Entertainment

Segra Stadium continues to grow Fayetteville’s baseball story

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Tuesday, 28 July 2026

Written by Jamie Bishop

Baseball has always been about more than nine innings.
It’s parents teaching their children how to keep score, communities gathering on summer evenings and young athletes imagining what might be possible someday. In Fayetteville, it’s also becoming something else, a year-round destination that’s quietly changing the way people experience downtown.
That story will continue in February 2027 when Segra Stadium welcomes the inaugural Segra Invitational, a three-day NCAA Division III collegiate baseball tournament that will bring six college programs to Fayetteville for a weekend of competition and community.
For Andrew Chapman, broadcasting and media relations manager for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, the tournament represents another important chapter in Segra Stadium’s evolution.
“The Segra Invitational was a natural fit for us because it aligns perfectly with our vision of making Segra Stadium more than just a Minor League Baseball venue,” Chapman said. “We want this to be a place where baseball is celebrated at every level, from youth players and college athletes to professional baseball.”
That vision has steadily taken shape since the stadium opened in 2019.
While many still think of Segra Stadium primarily as the home of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, the ballpark has increasingly become one of downtown’s most versatile community spaces. From concerts and festivals to collegiate showcases and family events, Segra has continued expanding what residents can expect from the facility.
The addition of collegiate baseball feels like a natural progression.
College athletics carry their own unique energy. Players compete not only for wins and championships, but for the opportunity to continue their athletic careers. Fans aren’t simply watching a game; they’re often witnessing future coaches, teachers, business leaders and, for some, future professional athletes taking the field.
For Fayetteville’s young baseball players, the Segra Invitational offers something equally important: access. Seeing collegiate athletes compete on a professional field in their own backyard creates moments that inspire dreams and spark conversations long after the final out has been recorded.
Chapman believes events like the Segra Invitational are critical to the broader mission of making Segra Stadium a year-round destination for residents and visitors alike.
“We’re always asking ourselves how we can create experiences that bring people together,” he said. “Whether someone comes here for a Woodpeckers game, a concert or a collegiate tournament, we want Segra Stadium to become one of those places people immediately think about when they think about Fayetteville.”
That investment extends beyond the ballpark’s gates.
Sports tourism has become an increasingly important part of economic development for communities across the country. Collegiate tournaments bring more than athletes. They bring families, alumni, coaches and fans who spend their weekends discovering local restaurants, hotels and businesses throughout the city.
“The impact goes well beyond baseball,” Chapman said. “Events like this create opportunities to showcase Fayetteville to visitors who may have never been here before. We hope people leave not only talking about the games they watched but about the experience they had in our city.”
The inaugural tournament also speaks to something larger happening in Fayetteville. Downtown continues to evolve as arts, entertainment and sports become increasingly interconnected. Segra Stadium has become one of the anchors helping tell that story.
Perhaps that is why the Segra Invitational feels significant beyond its place on the sports calendar. It isn’t simply another baseball tournament. It’s another opportunity for Fayetteville to introduce itself to new audiences while continuing to invest in its own.
For Fayetteville, February 2027 may very well be the beginning of another baseball tradition. The Segra Invitational will be held Feb. 26-28, 2027, at Segra Stadium in downtown Fayetteville and will feature six NCAA Division III collegiate baseball programs competing over three days of play. For more information, visit the website at https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1418906006950088&set=a.498700048970693

(Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Woodpeckers)

Fayetteville Woodpeckers enter second half of season

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Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Written by Amanda Ransom

While summer in Fayetteville brings backyard barbecues, festivals and outdoor concerts, it also means another exciting season of baseball at Segra Stadium. As the second half of the season gets underway, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers are finding their stride on the field while continuing to provide entertainment. Although the season began with a 2-10 record, the Woodpeckers have rallied in recent weeks and are once again competing near the top of the standings. 

"We got off to a slow start," said Andrew Chapman of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. "We turned the record around with a strong June. We didn't win the first half, but in our league the records reset at the midway point of the season, and we're currently in first place in the North Division during the second half."

The turnaround has not only put the Woodpeckers back in the playoff race, but it has also showcased the organization's commitment to developing the next generation of Major League talent. Fans visiting Segra Stadium this summer have the chance to watch some of the Astros' top prospects before they climb the minor league ladder.

