Commissioners Tour Erlanger Park

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With opening day less than two months away, several Hamilton County Commissioners toured Erlanger Park this week to see the progress on the future home of the Chattanooga Lookouts.

During the tour, officials viewed new stadium features and historic elements preserved from the original 1800s foundry buildings. 

Concrete slabs and a 1936 floor made from river rock and river sand remain in place, and the front door shed was where most of the original foundry work occurred.

The stadium will include 16 luxury suites, a suite club behind home plate, group and event spaces, and areas for non-game events. 

Right field will feature a bar next to the billboard, with bullpens located beneath the standing area. 

Designers say roughly 85 percent of seats will be shaded by first pitch, with the sun setting behind the third base line. The Riverwalk entrance (main gate) will be out in right field, and the entrance will be fully ADA compliant.

Some local leaders, including local Attorney Janie Varnell and the Hamilton County Mayor’s office have raised concerns about the lack of development around the stadium and its impact on revenue. 

Many of the Commissioners we spoke with said they’re confident the ballpark itself will fuel enough tax dollars. With visitors coming in for games from outside the county.

The pad is all ready to go for the six-story apartments, with a groundbreaking expected in the coming months.

The stadium is funded through bonds and tax increment financing, with revenue generated in the district directed back toward paying off project costs.

Opening day at Erlanger Park is scheduled for April 14 when the Chattanooga Lookouts take on the Montgomery Biscuits.