ClapThe Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Thursday announced they will build a new state-of-the-art stadium exclusively for soccer. The new stadium is part of a $125 million investment in the city of East Ridge, Tennessee and has been designed to be a multi-functional facility that includes working, living and other entertainment opportunities.
Bob Martino, the owner of the Chattanooga Red Wolves, stated during a news conference that he is “laying out a vision for a community focused soccer and entertainment destination for our region”. Martino added,
“The Chattanooga Red Wolves Soccer Club was founded with the ultimate goal of strengthening our community through soccer, and this investment doubles down on my commitment to the region, our players and the soccer community. People will be able to live, dine and play here, and experiencing professional soccer in a unique setting is at the heart of this development.”
The stadium is designed specifically for soccer and will generate an experience that is unmatched for fans of soccer and will be a world-class facility for Red Wolves players. It will include a variety of different merchandise, concessions and VIP boxes but also areas for families as well as fans. Additionally, the stadium will include office space, meeting rooms for Red Wolves players and staff as well as a training center that is being next door at Camp Jordan.
The United Soccer League chief operating officer, Justin Papadakis stated the under Martino’s leadership the Chattanooga Red Wolves have set the stage to introduce the local community to a professional soccer team. Papadakis added that the economic impact and financial investment shows Martino’s commitment to those in Chattanooga and the surrounding region.
Unveiling to include multi-functional space
The unveiling of the new to be built stadium’s drawings show it will include a large area of green space, restaurants, retail areas and a hotel. It will also include 400 condominium units and apartments, 375 hotel rooms and over 474,000 square feet of commercial space. It will include multiple nature and walking trails and is expected to see at least 1200 jobs being created over the course of its construction and subsequent operation. Those jobs will generate up to $7 billion in tax revenue annually to the Chattanooga region. Mayor of Chattanooga, Brian Williams commenting on the announcement said,
“East Ridge has never experienced an investment on this level that benefits our community in so many ways. Bob Martino could have put this stadium and development wherever he wanted, but he chose our community, and we are so appreciative.”
The Red Wolves are on a high this season having won both matches played at its current stadium at David Stanton Field. General manager and president, Sean McDaniel is pleased with the results and looking forward to seeing the new stadium come into reality. Commenting, McDaniel said,
“Families and our fans will have the unique opportunity to enjoy a whole day of fun around a match or a weekend-long celebration of soccer. Our dedicated fans are already contributing to an unforgettable inaugural season, and the support from the members of our wolf pack make today’s announcement event sweeter.”
Once the new stadium has been completed, which is expected to get underway in the coming months ahead, it will be available to other organizations not related to sports for activities such as musical concerts. The exact date for completion was not stated, but it is anticipated to take several years.
