By: Ava-Caroline Schmidt
After 25 years at AT&T Field in downtown Chattanooga, the city’s Minor League Baseball team is preparing to move into a new stadium. Erlanger Park, future home of the Chattanooga Lookouts, is currently under construction in the South Broad District, which will put the team close to the base of Lookout Mountain. The stadium is set to open in April 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of the oldest minor league franchises in America.
Construction of Erlanger Park remains “on time and on budget,” according to News Channel 9. The stadium is being developed by the Chattanooga Sports Authority, an entity formed by the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County, which oversees the city’s sports infrastructure projects. when the first pitch is thrown at Erlanger Park in the spring of 2026, it won’t just mark the start of a new season. It will mark the start of a new legacy for Chattanooga baseball.
Once completed, the stadium will feature an 8,000-seat capacity, a notable increase from AT&T Field’s smaller seating arrangement. The field will serve as a central hub for both the Lookouts and community events year-round. The team’s home games are expected to make up only about 20% of the events hosted at the venue, as the new field will be used for other events and, when not in use, will serve as a public park.
Fans attending games at Erlanger Park can expect improved accessibility and convenience, with 2,700 on-site parking spots plus three additional lots nearby connected by the Tennessee Riverwalk. Although sections of the Riverwalk are currently closed for stadium construction, officials estimate that walking distances from the farthest lots will average only two and a half to three minutes once the project is complete.
The design also prioritizes community use. When not hosting games or events, Erlanger Park will remain open to the public, allowing residents to enjoy its picnic tables, green spaces and scenic walking routes. The stadium’s open layout mirrors Chattanooga’s ongoing effort to create recreational spaces that serve both fans and families.
The Lookouts’ final season at AT&T Field concluded with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. Their last regular-season game took place on Sept. 7, closing out a 73–61 record in the Southern League. The team finished second in the North Division behind the Birmingham Barons, ending what team president Rich Marzingo described as “a great run.”
The future of AT&T Field on Hawk Hill is already being discussed. The property will be handed over to River City Company to be “reimagined,” but specific redevelopment plans have yet to be announced.
The move to Erlanger Park symbolizes more than just a change of venue. It reflects Chattanooga’s commitment to preserving baseball tradition while adapting to the city’s continued growth. The new location will strengthen connections between sports, business and community life, offering locals and visitors a modern destination to celebrate America’s pastime.
As construction continues and anticipation builds, one thing is certain: when the first pitch is thrown at Erlanger Park in the spring of 2026, it won’t just mark the start of a new season. It will mark the start of a new legacy for Chattanooga baseball.
