Wake County approves lease and $10 million upgrade for Five County Stadium

Wake County and the Town of Zebulon finalized a public private lease this week that sets the stage for a major redevelopment of Five County Stadium beginning in 2026. The Wake County Board of Commissioners approved the agreement on Monday, and the Zebulon Board of Commissioners signed off during a meeting Monday evening, allowing Capitol Broadcasting Company, WRAL’s parent company, to assume management of the facility under a contract that runs from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2035.

The agreement calls for an initial joint public investment of $8.26 million by the County and Town, and the establishment of a $1.97 million Capital Repairs Fund. Officials describe the total public commitment as more than $10 million to upgrade the venue. Under the contract, CBC will pay up to $710,000 over the course of the agreement to the County and the Town and will receive a share of the stadium naming rights revenue. County leaders also accepted more than $238,000 from the Carolina Mudcats for lease termination and rental payments, and transferred $8.5 million within County capital funds to help support the upcoming projects.

County leadership framed the move as an investment in the community and local economy. “Today’s vote moves us one step closer to transforming the Stadium into a year round destination for families, sports fans and visitors,” said Don Mial, Vice Chair of Wake County Board of Commissioners. The town of Zebulon highlighted the partnership as a milestone for a fast growing community. “As one of the fastest growing communities in Wake County, Zebulon is proud to see this partnership move forward,” said Mayor Glenn York. York added, “Five County Stadium has always been part of our story, and these improvements will help keep it a place that brings people together.”

Planned upgrades outlined by officials include installation of a synthetic playing field, new outfield walls and lighting, refreshed locker rooms and offices, and new social and family spaces designed to broaden the stadium’s appeal beyond baseball. CBC will assume the day to day operations and maintenance of the facility while partners work on an annual maintenance plan to sustain the improvements during the ten year agreement.

Starting in 2026 the stadium will host a Coastal Plain League baseball team each season, and will serve as the home venue for Wake Tech Community College’s baseball, softball, and men’s and women’s soccer programs. Officials say that expanded programming and year round use are expected to bring more visitors to Zebulon, support local restaurants and retailers, and create seasonal and construction related jobs.

For Wake County residents the project represents a shift toward leveraging a long standing regional venue for broader community benefit. The partnership with a media and sports operator reflects a national trend of municipalities turning to private partners to drive capital improvements while retaining public ownership. As planning and construction move forward next year, officials say they will provide details about timelines, event schedules, and opportunities for local businesses to participate in the stadium’s renewed role as a community hub.