The lease agreement will begin on Jan. 1, 2026
[Joint release with the Town of Zebulon]
The Wake County Board of Commissioners has approved a lease agreement between the County, the Town of Zebulon and Capitol Broadcasting Company for Five County Stadium, the former home of the Carolina Mudcats. The approval finalizes the partnership first announced earlier this year, paving the way for CBC to begin managing and redeveloping the facility starting Jan. 1, 2026.
“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, Wake County Board of Commissioners. “This partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company will help bring new energy and economic opportunity to Zebulon and eastern Wake County.”
The Town of Zebulon also approved the lease during the Zebulon Board of Commissioners meeting this evening.
“As one of the fastest-growing communities in Wake County, Zebulon is proud to see this partnership move forward,” said Mayor Glenn York. “Five County Stadium has always been part of our story, and these improvements will help keep it a place that brings people together. This partnership allows us to invest in our future, strengthen our community, enhance quality of life, and preserve a landmark that means so much to our town.”
The County Commission also accepted more than $238,000 in lease termination and rent payments from the Carolina Mudcats and transferred $8.5 million within County capital funds to support upcoming major facility projects.
Under the agreement, CBC will assume day-to-day operations and maintenance of the facility while the County and Town make an initial joint investment of $8.26 million in stadium improvements. The County and Town also will establish a $1.97 million Capital Repairs Fund, bringing the total public investment to more than $10 million.
As previously announced, the 10-year contract with CBC runs through Dec. 31, 2035. CBC will pay a total of $710,000 to the County and the Town to lease the facility for the duration of the agreement. The County and Town will also receive a share of stadium naming rights revenues. All partners will work collaboratively on an annual maintenance plan to ensure public investments are appropriately cared for during the term of the agreement. The contract also notes that, starting in 2026, the stadium will host:
- Coastal Plain League baseball team each season; and
- Wake Technical Community College baseball, softball, and men’s and women’s soccer games.
In addition, the contract allows the County and the Town to use the facility rent free for up to 10 events each year.
Planned upgrades beginning in 2026 include replacing the existing field with a synthetic surface, installing new outfield walls and lighting, refreshing locker rooms and offices, and renovating or adding new social gathering and family play spaces. Concession and concourse improvements will further modernize the venue, ensuring it remains a vibrant community destination for years to come.
