CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (December 4, 2024) --- The Stadium Corporation released the first annual report in the organization’s history. The Stadium Corporation noted significant investment and upgrades made to the 27-year-old facility. Investments by the Chattanooga City Council and Hamilton County Commission resulted in $1.2 million improvements to the facility. These funds were used for the two most pressing projects: LED field lighting conversion and elevator modernization scheduled to commence after the first of the year.

The LED lighting project brings Finley up to current and future lighting standards in the industry and provides enhanced experiences for music events, football and soccer games as well as nationally televised major events.

Stadium leaders noted that over 500 event activations occurred last year on the campus and over 450,000 visitors came to Finley to support Chattanooga Mocs football, Chattanooga FC matches, visit the Chattanooga Market, enjoy Ice on the Landing or attend one of the events at the First Horizon Pavilion that raised over $1 million to support local efforts.

Earlier this year, the Stadium welcomed significant investment by Tri-Star Beverage as it opened the doors to the Ultra Club, located inside the main entrance to the stadium. With state-of-the-art technology, availability to an abundance of parking and the ability to offer space to up to 250 individuals, the space is a critical compliment to Finley’s campus.

Tri-Star was also instrumental in supporting the relationship between Finley and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga. Guests were encouraged to recycle beverage cans at various events throughout the year. 45,000 cans were recycled with over $2,000.00 generated to support work being done by Habitat.

Since 2021, Finley has served as host to the BlueCross Bowl. With 18,149 fans in the stands in 2023, the Baylor, McCallie game was the highest attended high school football game in state history. Just as it did last year, Finley will host a rematch between the powerhouses later this week. The Stadium anticipates the game will be sold out with more than 20,000 in attendance.

The report notes that Finley Forward will provide a much-needed focus on a master plan for the campus. Over $2.4 million in capital funding has been executed or secured for the effort; however, deferred maintenance and facility modernization projects will require additional funding to meet future needs. The Stadium Corporation is planning renovations to the west-end of the facility to redesign space to meet multiple venue and community goals. Once complete, the space will modernize locker facilities with ancillary spaces for major events, provide built-in concert infrastructure to reduce promoter cost and increase capacity, create a 365 pedestrian plaza between the Pavilion and Stadium, and, provide permanent food and beverage installations overlooking the field to support both venues.

The 2024 BlueCross Bowl kicks off this Thursday, with the Baylor and McCallie rematch at 7pm, and continues through Saturday with nine champions crowned throughout the weekend. Tickets are available for purchase at BluecrossBowl.com.

Stadium Corporation Board Chairman Mike Davis noted, “With the additions of Ice on the Landing, Main Street Farmer’s Market, and Pickleball in the Pavilion, Finley is truly a 365 operation now. Our board is proud of Finley’s success and the staff that has been more than up to the challenge. As we begin our 27th year, we see a community organization filling an important role for Chattanooga that has been well worth a generational investment.”

Finley Stadium and First Horizon Pavilion Executive Director Brian Wright added, “Finley Stadium and First Horizon Pavilion’s next chapter is being written by the community- a community that has created so many memories over two and a half decades here-and now is bringing in a new generation of Chattanoogans to build and create their own story here to carry forward. Finley is on the cusp of being Chattanooga’s Lambeau Field Fenway Park or Neyland Stadium. We’re honored to help tell that story and build a resilient and vibrant community for the future generations to enjoy.”

A digital copy of the annual report if available in the link below. 

ABOUT THE STADIUM CORPORATION
The Stadium Corporation is the operating entity of Finley Stadium Davenport Field, the First Horizon Pavilion, and surrounding property. Home to Chattanooga Mocs Football, the Chattanooga Football Club, and the Chattanooga Market, the campus hosts 450,000+ visitors and over 500 events annually. Opened in 1997 as a public-private partnership, Finley Stadium has also hosted the FCS National Championship, US Soccer National Teams, TSSAA Football Championships, concerts, and numerous local and regional events.

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