Sandlot Revival Brings 3 Days of Baseball, Music, and Community to Historic Durham Athletic Park
DURHAM, N.C. — This weekend, the field that helped define baseball culture on film will come alive in a whole new way. Durham’s Historic Athletic Park—where Bull Durham was filmed—will host a three-day celebration that’s less about competition and more about community, connection, and the pure love of the game.
A Unique Baseball Experience Returns to Durham
From April 24–26, 2026, the Carolina Sandlot Collective will host Sandlot Revival at the Historic Durham Athletic Park (500 W. Corporation Street)—bringing together teams from across the country for a one-of-a-kind baseball experience.
Unlike traditional leagues, sandlot baseball is rooted in inclusion, creativity, and community, welcoming players of all:
- Ages
- Skill levels
- Backgrounds and identities
And for spectators? It’s just as much a festival as it is a game.
Admission is FREE.
More Than a Game—It’s a Weekend Block Party
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Organizers describe Sandlot Revival as a community gathering first, baseball event second.
Expect:
- Teams traveling from across the U.S.
- Live music and DJs
- Local food vendors, including Lawrence Barbecue
- Cold drinks from Bull City Hospitality
- Merch from sandlot teams
The vibe is intentionally laid-back—think neighborhood cookout meets baseball culture.
“We remember the good times long after we’ve forgotten who won and who lost.”
What Makes Sandlot Baseball Different
This isn’t about trophies, rankings, or elite performance.
Sandlot baseball emphasizes:
- Fun over competition
- Connection over stats
- Community over exclusivity
Players use wooden bats and real hardballs, bringing an old-school feel to a modern, inclusive movement that has spread nationwide.
Whether you’re playing or just watching, the goal is simple: enjoy the game.
Full Weekend Schedule
Friday, April 24
- 9–11 a.m.: Workbench Roasters (coffee, $2 suggested donation)
- 10 a.m.–1 p.m.: Raleigh Reapers vs. Texas Playboys
- 1:30–4:30 p.m.: Durham Dirtbags vs. Sandlot Captains Club
- 5–8 p.m.: Durham Fruits vs. Buntcrawlers (Stormie Daie announcing)
- 12–7:30 p.m.: Bull City Hospitality (drinks)
community over exclusivity. (submitted)
Saturday, April 25
- 8 a.m.–12 p.m.: Hatch Burritos
- 9 a.m.–12 p.m.: Broken Bat Baseball Club vs. Nashville Ballhogs
- 12–6 p.m.: Lawrence Barbecue
- 12–9 p.m.: Bull City Hospitality
- 12–1 p.m.: FREE ice cream (The Kudzu)
- 12:30–3:30 p.m.: Neuse River Nine vs. New York Sandlot
- 3:30 p.m.: National Anthem by Tift Merritt
- 4–7 p.m.: Carolina Kudzu vs. Texas Playboys
- 4–7 p.m.: DJ set by Mike Forno
- 7–7:30 p.m.: Live music by Jeb Brinkley (Eno River Possums)
- 7:30–10:30 p.m.: Carrboro Freight Trains vs. Sandlot Captains Club
- 9 p.m.–2 a.m.: After Party at Old North Bar (316 W. Geer Street)
Sunday, April 26
- 9–11 a.m.: Workbench Roasters
- 10 a.m.–1 p.m.: Eno River Possums vs. Buntcrawlers
- 12–6 p.m.: Lawrence Barbecue
- 12–7:30 p.m.: Bull City Hospitality
- 1:30–4:30 p.m.: Wake Forest Wombats vs. Nashville Ballhogs
- 5–8 p.m.: Port City Pickles vs. New York Sandlot
Supporting the Community
The event also benefits local nonprofits, reinforcing the Carolina Sandlot Collective’s mission to use baseball as a tool for connection and impact.
Conclusion
Whether you’re stepping up to the plate or just soaking in the atmosphere, Sandlot Revival offers a refreshing reminder of what makes the game—and the community around it—so special. With a historic setting, a diverse lineup of players, and a weekend full of energy, food, and music, this event brings Durham together in a way that goes far beyond baseball.