Wilson eyes boost as Warbirds prepare for takeoff: 'Pretty exciting'

With Opening Day just two weeks away on April 14, excitement is building in Wilson as the Warbirds get ready to play ball. "It's a wonderful opportunity," said Joyce Mayo, manager of WhirliDogs Café and Training Center. "I think we'll see a lot of growth.

" The downtown hot dog shop, which opened two years ago, is among local businesses anticipating a surge in customers during the team's inaugural baseball season. "It's pretty exciting," Mayo said. "It's a very good outlet for us to have more business and provide so much good food to so many people.

" The Warbirds' arrival marks a homecoming after the Carolina Mudcats left Zebulon and were rebranded in Wilson . City leaders hope the new team and stadium will draw crowds downtown on game days. Download the ABC11 News app "You could see the excitement in the community," said manager Eddy Morgan.

"We're blessed and humbled to be part of this community. " Opening Day is already sold out, but fans like Ashley Dillahunt are eager to catch a game soon. "I think it's going to bring a lot of fans and stuff to the community," Dillahunt said.