Chattanooga, Tennessee, October 22, 2025
News Summary
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has announced plans to demolish Engel Stadium, which has stood since 1930. As part of a new athletic complex for women, UTC aims to replace the deteriorating stadium, despite community pushback advocating for its historical preservation. Engel Stadium is recognized for its legacy in baseball, having hosted legends and featured in film. While financial support for the new project has emerged, opposition remains strong with petitions circulating advocating for the stadium’s protection.
Chattanooga, Tennessee – The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) has announced plans to demolish Engel Stadium, the historic stadium that was opened in 1930 and originally served as the home for the Chattanooga Lookouts baseball team. The decision comes as part of UTC’s initiative to construct a new women’s athletic complex, which will include facilities for soccer, beach volleyball, and softball.
Engel Stadium has fallen into disrepair, with reports of overgrown plants and significant structural issues indicating a need for substantial renovations. Although some community members and historians regard Engel Stadium as historically significant, they contend that UTC has a responsibility to preserve it given its status as a site on the National Register of Historic Places. The stadium has hosted legendary players like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Mays, and was prominently featured in the film “42.” The last time Engel Stadium was utilized for events was during its partial restoration for the filming in 2013, after which it has remained unused.
Recently, the Steiner family pledged a seven-figure contribution to help fund the construction of the new women’s athletics facilities. Despite the financial support, community backlash has emerged, including the launch of a petition urging UTC to reconsider the preservation of Engel Stadium. Advocates for the stadium, like Todd Morgan, director of Preserve Chattanooga, argue that the stadium’s historical importance merits a thorough consideration for its preservation.
While some residents believe the stadium may be irreparable, others, such as Grace Allen, a recent history graduate from UTC, contend that it should be saved as a historical landmark to honor its significance in baseball history. UTC officials have acknowledged the stadium’s deteriorating state but claim they plan to repurpose materials during the demolition process.
Engel Stadium’s demolition would mark the third historic site in Chattanooga slated for demolition in 2025. UTC acquired Engel Stadium from the Engel Foundation in 2011. Brent Goldberg, UTC’s vice chancellor for finance and administration, has stated that no formal timeline for the demolition has been established yet, leaving the timeline for both demolition and the construction of the new complex still uncertain.
Summary of Engel Stadium Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1930 |
| Original Use | Home of the Chattanooga Lookouts |
| Significant Visitors | Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Willie Mays |
| Status | In disrepair; on National Register of Historic Places |
| Recent Use | Partially restored for film “42” in 2013 |
| Scheduled Demolition | Part of UTC women’s athletic complex construction |
Community Response
The community remains divided regarding the future of Engel Stadium, with petitions circulating to preserve the emblematic structure. Advocates argue for its cultural and historical value, while UTC emphasizes the necessity of developing modern athletic facilities for female athletes.
Next Steps
With UTC planning for the future, community members and advocacy groups may continue to voice their opinions about Engel Stadium. As discussions unfold, the university will have to balance its athletic goals with the historical significance of the venue.
FAQs
What is UTC planning to demolish?
UTC intends to demolish Engel Stadium to construct a women’s athletic complex.
When was Engel Stadium opened?
Engel Stadium opened in 1930.
What has Engel Stadium been used for in the past?
It was the original home for the Chattanooga Lookouts baseball team and has hosted legendary players such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Mays.
What issues have been reported about Engel Stadium?
The stadium has fallen into disrepair, with overgrown plants and significant structural issues reported.
What community actions have been taken regarding UTC’s plans?
A petition has been launched urging UTC to preserve Engel Stadium, which is regarded by some as historically significant.
What will be included in the new women’s athletic complex?
The complex will include facilities for soccer, beach volleyball, and softball.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Chattanooga Secures 13 Acres at Missionary Ridge for Preservation
Chattanooga Bar Foundation Honors New Class of Fellows
Chattanooga Faces Divided Opinions on Historic Structures and Demolition Projects
Hamilton County Commissioners to Vote on Hamilton Plan
Chattanooga’s Engel Stadium Faces Demolition Plans
Hamilton County Leaders Address Key Community Issues
Additional Resources
- NewsChannel9: Engel Stadium Demolition Plans
- Wikipedia: Engel Stadium
- Local3News: Historic Building Demolitions
- Google Search: Engel Stadium history
- Times Free Press: Engel Stadium Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Chattanoogan: Engel Stadium Demolition News
- Google News: Engel Stadium Chattanooga
- Ballpark Digest: Engel Stadium Future
- Google Scholar: Engel Stadium
- WDEF: Engel Stadium Concerns
