The ACC baseball tournament is making a new home in Durham, N.C. On Thursday, the conference announced that the Durham Bulls Athletic Park will host the tournament for the next four years, from 2015-18.
The park and city of Durham have been preparing for this move for the past several years. The park recently underwent a $20 million renovation that provided a new playing surface, improved lighting, additional group seating areas and upgraded audio and visual systems.
The DBAP hosted the baseball tournament last season and drew record crowds.
“Our membership had a desire for the championship to find a home, and through its bid, Durham displayed its abilities to be that home,” ACC commissioner John Swofford said in a release. “They showed a commitment to enhancing the event with their facility upgrades and their extensive promotional campaign with the Triangle Sports Commission and Capitol Broadcasting.”
Durham has hosted the tournament eight times previously, including three of the last five years.
The ACC has desired having a permanent location for the baseball tournament. The SEC and Big 12 always hold their tournaments in Hoover, Ala., and Oklahoma City, respectively. With this move, Durham could become the full-time home for the ACC Tournament.