Mayor Wamp blasts Erlanger naming rights deal for new Lookouts stadium

UPDATE 2 (5/23/2025): In the Lookouts’ statement, they pointed to nine other ballparks across the country sponsored by hospitals.

This includes the new Knoxville stadium, Covenant Health Park.

They insist that quote, “These health systems wouldn’t be doing and renewing these if they didn’t provide significant benefits to the health systems, which helps them serve the local communities.” 

The Lookouts also stated that their rent is tied for the highest in minor league baseball history.

This commitment to partnership was a theme reiterated through their joint announcement on Thursday.

Erlanger CEO Jim Coleman said, “Both of our organizations have over a 100 year legacy in this market, and it just makes a lot of sense to do. That connection to the community, the deep roots in the community, we are really excited.”

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UPDATE (5/23/2025):   After reaching out to Erlanger and the Lookouts for comment on Mayor Weston Wamp’s statement on Erlanger’s decision to buy naming right to the new stadium, both responded.

Erlanger said the following:

“Erlanger has never been better positioned to continue delivering world-class services to Hamilton County than it is today. Thanks to our amazing team of medical professionals, we have industry-leading retention rates and do not have any nursing shortages. We are proud of our decision to become the naming rights partner of the Lookouts’ incredible new stadium because it allows our system an unparalleled opportunity to reach our community in new and exciting ways in a competitive market. This partnership makes sense, and we look forward to welcoming our entire region to enjoy Erlanger Park next year.”

The Chattanooga Lookouts also released a statement, saying:

“The Lookouts could not be more proud to partner with such an esteemed and impactful local institution as Erlanger, which is not only the largest employer in our county but is also our region’s biggest advocate for healthy lifestyles. This is a natural fit for so many reasons, not least of which is that both of our institutions have played major roles in making Hamilton County such a great place to live and raise a family for over 100 years.”

We also asked the office of Mayor Tim Kelly for comments on Wamp’s statement.

“This sponsorship makes a ton of sense for Erlanger, and we support their leadership and direction fully. A partnership between two organizations that have been supporting and improving Chattanooga for more than 100 years is something to celebrate.”

– Mayor Tim Kelly

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp put out a statement this morning blasting Erlanger’s decision to buy naming rights to the new Chattanooga Lookouts stadium.

That was announced in a joint press conference by the Lookouts and Erlanger on Thursday.

Mayor Wamp said in his statement:

“When the County supported Erlanger’s transition to a nonprofit hospital, we didn’t envision multimillion dollar deals for stadium naming rights. I am very supportive of Erlanger Hospital and its current leadership, but at a time of severe nursing shortages and quality of care concerns, this decision is hard to explain.

As feared, it appears the stadium will be a drain on our community’s resources for years to come.  Before I was elected, the Lookouts convinced city leaders to give the team all revenue from naming rights on this publicly owned facility. Now, in a sad twist, our local safety net hospital will be footing the bill for the Lookouts $1 million annual lease payment.”

That dollar amount has not been confirmed by the Lookouts or Erlanger.

We reached out to Erlanger and the Lookouts for a response.