University of Tennessee board approves $100 million makeover of Lindsey Nelson Stadium

Tennessee athletics is making some major changes to the home of the Volunteers baseball program, Lindsey Nelson Stadium. On Friday, the university board of trustees approved a nearly $100 million project to give the stadium a facelift and improve amenities for fans and teams.

The project will expand the capacity of Lindsey Nelson Stadium, bumping the seat total to 6100 with the ability for approximately 1500 more fans to pack in as standing-room only. There will also be added premium seating and improvements made to the press box area, as well.

A release announcing the makeover describes the goal as crafting “a first-class ballpark experience featuring innovative design solutions that inspire both fans and players to experience Tennessee baseball gamedays in new and exciting ways while simultaneously boosting the program’s ability to attract and retain elite student-athletes driven to succeed on and off the diamond.”

BREAKING: New images of the $100 million makeover of Lindsey Nelson Stadium. pic.twitter.com/FaMhtqCBpD

— Russell Smith (@Russell___Smith) June 30, 2023

To accommodate increased fan capacity, Lindsey Nelson Stadium will also get wider concourses, more concessions stands, more bathrooms and two additional gates to enter and exit the ballpark. One gate will be a dedicated student entry and exit point.

“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 baseball head coach Tony Vitello said in the release.

“The players we have been blessed to coach here have created a significant need for increased capacity. 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 total cost of the project is currently projected to be around $95.8 million dollars, as the board approved an additional $39 million on Friday. Work on the facilities is expected to commence in August of this year.

“The interest and excitement surrounding our plans for the new-look Lindsey Nelson Stadium have been overwhelming,” Tennessee athletic director Danny White said in the release. “After seeking additional input from Vol Nation through our fan surveys, it was apparent that we needed to think even bigger. 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.”