Chattanooga City Public Works is finalizing construction items at Erlanger Park. This work progresses toward full activation of the stadium by the Chattanooga Lookouts.

City engineer Bill Payne stated that landscaping is being completed along the extended West 26th Street and the Riverwalk. Recently finished construction included revisions to concession drink wells, the installation of final fencing and gates, and the placement of three outfield concourse benches.

The three outfield concourse benches were manufactured using materials salvaged from the former U.S. Pipe site. Ongoing work at the park includes installing fencing in outfield areas adjacent to property managed by Jim Irwin's New City firm.

The Sports Authority received information that the final construction cost will be at or below the guaranteed maximum price set by EMJ Corporation. The Lookouts organization has made an initial payment of $500,000 toward a $1 million annual rent obligation.

Since the project's inception, $1.3 million in Tax Increment Financing funds have been allocated. Soil removed during stadium excavation remains stockpiled near Interstate 24, awaiting relocation. The Chattanooga Lookouts hosted opening day and multiple home series at the park before construction was fully completed. City officials anticipate that stadium-related sales tax revenue will surpass original financial projections.

No independent assessment was available for this report.