Chattanooga, September 20, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga has announced new parking initiatives to improve accessibility and support the local economy, including new symbols for parking areas and a three-month pilot program for free parking credits. The ‘First Hour Free’ program and a $25 Weekend Parking Pass are also introduced, addressing concerns raised by local businesses. Additionally, Erlanger Medical Center will sponsor a new multi-use stadium opening in 2026, enhancing community engagement and visitor experience in downtown Chattanooga.
Chattanooga has announced a series of new parking initiatives designed to enhance accessibility in its downtown area and support the local economy. The city is introducing new symbols for parking in city-owned lots and garages as part of this initiative, which is set to launch next month. These changes follow a pilot program for free-parking credits that was implemented a few months ago, which aimed to provide relief for drivers who reported confusion regarding the lack of signs or markers indicating city-managed parking spots.
The new parking logos will be prominently displayed as large stickers at the entrances of free lots and garages, helping drivers quickly identify which lots are managed by the Chattanooga Parking Authority (CPA). Additionally, these logos will show locations where parking credits from the initial pilot program can be utilized. The initiative aims to alleviate parking difficulties and provide a better experience for residents and visitors alike.
Residents can take advantage of a new three-month pilot program offering free parking credits starting next month. Registration for the parking credit program opened last Friday and will remain available until July 25th. To enroll, drivers must enter their license plate numbers, and late registrations will not be accepted. The program offers three types of parking credit packages valued up to a total of $24 for the duration of three months. Options for utilizing the credits include on-street sessions via ParkMobile and parking sessions at CPA or CARTA managed lots, as well as the Shuttle Park North Garage. It is important to note that the credits must be used within the month they are allocated, as they will expire at the end of that month.
In addition to the parking credit program, other new initiatives include a “First Hour Free” program and a Weekend Parking Pass. The Weekend Parking Pass is priced at $25 and provides unlimited access to all paid street parking, CPA-managed lots, and Shuttle Park facilities from Friday at 6 p.m. to Monday at 6 a.m. These initiatives were developed in response to feedback from local business owners, who identified parking costs as a significant barrier for visitors, particularly families and out-of-town guests.
Adding to the downtown’s appeal, Erlanger Medical Center has secured the naming rights for the new stadium where the Chattanooga Lookouts will play, under the name Erlanger Park. This facility is currently under construction on the former U.S. Pipe/Wheland Foundry site and is expected to serve as a multi-use sports and entertainment venue starting with the 2026 season. Erlanger Park will host public events, community gatherings, and private functions, fostering community spirit and supporting regional economic development through its partnership with the Lookouts.
To enhance its historical aspect, the Lookouts plan to preserve and restore two historic buildings within Erlanger Park for additional event space. Furthermore, the entry price for Erlanger Park will be lower than the current pricing at AT&T Field, aiming to provide affordable entertainment options for all visitors.
Key Components of Parking Initiatives
- New parking symbols introduced for city-owned lots and garages
- Three-month pilot program for free parking credits starts next month
- Registration for the program is open until July 25th
- Credits must be used within the month allocated
- Weekend Parking Pass offers unlimited access for $25
Future Developments
- Erlanger Park to open in 2026 as a multi-use sports venue
- Focus on affordable entertainment and community events
- Two historic buildings to be preserved within Erlanger Park
Conclusion
The new parking initiatives and Erlanger Park project together represent a concerted effort by the city to improve accessibility and promote economic development in Chattanooga’s downtown area. Residents and visitors alike can benefit from these upgrades that aim to create a more user-friendly environment.
FAQs
What new parking initiatives has Chattanooga introduced?
Chattanooga introduces new symbols for parking in city-owned lots and garages.
What is the pilot program for free-parking credits?
The program offers free parking credits starting next month, with registration open until July 25th.
How can residents register for the parking credit program?
To register, drivers must enter their license plate numbers and late registrations will not be accepted.
What additional parking options are available in Chattanooga?
Other initiatives include a “First Hour Free” program and a Weekend Parking Pass costing $25.
What is Erlanger Park?
Erlanger Park is a new multi-use sports and entertainment venue under construction, set to open in 2026.
Key Features of Parking Initiatives and Erlanger Park
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Parking Symbols | Visible logos at entrances of city-owned parking lots and garages. |
| Free Parking Credits | Three-month pilot program offering credits for parking. |
| Weekend Parking Pass | Priced at $25 for unlimited access from Friday to Monday. |
| Erlanger Park | Multi-use venue opening in 2026, offering affordable entertainment. |
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Additional Resources
- News Channel 9: Chattanooga Parking Initiatives
- MILB: Lookouts and Erlanger Announce Erlanger Park
- News Channel 9: Free Parking Credits Program
- Chattanoogan: New Lookouts Stadium – Erlanger Park
- Chattanooga Pulse: Sculpture Fields at Montague Park
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Google Search: Chattanooga parking initiatives
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga economic development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga
- Google News: Chattanooga parking programs
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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