Gastonia Honey Hunters play ball amid financial problems

GASTONIA, N.C. — The Gastonia Honey Hunters took to the field at home Tuesday night for the first time since the organization’s deep debt was exposed.

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Despite the money the team owes to the city and county, police officers were on hand to keep fans safe at Caromont Health Park.

Off-duty police officers and paramedics will be there, too.

The team’s COO Veronica Jeon said that management has been working hard to pay off debt.

She said the Honey Hunters made its delayed payments to the off-duty police officers and players.

She said the organization feels terrible about the delayed payments.

“We’ve been going through challenges,” Jeon said. “We’ve had a plan. We’ve been working on the plan. We see the light at the end of the tunnel. We’ve been working diligently and honestly; the management has been working around the clock. We’re not going anywhere. We’re here to stay.”

The team’s home field is steps away from downtown Gastonia.

However, fans filled just about a tenth of Caromont Health Park.

“We did start out during COVID-19 when other businesses were closing down,” Jeon said. “That’s when we launched. 2021. That left us in a deficit.”

A spokesperson for the city said the Honey Hunters owe $88,000 for its past due lease, management cost, and stage overrun.

Gaston County officials said the Honey Hunters owe $22,000 for unpaid medical services.

Both said they were in communication with the team about a payment plan.

‘Good to have around here’

Many of the families Channel 9′s Erika Jackson spoke to said they hadn’t heard of the team’s financial struggles.

Some said they plan to come out to the stadium more often to help the team during tough times.

“People come out and watch them,” said fan Jason Presnell. “Enjoy the time and come out and see what we have to offer out here.”

Presnell said he wants to see his home team win on the field and in his city.

“I absolutely will support the team more, because I think they’re good to have around here,” he said. “And keep building off of what we have.”

Statement from the city of Gastonia:

“The amounts owed by the Honey Hunters to the City of Gastonia remain at $88,038.75 for the past due lease, management cost, and stage overrun. The City is in conversation with the Honey Hunters organization to arrange payment.

As for tonight, we have been informed by the Team that there will be off-duty police presence at the game tonight and going forward. We want to reiterate that there have not been any incidents in the past at Honey Hunters games and we encourage the public to attend events at the ballpark.

VIDEO: Gastonia Honey Hunters to pay $100,000 it owes to city, Gaston County, officials say