A proposed Chattanooga Red Wolves stadium and associated development plan has been unanimously approved by the East Ridge City Council, clearing the way for the project to proceed.
Division III USL League One‘s Red Wolves are planning a new stadium that will anchor a larger mixed-use development on about 100 acres at Interstate 75 and Interstate 24. The estimated $125 million plan is led by Red Wolves and Utah-based Star Community Builders owner Bob Martino, and calls for a 5,550-seat stadium to highlight a project that includes 400 apartment and condominium units, 375 hotel rooms, 475,000 square feet of commercial space including the stadium, and a mix of walking and nature trails.
Last night’s approval came after public comment on the project, where the feedback focused on the location of the development as well as possible traffic impacts on area residents. From The Chattanoogan:
The majority of those speaking were opposed to the location, not the project. The development is planned for property at 6500 McCall Road, which is along I-75 and adjacent to Landsdale Park, a residential neighborhood that is in a wetlands area and floodplain. Reasons cited for opposition include uncertainty about which roads would be used to access the soccer complex and if the existing houses and duplexes along those streets would also be rezoned. The city’s zoning ordinance specifies that access can only be made through large public roads, which appears to be a contradiction, said one speaker. Another issue is that the city’s ordinance specifies acceptable usage of this property and an outdoor stadium is not included in the list.
There was also concern about the 3,000-plus parking spaces that would be needed and where they would be put. Neighborhood residents fear that cars would overflow the designated spaces and parking and end up walking through their neighborhoods. Noise created at the soccer games and concerts, which has been mentioned as another use for the facility, is also a big concern.
The Red Wolves have expressed hope that work on the stadium can begin this summer. The Red Wolves are currently playing home matches at Chattanooga Christian School’s David Stanton Field.
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