CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (July 9, 2020) – As the Chattanooga Red Wolves approach July 9th, the club reflects on the massive progress that has been made on their home, CHI Memorial Stadium, over the past year.
On July 9th of 2019, a collection of dignitaries, media and sports personalities gathered for an announcement that would change the Chattanooga sports landscape forever. Bob Martino announced a $150 million dollar mixed use development, including a $20 million professional soccer stadium, the first of its kind in Tennessee.
A year has passed since that announcement and much has happened since. Over the winter, an extensive amount of site work was completed. Early this spring CHI Memorial was announced as the stadium naming rights partner and throughout the spring and summer the Stadium has been taking shape as the FIFA-Quality turf and seating has been installed.
“It’s been remarkable what the stadium development company has achieved, says Red Wolves GM & President Sean McDaniel. “Coming off the wettest winter in the history of Chattanooga and the COVID-19 pandemic and still managing to build a playable professional stadium in under a year is an amazing feat.”
Even with all that’s been achieved in just a year, CHI Memorial Stadium and the mixed-use development still have a lot more coming. “While CHI Memorial Stadium will be able to host games this season, there is still much more to come. The stadium will continue to grow and develop throughout this season and into the offseason. Stadium amenities like the full scale Beer Garden, Executive Club, Suites and more are still to come,” says owner and developer Bob Martino. “Our initial focus was to deliver CHI Memorial Stadium at professional league standards in a 1-year time frame. Next, the construction of the supporting amenities for CHI Memorial Stadium as well as the commercial and residential units in the development will begin.”
The stadium and development will mean a lot for the local community, economy and tourism. “We are already seeing the increased impact that this project has had on the community and are excited for all of the growth that the future holds,” says East Ridge Mayor Brian Williams. “We’re so very excited to be able to watch our Red Wolves play at their home field this year in East Ridge, Tennessee.
The vision, hailed by many as a Chattanooga-Centric version of The Battery, is a game changer for Chattanooga, East Ridge and Hamilton County.
Ultimately creating thousands of jobs, generating millions of dollars into the local economy and strengthening the community and sports tourism in the area. “We’re excited to watch this important project take shape and be able to contribute not only to the appreciation and growth of soccer, but to the community as a whole,” says Lisa McCluskey, Vice President of Marketing Communications at CHI Memorial. “We look forward to this innovative venue becoming a beacon for sports tourism, a place where we can work together to strengthen community health and wellness, and further economic development in our region.”
When it comes to the Red Wolves Soccer Club, the progress of CHI Memorial Stadium has been more than helpful. “The excitement of CHI Memorial Stadium opening, along with USL League One establishing a return-to-play date, has translated into a lot of sales,” says McDaniel. “With social distancing measures in place, our ticket sales team has already sold out 3 sections within the stadium and have been doubling weekly season ticket sales each week since the USL approved the return-to-play framework. The people of Chattanooga have rallied around CHI Memorial Stadium, and we have been fortunate to capitalize on the momentum that everyone in our community has played a part in creating.”