"Kevin Alvarez is the No. 1 prospect in the Astros farm system," Chapman said. "At just 18 years old, he combines contact hitting, speed on the bases and outstanding defensive instincts in the outfield." 

Chapman also pointed to 19-year-old Xavier Neyens, Houston's 2025 first-round draft pick. 

"He has big league-caliber power and a great eye at the plate," Chapman said. "He's currently leading the Carolina League in walks."

Player development remains the club's top priority. At the Single-A level, coaches focus on building routines that prepare athletes for long-term success. 

"It's all about reps and settling into professional baseball," Chapman said. "Our coaches emphasize strength training, nutrition and constant work in the batting cages and bullpen to put players in the best position to succeed." 

The hard work has already produced results. Pitcher Javier Perez threw eight shutout innings in May, the longest outing by a Woodpeckers pitcher in franchise history, earning Carolina League Pitcher of the Week honors. Alvarez and Waner Luciano have also been recognized as Carolina League Players of the Week.

While fans celebrate player success, promotions within the Astros organization can be bittersweet. 

"Our fans get very invested in our players," Chapman said. "They're excited to see them continue chasing the dream of reaching the major leagues, but they also miss seeing some of their favorite players here in Fayetteville."

While baseball draws fans to Segra Stadium, the entertainment extends well beyond the game itself. 

"Beyond high-level baseball on the field every night, each game has something unique for fans to experience," Chapman said. 

Weekly promotions include Thursday drink specials, Friday fireworks, Saturday giveaways and Sunday's opportunity for children to run the bases and play catch on the field. Special events later this summer include Moana at the Ballpark on July 31 and Hockey Night on Aug. 15, featuring a Carolina Hurricanes-inspired replica jersey giveaway.

General Manager Michelle Skinner says the team's connection with the community remains one of its greatest strengths. 

"The Fayetteville community has continued to support the Woodpeckers throughout the rainy days and high temperatures," Skinner said. "We've remained encouraged by the loyal fans, local businesses and community organizations that continue to attend games and partner with us."

The organization also hopes Segra Stadium serves as more than a baseball venue. 

"We want Segra Stadium to be the central hub for entertainment in Fayetteville," Chapman said. "Not just for baseball, but also charity events, holiday parties, watch parties and business networking." 

With 21 home games remaining through the end of August before the regular season concludes on Sept. 6, there is still plenty of baseball left to enjoy. 

"If you haven't made it out to Segra Stadium yet this season, there's still time," Skinner said. "Invite your neighbors, co-workers and friends and come check out a game."

For tickets, visit https://bit.ly/4f0QQQD

Crime & Cocktails comes to The Clubhouse

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Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Written by Tara Kamiya

 Amateur detectives will have an opportunity to examine evidence, question their assumptions and attempt to solve a fictional cold case during Crime and Cocktails: The Emily Hemmingway Case at The Clubhouse Member’s Lounge in downtown Fayetteville on July 31.

Crime and Cocktails is an interactive mystery series that combines criminal investigation exercises with cocktails, food and conversation. Rather than watching actors perform a traditional murder mystery, participants become members of an investigative team and work directly with case materials.

The Emily Hemmingway case is part of a new chapter in The Clubhouse’s history as an event venue. The lounge is connected to Washington Apparel Company, which opened its first downtown Fayetteville storefront in 2020. Founder Eric Washington previously described The Clubhouse as a members-only space where entrepreneurs, professionals, clients and guests could network, socialize and unwind.

The Emily Hemmingway case centers on the death of a promising young online personality who was killed shortly after attending a prestigious awards ceremony. The original investigation failed to identify the killer, and the evidence was eventually archived.

Years later, the cold case has been reopened.

Guests will receive access to the original case file, which contains police reports, photographs, witness statements, receipts, digital records and forensic evidence. Participants must examine the documents, identify inconsistencies and connect details that investigators may have overlooked.

Professionally produced video segments will introduce suspects, witnesses and additional information as the investigation progresses. Archived recordings, online activity and interviews will help guests uncover possible motives, concealed relationships and contradictions within the evidence.

The experience is designed to reward careful observation and collaboration. Guests will work with other participants to develop theories and determine which pieces of evidence are relevant. The case may appear straightforward at first, but each document has the potential to change the direction of the investigation.

