With the Carolina Mudcats playing their final chapter at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, Wake County and town officials have struck a deal to ensure that the ballpark remains in play. The Durham Bulls’ parent company, Capitol Broadcasting Company (CBC), has secured approval to lease and operate the stadium—bringing homegrown stewardship to an enduring local landmark.
A Familiar Face at the Helm
This week, the Wake County Board of Commissioners voted to move forward with a proposal from CBC, the familiar media and sports company that owns the Durham Bulls, WRAL, and the Holly Springs Salamanders. A companion agreement from the Zebulon Board is anticipated shortly, with a formal lease to begin in October.
Five County Stadium: A Brief History
Opened in 1991 and extensively renovated in 1999, Five County Stadium has long anchored community life in rural Zebulon. It was home to the Mudcats—affiliated since 2017 with the Milwaukee Brewers—until their relocation to Wilson in 2026, where they will rebrand as the Wilson Warbirds.
The stadium, owned jointly by Wake County (85%) and the town of Zebulon (15%), offers seating for over 6,500—including suites and a restaurant. CBC will pay approximately $710,000 over 10 years for lease rights, while county and town governments retain authority over capital repairs—backed by up to $10 million in public funding through 2027.
Why This Matters for Durham and Beyond
Baseball Stays Central: The transition keeps Five County Stadium alive as a community asset—anchoring youth and college sports even after the Mudcats depart. Regional Continuity: With CBC’s proven track record reimagining the American Tobacco Campus and Rocky Mount Mills, their stewardship signals long-term commitment to revitalized civic spaces. Economic Opportunity: The potential for mixed-use development opens new avenues for growth in eastern Wake—connecting Durham-based real estate expertise to outlying communities. Preserving Heritage: For baseball fans and longtime residents, CBC at the helm offers a sense of continuity—softening the disruption of the Mudcats’ departure.
Snapshot: Five County Stadium’s New Spin
Operator
Capitol Broadcasting Company (includes Durham Bulls ownership)
Primary Use
Coastal Plain League team, Wake Tech sports, occasional events
Lease Terms
$710,000 over 10 years; County/Town invest up to $10M in improvements
Ownership
Wake County (85%), Town of Zebulon (15%)
Upcoming Transition
Mudcats leave after 2025; Warbirds debut in Wilson, 2026 season
At Bull City Citizen, we’re keeping score on how sports, development, and civic life intersect across Durham—and now through Zebulon. If you’re curious about upcoming programming, public space design, or regional collaboration, we’ve got it covered. Our local angle matters—and we’re here to keep Durham well-informed.
