Fluor Field in Greenville, South Carolina, has become a beacon of hope for the city's downtown area. Home to the Greenville Drive, a High-A Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Boston Red Sox, the stadium features a replica of Fenway Park's iconic Green Monster. However, its true impact extends far beyond baseball.

Craig Brown, a former Manhattan advertising executive, built Fluor Field in 2006 for $20 million. He still owns the stadium and the team. "We were really embraced by the community, and then we began to learn all that a baseball team can do for a community," Brown said. He describes Fluor Field as the "front porch of the community," emphasizing its role as a gathering place for families.

The stadium has significantly boosted the local economy, attracting approximately half a million visitors each year for games and events. According to city officials, the financial impact of the team over the past decade has approached $300 million.

Fluor Field also played a crucial role in revitalizing the West End downtown area, which had suffered after the closure of several textile factories. The stadium was constructed using bricks salvaged from demolished mills, symbolizing a new beginning for the neighborhood.

Greenville Mayor Knox White, who has served for 30 years, recalls skepticism about the stadium's location. "There was a letter to the editor that said, you put a baseball stadium down there, only prostitutes will go to baseball games," he said. Despite the doubts, White believes the decision to integrate the stadium into a mixed-use development was a savvy move.

"This was the transformational event. Suddenly, this area close to the stadium became a place for condos and some high rises and hotels. But beyond it, residential neighborhoods were transformed, as well," White explained.

The mixed-use development strategy has attracted new businesses to the downtown area. For instance, Old Europe Desserts, located several blocks from the ballpark, has benefited from the increased foot traffic. Owner Bobby Daugherty noted, "I sell cake. I need bodies through the door. So I knew [it] was kinda right in the middle of all the traffic, if you will."

Fluor Field has not only revived the local economy but has also fostered a sense of community, making it a vital part of Greenville's identity.