A curated cocktail menu prepared by The Clubhouse bartender will accompany the mystery. The drinks and menu selections are intended to support the atmosphere of the evening while giving guests time to discuss their findings and compare theories.

The Clubhouse’s concept was established before its formal community introduction. The venue had already hosted private gatherings when it held its grand opening Nov. 7, 2025. Located on the sixth floor of the historic Market Square Business Center at 100 Hay St., the lounge was created as an intimate setting for conversation, cocktails, professional development and themed entertainment.

Its event history has included curated events that appeal to business owners as well as the arts and culture focused of Fayetteville. Local tastemakers have enjoyed chef led dinners, games, author discussions, professional networking, and wellness activities.

The Clubhouse also operates in support of the INCspire Foundation. According to the venue, Clubhouse revenue and proceeds from private rentals support the nonprofit’s mentorship and career building programs for young designers, entrepreneurs and professionals.

The Crime and Cocktails experience lasts approximately five hours and is held in person. To join this elevated ‘Clue’ experience, contact The Clubhouse Member’s Lounge at clubhouse@washingtonapparel.com or 910-996-2977.

Teens tap into their creativity with sewing camps from The Sewing Fix

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Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Written by Mahalia Cooks

Keeping the youth engaged and actively learning new skills is crucial to avoiding the common loss of knowledge and skills known as “summer slide.” Raeford business The Sewing Fix is doing its part to instill new skills and nurture confidence and creativity with its Teen Summer Sewing Series for learners aged 12 to 17.

“I believe sewing uses so many skills that cross over with their school classes,” said Cristy Hunter Myers, the owner, lead technician and teacher at The Sewing Fix. 

Examples of these skills include science, reading comprehension and math. 

“Many homeschool families have approached me to offer more classes or camps during the school year because their children have loved the sewing camps so much. Sewing utilizes every aspect of what they’re doing in school,” she said.

For Myers, starting a sewing machine repair business was a logical next step after the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered many repair shops — especially those servicing the local area. Many sewists began crafting masks to serve the public, but they often didn’t know how to service their machines, and remaining repair shops had up to six-month waitlists.

With education from the Sewing Doc Academy, she ran her business out of her vehicle until acquiring a brick-and-mortar building in January 2026, enabling her to hold camps and classes — bolstered by her experience in running a licensed daycare for 30 years and a degree in Early Childhood Education.

The Teen Summer Sewing Series kicked off in June; the last camp will run Aug. 4-7. Camps are held at The Sewing Fix at 109 Cumberland Ave. from 12:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., with snacks and drinks provided. Tickets for the 4-day camp cost $150, which includes all supplies, and students receive a take-home workbook for future projects. See what activities are held each day at https://www.facebook.com/events/1523467902647913/. 

Camps have been selling out fast. Myers says parents are eager to get their kids involved in a pastime that prevents boredom and keeps youth out of trouble, especially those living in rural areas with fewer options for fun. 

“Children tend to pick up on things pretty quickly, so it’s a perfect time for them to start learning new skills. It allows them to be creative, make their own clothing, repair their favorite clothing and possibly allow them to make more spending money than working fast food by selling the items they make,” said Myers. “My goal for everyone — children and adults — is to leave class feeling like they can do anything they practice and put their mind to.”

If you’re unable to register for the Teen Summer Sewing Series due to high demand, Myers reassures that learning opportunities abound. One is Bobbin Buddies, a preteen/teen club beginning in July and continuing throughout the school year. It costs $40/month for weekly meetings; during the summer, students will meet on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn about membership at https://thesewingfix.com/bobbinbuddies. 

Online classes are available for all ages who want to learn about sewing and prefer a remote experience. Explore the full range offered at https://thesewingfix.com/#classes. 

For next summer, Myers plans to hold more camps each month to accommodate high interest. She also anticipates adding camps during other school breaks. More camps mean more moments of connection and joy among young learners. 

“When they pop back into that young child where the smile just takes over them because they’re so excited and so happy that they’ve created something, that is by far my favorite part,” said Myers.

Get information on sewing machine repairs and sewing lessons at http://www.thesewingfix.com/. You can also send inquiries to TheSewingFix@iCloud.com or call 910-302-7178.