The debate on whether to place a minor league baseball stadium at Cannonsburgh, a Murfreesboro City Parks property, became a huge talking point in Murfreesboro last month.

In early September, Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland confirmed that the city had been contacted by developers looking to build a AA minor league baseball stadium somewhere in the heart of Murfreesboro. Local controversy unleashed after McFarland’s Sept. 7 Facebook post shared that he did not support demolishing Cannonsburgh, but saw it productive to discuss relocating it.

Quickly, a Facebook page titled “Save Cannonsburgh Village” and a petition against touching the buildings at historic Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village in any way were drawn up in response. Hundreds of community members who felt strongly about not disrupting the history or structures of Canonsburgh spoke out.

Over 2,000 people signed the petition, eventually including McFarland himself, as well as councilmember Shawn Wright and developer Jason Rose.

Historic Cannonsburgh Village, located at 312 S. Front St., represents approximately 100 years of early Tennessee life from the 1830s to the 1930s, according to Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation.

Buildings at the village include a gristmill, schoolhouse, wedding chapel, doctor’s office, general store and a telephone operator’s house, among other vintage structures.

The property, which also contains a caboose and a large antique tractor and farm implement collection, serves as the home of the Murfreesboro Art League, Rutherford County Blacksmiths Association, the Murfreesboro Lions Club and the Stones River Car Club.

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On Sept. 14 the City Council held a workshop meeting at the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport to discuss Project Diamond with Rose, the American Association of Professional Baseball Commissioner Josh Schuab and local residents. It allowed for questions, clarifications and information.

McFarland addressed the public concern for Cannonsburgh Village and took a different position from the comments he made online earlier in the month.

“I apologize for a social media post that made any reference to relocating or demolitioning Cannonsburgh. I would like to propose that in any memorandum of understanding that we look at that it is clearly specified and put in writing that Cannonsburgh will not be harmed, touched or relocated,” McFarland said. “The only thing that could be done at Cannonsburgh would be to improve the existing structures.”

Rose and Schuab said they chose Murfreesboro as a potential site for a baseball club because of the population base and downtown’s ecosystem. After touring multiple sites in the area, they became fixed on Cannonsburgh Village because of its “architectural significance.” Both Rose and Schuab expressed that they have no intention of harming Cannonsburgh, but emphasized their plans to “enrich” its beauty with the stadium.

“The season lasts about 50 home games. That leaves another 300 days to animate the stadium and activate the downtown with other exciting events,” Rose said. “If we go down a path and we work with the citizens and council on something that combines and brings together the campuses of Cannonsburgh and stadium, there’s all kinds of possibilities of what can happen.”

Schuab said that he wants residents to view this stadium project as a cultural platform for family-friendly entertainment that pushes the “economic engine” year round.

However, community members like Heather Cadenhead and Cathy Watts believe that the Cannonsburgh Village area is alive now.

“[McFarland] says that the village is not used much, but he is wrong about this. Cannonsburgh Village is a vital part of our community,” says a portion of the Save Cannonsburgh Village petition organized by Watts. “Many community members are not in favor of moving Cannonsburgh Village and also feel that this area of town is not the right place for a baseball team. We love Cannonsburgh just the way it is and want to enjoy it for future festivals, weddings, school field trips and community events.”

Councilwoman Madelyn Scales Harris openly stated that she does not support this project. She is very concerned with traffic in the area, especially as other proposals such as the Keystone Project arise.

A parking facility will not be made for the stadium if plans progress. Schaub explained that the goal is for attendees to utilize the existing parking garages on the Murfreesboro Public Square. He feels that the baseball stadium attendance will increase foot traffic through the downtown area and in turn boost revenue with local merchants. Schaub believes that is an efficient way to benefit Murfreesboro and lower costs for the project.

Another concern is how much of this project will be publicly funded. Rose stated that most stadiums are funded by taxpayers, but he wants to earn the community’s support so that they are enthusiastic about having the stadium. Rose won’t know what kind of numbers Murfreesboro would be looking at until engineering design work is drawn up.

Rose said NASCAR’s two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip is interested in investing in the team as well as bringing his brewery and restaurant concept if the city project warrants it.

“There’s got to be a lot of discussion on the financing side before we ever move forward,” McFarland said.

If this facility does become a reality, Rose and Schaub plan to create a symbiotic relationship with Middle Tennessee State University. Schaub shared that three of their other baseball stadiums partner with local universities to let them play in their stadium, which reportedly helps in recruiting players. He also wants to introduce students to the sports industry and sports management through internships and part-time jobs with the baseball team that could turn into full-time employment.

Their ideal stadium would seat between 4,500 and 5,000 people. They are estimating that a typical evening at the ballpark for a family of four would average around $68, including admission, four sodas and four hot dogs.

As for the team itself, Rose would like Murfreesboro to name the team. He mentioned the possibility of a naming contest later down the line. Among the names already submitted by community members are The Pioneers, The Cannons and The Bucketheads. In addition to that, Rose anticipates some natural rivalry with the Clarksville Coyotes.

“If all goes well, the goal would be to have opening day spring of ’26,” Rose said.

Aside from not relocating or demolishing Cannonsburgh Village, no formal public agreements have yet been made in regard to Project Diamond. Though, the city council intends to further discuss the proposal.

“I still want the community to stay involved because obviously this is a big decision and I want it to not be one we take lightly,” councilwoman Jami Averwater said.

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UPCOMING EVENTS AT CANNONSBURGH:

Wednesday, Oct. 18, Meet at the Lions Club building at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) with UT Extension Family and Consumer Science Agent Shay Davis, who will share tips and recipes to help you prepare a delicious slow cooker meal. Admission is free. Ages 12 and up are welcome. For reservations, call 615-801-2606 or email mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov.

Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20-21, Cannonsburgh will host Frightensburgh, a scary haunted trail that weaves its way through terrifying scenes of horror on the old Cannonsburgh Village, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $10.

On Saturday, Oct. 28, Cannonsburgh will host the 2023 Harvest Days festival, a free community event with blacksmith demonstrations, clogging, crafters, music, hayrides and more from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

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[Cannonsburgh Village building photos courtesy of Bill Shacklett / Shacklett’s Photography]

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