Erlanger Park Stadium Construction on Track for Completion

Chattanooga, TN, August 15, 2025

News Summary

The Erlanger Park Stadium project in Chattanooga is progressing well, with nearly $38 million already spent towards the $115 million budget. Developers anticipate completion by April 14, in time for the Chattanooga Lookouts’ home opener. The stadium is expected to drive significant economic development in the surrounding area, with updates on construction phases and adjustments underway due to various challenges, including weather conditions.

Chattanooga – The construction of the new Erlanger Park Stadium is progressing as planned and remains on schedule for completion in time for the Chattanooga Lookouts’ home opener on April 14, against the Montgomery Biscuits. Developers and officials report that nearly $38 million has been invested into the project, which is expected to serve as a major catalyst for approximately $1 billion in surrounding development.

The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Sports Authority Board, overseeing the stadium’s creation, received an update on the development status during a recent meeting. Andy Stone, a partner in the company managing the site, confirmed that the construction timeline is on track, despite some challenges posed by weather conditions.

As of August 1, EMJ Construction, the general contractor, has spent $37.8 million of the $80 million allocated from bonds sold by the Sports Authority, aligning with the overall budget of $115 million for the project. Delays in the spending were attributed to delayed invoices and savings secured by EMJ to address unforeseen costs. Currently, over $26 million worth of construction activity is in progress, indicating that the project is moving forward effectively.

Significant milestones in recent construction updates include renovations to the Powerhouse, the oldest industrial building on the site, which dates back to 1882. This structure will become a venue for seating and food offerings. Additionally, contractors have commenced pouring concrete for stadium seating areas and are working on improvements to the Riverwalk, which will serve as the main entrance to the stadium.

A section of the Riverwalk has faced closure since July, but efforts are ongoing to reopen it as expeditiously as possible. In terms of project adjustments, the Sports Authority board approved two change orders that collectively increased the design and materials testing contract values by over $878,000. Nevertheless, the boost in design contract costs was partially countered by a contingency fund, resulting in a net increase of $335,000.

One key change to the design involved elevating the playing field by 10 feet due to concerns about contaminated groundwater from the former foundry site. Despite challenges such as significant flooding earlier this year — which contributed to four fatalities linked to heavy rains — construction swiftly resumed, benefiting from an efficient drainage system located beneath Interstate 24.

Furthermore, a special tax district around the stadium has surfaced, generating new property tax revenue, which aims to assist in offsetting stadium debts. Last year, the tax district generated $506,298, contributing to debt repayment over an initial 30-year period. However, the ongoing development remains susceptible to weather conditions, with stakeholders hopeful that construction can be expedited while facilitating renewed access to the Riverwalk.

Key Project Details

• Location: Former U.S. Pipe/Wheland Foundry site, between Broad Street and Interstate 24
• Total Budget: $115 million
• Current Spending: $37.8 million
• Expected Opening: April 14, 2024
• First Home Game: Chattanooga Lookouts vs. Montgomery Biscuits

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Additional Resources

• Chattanooga Lookouts Stadium Construction Update
• Wikipedia: Chattanooga
• Opinion on Recent Rainfall in Chattanooga
• Google Search: Chattanooga Weather News
• Flooding in Hamilton County
• Google Scholar: Hamilton County Flooding
• Preseason Football Predictions
• Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
• Bradley Central Rebuilding for the Season
• Google News: Bradley Central Football

Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.