Chattanooga’s Southside Stadium Construction Begins as Community Awaits Exciting New Venue

Chattanooga’s New Stadium Development Underway!

Big news for Chattanooga sports fans! The future home of the Chattanooga Lookouts, our beloved minor league baseball team, is officially starting to take shape. Yes, you heard it right! Excitement is building as the site for the Southside Stadium has been fully excavated, and crews are now working diligently on pouring foundations. The city’s keen transformation is already underway, and it’s fascinating to see how everything is shaping up!

What’s Happening on Site?

During a recent meeting with the Sports Authority, city engineer Bill Payne shared some amazing updates. So far, an impressive 78,000 cubic yards of soil have been moved to prepare for construction. Isn’t that mind-boggling? It turns out there’s also a crushing operation taking place right on site. They’re grinding up the displaced concrete and reusing it as structural fill. Talk about smart recycling!

Payne cautioned that there’s still a tight timeline to get the stadium ready for its grand opening in April 2026. The anticipation is palpable! Every detail matters, especially since this project is budgeted at a whopping $125 million. Up to this point, nearly $6.3 million has already been spent, making this development a major financial undertaking for our city.

Funding News

In more positive news, the financing for the project seems to be in good shape. The board learned that bonds have been sold and received a fantastic AAA rating. This is a critical step in ensuring that the project is both funded and can progress smoothly. Bonds were also issued for the area adjacent to the ballpark which has been acquired by developer Jim Irwin. What’s interesting is that this area includes an old foundry building that is slated for repurposing. Isn’t it great to see old structures revitalized?

For anyone wondering about the buildings that housed the Wheland Foundry and U.S. Pipe, don’t worry! Most of those historic buildings will be retained in this redevelopment. This is a wonderful step towards preserving Chattanooga’s history while making room for exciting new projects!

Community Impact

This new stadium won’t just be a home for the Lookouts; it’s also expected to have a significant impact on the community. With more events, games, and activities being hosted, local businesses could see a boost from increased foot traffic and tourism. Families, sports fans, and everyone in between will have a brand-new, state-of-the-art venue to rally around. How exciting is that?

While there’s still a road ahead to completion, the news about the Southside Stadium is undoubtedly encouraging. Residents are eager to support this project, hoping it brings unity and excitement back to Chattanooga’s vibrant community.

Stay Updated!

As work continues on the Southside Stadium, keep your ear to the ground! Updates are sure to follow, and you won’t want to miss a single detail about this transformative project. Will you be among the first to grab a ticket when the opening day arrives? Fingers crossed for some unforgettable baseball moments!

So there you have it, Chattanooga! Remember the name – Southside Stadium. It’s not just a construction site; it’s the future of sports in our town!