Lindsey Nelson Stadium to undergo nearly $100 million of renovations in multiyear project
Lindsey Nelson Stadium will undergo nearly $100 million in renovations in a multiyear process to upgrade the home of Tennessee baseball as coach Tony Vitello's program continues to rise.
The project will commence in August and bring the stadium capacity to approximately 7,600 fans, an increase of almost 3,000. It addresses seating, premium-seating options, player development areas, new gates, wider concourses and concession stands.
The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees on Friday in Memphis approved the renovation budget of $95.8 million. That marks a significant increase from $56.8 million, which was reflected in the University of Tennessee at Knoxville's proposed budget for 2022-23 fiscal year.
UT athletics director Danny White called that a "very soft number" at the time.
“After seeking additional input from Vol Nation through our fan surveys, it was apparent that we needed to think even bigger," White said in a news release Friday. "But one thing we’ve been strategic about throughout this process is ensuring that the final product provides our team with the most unique and tangible homefield advantage in college baseball. Our fans and students always make their presence felt — and we want to maximize their impact on winning ballgames.”
The funding will come from a combination of major donor gifts, ticket sales, seat donations, suite sales and the My All Campaign. The funding has nearly $7.994 million earmarked for naming rights to Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
Tennessee unveiled initial renderings for the renovations in June 2022 during the Knoxville Regional, intended to invite fan feedback. UT received "overwhelmingly positive feedback," which − along with "construction market conditions" − led to the increased budget and scope after the initial proposal.
Under the new plan, Lindsey Nelson Stadium's seating capacity will increase to more than 6,100 permanent seats with the option to add standing-room access for 1,600 fans. The size of Lindsey Nelson Stadium came into focus during the NCAA Tournament when Southern Miss was selected to host a super regional instead of Tennessee, which had the superior on-paper resume. Southern Miss' Pete Taylor Park held more fans due to USM's ability to add standing-room only seating.
Lindsey Nelson Stadium's current capacity is approximately 4,250 before standing-room only seating. Tennessee installed upgraded temporary seating down the left-field line prior to the 2022 season as well as adding the second tier to the left-field porches. It added a third tier to the porches prior to the 2023 season.
"The players we have been blessed to coach here have created a significant need for increased capacity," Vitello said in a news release. "To date, our fans have been arguably the rowdiest in the country. Now, similar to our football and basketball facilities, we will have seating capacity that is more appropriate to house not just passion of our fans but the quantity, as well."
The project places an emphasis on adding new premium seating options. It features upgrades to the current MVP Club, an open-air club level that seats approximately 800 spectators, and tiers of tabletop seating overlooking third base. Media areas, kitchen, umpires' locker room, main entryways, concourses, covered seating and permanent seating along the third-base line also will be expanded and improved.
"Since arriving in Knoxville, our staff, in combination with the university's support, have earmarked player development as priority number one," Vitello said. "With these proposed renovations, our player development areas will go from some of the best in the country to a truly elite status. And this is only a portion of the extensive work that ultimately will result in a facility worthy of its fan base."
Tennessee reached the College World Series this season, its second trip to Omaha in the past three years. The Vols had a 57-win season and a lengthy stay as the No. 1 team in the nation in 2022.
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee's Lindsey Nelson Stadium renovations at nearly $100 million
