Chattanooga Sports Authority Meeting - April 22, 2026

The Chattanooga Sports Authority met on April 22, 2026, to discuss a temporary access, construction, and use easement agreement that would allow River City Company to take over the former AT&T Field site after the Chattanooga Lookouts vacate on May 31, 2026. The meeting covered the background of the property, the planned demolition, and the long-term redevelopment vision, with a focus on transferring responsibility and risk from the Sports Authority to River City Company.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting (August 2025).

Discussion Items

• Overview of the Temporary Easement Agreement: Chairman Armour provided background on the property, noting that River City Company acquired the Kirkman School site in 1994 and transferred it to the Sports Authority to facilitate the baseball stadium. The current lease does not require the stadium to be demolished upon termination, so the site will be returned with the structure intact. The proposed agreement grants River City Company rights to access, demolish, and maintain the site while they prepare for redevelopment.
• River City Company’s Presentation: Emily Mack, President and CEO of River City Company, detailed the redevelopment process. She explained that demolition bids are due soon, and River City will cover all costs, including insurance and indemnification of the Sports Authority. No taxpayer dollars will be used. The site will be graded and reseeded to become a green field. Light programming (e.g., kite flying, yoga) may be considered in 2027 after the grass is established, but no events are planned for 2026. The framework plan, based on over 3,000 community survey responses, envisions a mixed-use, mixed-income downtown neighborhood with housing, food and beverage spaces, a public trail, and over 1,200 parking spaces. River City has issued an RFP for a master developer, with selection and design expected to take 2–3 years.
• Board Questions and Concerns:
  • A member asked about timing for River City to exercise its purchase option. Chairman Armour clarified that the agreement is an interim step; the purchase right is not immediate.
  • The board discussed the removal of the original reversion clause requiring the stadium to be torn down. It was noted that the clause was removed during a prior ownership change.
  • Questions about demolition costs and scrap value: Emily Mack confirmed that proceeds from salvaged metal will offset demolition expenses, as stated in the agreement.
  • The term of the easement was debated. The board agreed to a 3-year initial term with two 1-year renewal options (up to 5 years), as River City expects redevelopment to be completed within 5 years. A termination provision will be added.
  • Public safety and site security were addressed: River City will partner with the Downtown Chattanooga Alliance and use CPD’s no-trespassing list. Construction fencing will be removed after demolition, and the site will be monitored daily.
• Next Steps: The board set a special meeting for May 8, 2026 at 11:30 AM to vote on the revised agreement. The city attorney’s office and River City will refine the document to include a specific term and termination clause.

Key Outcomes

• Agreement to Proceed with Revisions: The board directed staff to revise the temporary easement agreement to include a 3-year initial term with two 1-year renewals and a termination provision.
• Special Meeting Scheduled: May 8, 2026 at 11:30 AM to vote on the final agreement.
• Annual Updates: River City Company will provide progress reports at the Sports Authority’s annual meetings.
• No Public Comments: The meeting did not include public testimony.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned unanimously after setting the next meeting date.