Chattanooga’s New Ballpark Under Construction

News Summary

Chattanooga is witnessing the commencement of construction for the new ballpark dedicated to the Chattanooga Lookouts, with the first steel beams set to rise this February. This ambitious project, located in the South Broad District, is a $115 million venture expected to open in early 2026. Funded through a mix of bonds and contributions, the ballpark will not only host sports events but also serve as a catalyst for $1 billion in area development, rejuvenating a once-thriving manufacturing hub.

Exciting Times Ahead for Chattanooga with New Ballpark Construction!

Chattanooga is buzzing with anticipation as the new ballpark for the Chattanooga Lookouts is taking shape! It’s an exciting milestone for the city, with the very first steel beams set to rise in the sky later this February, and what a sight it’s bound to be!

Where’s it Going Up?

The state-of-the-art ballpark is being built in the South Broad District, a prime location that’s sure to attract fans from all around. City Engineer Bill Payne recently confirmed that these strong steel beams will support a structure that lines the third base side of the venue. This is just the beginning of an ambitious $115 million project that’s scheduled to swing open its gates in early 2026.

What’s the Plan?

As fans await the new home of the Lookouts, it’s important to know who’s overseeing this grand project. The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Sports Authority has taken charge of ensuring everything runs smoothly. In the meantime, crews have already removed a whopping 96 truckloads of “special waste” from what used to be an old foundry site. Surprisingly, this waste accounted for only about 2% of the soil moved—talk about effective cleanup!

Where’s the Money Coming From?

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of finances, shall we? Funding for the stadium comes from a variety of sources. A whopping $80 million will come from both taxable and tax-exempt bonds, with the majority of repayments coming from newly generated city and county taxes. Another $26 million is being pitched in through private loans by the Lookouts and the landowner, with plans for repayment via new city property tax revenue.

Additionally, there’s $5 million in sports authority debt that will be repaid through city property tax revenues, hotel-motel taxes, or local sales taxes. The Lookouts are also chipping in with an upfront contribution of $3 million, alongside $1 million earned on the bonds. To top it all off, the Lookouts are committed to paying a minimum of $1 million each year in rent!

A Glimpse Inside the Ballpark

Now, what can fans expect when they finally get to step inside? The structure along the third base line is set to feature some fantastic amenities including seating, suites, and a snazzy concourse to grab those classic ballpark snacks! The stadium will comfortably accommodate between 6,000 to 7,000 spectators, ensuring a lively atmosphere for every game.

Occupying nearly 10 acres of the old foundry’s 140-acre property, this ballpark is set to become a centerpiece for the area. Interestingly, the playing surface will be situated about 10 to 12 feet below grade, making it more accessible for all patrons. Sounds like a perfect place for a day out with the family!

More than Just a Ballpark

But this project isn’t just about baseball; it’s about the future of the surrounding area! Developers foresee this new facility acting as a catalyst for an astounding $1 billion in potential new development. With plans to create a modern complement to the renovated foundry structures, it aims to rejuvenate an area that has largely been unused since manufacturing operations dwindled decades ago.

Combining efforts from both public and private entities, this ballpark is set to spark a new life into Chattanooga’s landscape. As the steel beams rise, so do the hopes and dreams of fans and residents alike, looking forward to a vibrant future filled with baseball action!

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Additional Resources

• Times Free Press: First Steel Going Up This Month
• Wikipedia: Chattanooga Lookouts
• Sports Business Journal: Chattanooga Lookouts Stadium Groundbreaking
• Google Search: Chattanooga Lookouts
• News Channel 9: Live Camera Unveiled for Lookouts Stadium
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
• Chattanooga Pulse: Ground Broken on Future Home of Lookouts
• Google News: Chattanooga Lookouts Stadium
• Local 3 News: Construction for New Lookouts Stadium Moving Along