cumulative economic impact over the past decade.
Annual attendance at Fluor Field reaches around half a million visitors, contributing significantly to the local economy. In 2024 alone, the stadium resulted in a $34 million economic impact, with contributions from various activities, including sporting events and community gatherings.
Fluor Field was built for $20 million by Craig Brown, a former advertising executive. The facility features a replica of Fenway Park’s iconic Green Monster left-field wall and is viewed by locals as the “front porch of the community,” a space designed to bring families and neighbors together.
Revitalization and Economic Boost
The presence of Fluor Field has been paramount to revitalizing the West End of downtown Greenville, a district that was previously considered blighted. Over the last ten years, urban redevelopment around the stadium has resulted in 433 new business permits and $277 million in new construction investments. This development has benefited both local businesses and the surrounding community.
Greenville Mayor Knox White previously expressed skepticism about the stadium’s location. However, he now acknowledges its transformative effect on the West End, heralding it as a vital component of the city’s revitalization efforts.
Economic Contributions in 2024
Fluor Field made notable economic contributions in 2024, with detailed figures indicating strong local impact:
- Direct Spending: $20.4 million
- Total Economic Impact: $34 million
- Wages/Income Generated: $15.7 million
- Jobs Supported: 265
- Taxes Generated: $1.36 million
Community Events and Attractions
In addition to hosting the Greenville Drive games, Fluor Field serves as a venue for a variety of other events that draw crowds throughout the year. Notable events include the Reedy River Rivalry, Savannah Bananas games, the Southern Conference Baseball Championship, as well as cultural festivals such as Artisphere and euphoria. These events not only highlight the stadium’s versatility but also enhance its impact on Greenville’s economic landscape.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Over the past 20 years, Fluor Field has played an instrumental role in shaping Greenville’s community and entertainment district. Craig Brown takes pride in the contributions the stadium has made to the city, emphasizing its importance as a unifying space for residents and visitors alike. With continued investment and a strong lineup of events, Fluor Field is positioned to remain a key player in Greenville’s economic development for years to come.
The success of Fluor Field exemplifies how sports facilities can drive local economies, bringing communities together while spurring business growth and urban revitalization.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Zach Ehrhard Leads Greenville Drive to Victory
Greenville Drive’s Economic Impact Surpasses $288 Million
Greenville Honors Craig Brown with Order of the Palmetto
Greenville Planning Commission Approves Key Developments
Travelers Rest Introduces Bunny Hunt and SBA Loan Aid
Greenville County Addresses Eviction Crisis and Pedestrian Safety
Greenville’s County Square Redevelopment Transforms Urban Landscape
Greenville County Planning Commission Denies Multifamily Development
Greenville Chamber Celebrates 136th Annual Meeting
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Greenville Drive Boost West End Businesses
- CBS News: How Minor League Ballpark Revived Struggling Downtown
- Upstate Business Journal: Fluor Field Economic Impact
- Fox Carolina: Greenville Drive Economic Impact
- Post and Courier: Fluor Field Business Opportunities
- Wikipedia: Minor League Baseball
- Google Search: Greenville Drive
- Google Scholar: Fluor Field Greenville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenville
- Google News: Greenville SC
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
