Bird Dawgs seek two-year city, county financial support

The Down East Bird Dawgs asked Kinston City Council and the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners for $125,000 annually from each government for two years during a joint meeting Tuesday.

Bill Ellis, speaking for the Bird Dawgs, said the club also asked the local tourism organization for $100,000.

“We need the city and the county to help us with $125,000,” Ellis said. “For the next two years, $125,000 each.”

Ellis said the requested support would help the club bring events to Grainger Stadium, including the league’s All-Star Game, youth baseball tournaments and other activities intended to generate visitor spending.

“We’re committed to do whatever it takes to keep baseball here,” Ellis said.

He said the team has booked eight youth baseball tournaments and plans to pursue additional tournaments, concerts and other events at the stadium. Ellis also said the team’s ownership group has invested about $1.7 million in the organization.

The request did not receive a vote during the joint meeting.

Ellis described the request as an investment in the stadium and local quality of life, rather than simply support for the team’s day-to-day operations.

“It’s not just throwing money away,” Ellis said. “It’s building value in your community.”