Renovations to Tennessee baseball’s Lindsey Nelson Stadium won’t be complete prior to the 2025 season due to construction challenges causing delays during the second phase of the multiyear project.
UT announced Wednesday it expects to have the project completed prior to the 2026 season due to delays resulting from utility relocation issues, which makes it a three-year project instead of a two-year project as initially hoped for. Many updates and additions will still be completed before the 2025 season begins with Tennessee as the defending national champions.
“We are enthusiastic about offering a world-class experience for the best fans in the country once the renovations at Lindsey Nelson Stadium are complete,” Tennessee athletics director Danny White said in a school release. “We deeply appreciate our fans’ patience and understanding as we navigate through the construction process.”
Construction updates will continue to be made during the 2025 season regarding components of the stadium slated to be finished in the third phase.
Why is there a delay in the Lindsey Nelson Stadium renovations?
The construction team working at Lindsey Nelson Stadium encountered issues with utilities surrounding the stadium, which led to the delay in the timeline for the project.
Many utilities had to be relocated, which required processes including local review and approval before starting other aspects of the renovations. Notably, the utility work affected the placement of foundations and steel for new suites and a club level along the third-base line.
Pat Head Summitt Street will remain closed to vehicles during the 2025 season. Construction also is ongoing around the home-plate entrance.
“While we all wish these updates could be completed by the start of next season, we understand the in-depth process required to complete a project of this magnitude and the challenges that come with it,” Vols coach Tony Vitello said.
What renovations will be complete at Lindsey Nelson Stadium before the 2025 season?
Tennessee expects to install four-top tables along the right-field line, a permanent net system and a right-field student section prior to the 2025 season. It also will add a left-field bar area on the left-field line, new chairbacks seats under an added mezzanine level as well as restrooms and concession stands along the first-base line.
UT is renovating restrooms behind home plate and upgrading seating behind home plate.
What construction work will remain at Lindsey Nelson Stadium?
The construction delay will most significantly affect Tennessee’s plans for the suite and club level, which are no longer expected to be complete this offseason and instead are on target to be added before the 2026 season.
UT will still be working on the home-plate entrance and plaza area, as well as the third-base line restrooms and concession stands. Upgrades such as a new sound system, player entry, merchandise shops, and a kitchen also are on the plans for next year.
A fully completed mezzanine level, an MVP room expansion, renovated home-plate concessions areas and elevators round out the list of projects slated for the third phase.
How much are the Lindsey Nelson Stadium renovations costing Tennessee?
The initial estimate for the Lindsey Nelson Stadium renovations approached $100 million.
The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved a renovation budget of $95.8 million in June 2023. That marked 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.
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.
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
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Publish date : 2024-08-14 08:01:00
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