In addition to the exciting deals and money-saving opportunities happening at Rick Hendrick Durham Auto Mall, the city of Durham made more positive news this week to show that it truly is a city on the rise.

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced Wednesday that the 2008 CIAA football championship game will return to Durham and Durham County Stadium on Sat. Nov. 8.

Durham has held six of the eight games since the championship game began in 2000. The game and buildup to the game have been some of the most exciting events in Durham's sports history.

DAP To Be Renovated

In other local sports news of note this week, the old Durham Athletic Park -- which gained national prominence with the movie "Bull Durham" but then fell into disrepair -- is getting some new attention.

The former home of the Durham Bulls is getting a new field and will be home to North Carolina Central University's baseball team in 2009.

In addition to the restoration, a national minor-league baseball museum next to the stadium is planned.

"Bull Durham" was shot at the location 20 years ago. Since then, the stadium has languished, losing much of its luster when the Bulls moved to their new facility more than a decade ago.

Perhaps just as much of a downtown Durham institution as the DAP has been Rick Hendrick Durham Auto Mall, which helps to make downtown Durham a happening place.

Durham's No. 1 automobile dealer and service facility for more than a decade, the dealership offers the best deals on new or pre-owned vehicles as well as a professional staff that has earned one of the best customer-satisfaction ratings in the region.

As part of the Hendrick Automotive Group, a network of 70-plus dealerships and 122 franchises nationwide, Rick Hendrick Durham Auto Mall provides the best selection and availability of vehicles in the area. If the dealership does not have your next car, truck or SUV on the lot today, it can have the vehicle here tomorrow.

Rcck Hendrick Durham Auto Mall also offers the best financing options, working in collaboration with more than three dozen banks to get you the best rate and payment structure possible.

This week, just a few blocks from the dealership, construction began on a $5 million facelift for the Durham Athletic Park. Work starts with fencing and erosion control around the property.

Crews will repair the grandstand, install new bathrooms and clubhouses under the grandstand, renovate the concession stands, dugouts and broadcast booth and build a new maintenance building, picnic area and sand-based athletic field.

According to an article on WRAL.com, field construction is scheduled to be done by the end of the year.

Labels: Bull Durham, CIAA, Durham Athletic Park, Durham County, Rick Hendrick Chevrolet