New Stadium Does Not Pass The Smell Test - And Response

  • Friday, July 1, 2022
I can't find any logical reasons that the new Lookout stadium is being placed where it is other than to think it's a combination of favoritism and eliminating an eyesore. All statistics point to an illogical decision coupled with questionable tax breaks/support.  

Lookouts average attendance in 2018 (all that I could quickly find) was 3,206 per game and ranked 74th among all minor league teams. Birmingham Barons had the highest Southern League average attendance of 5,751 and ranked 31st.

Then when one looks at Hamilton County zip code populations, the decision, in my opinion, gets even stinkier to support placing the stadium on the south side. It's probably the farthest location from any above average zip code populations. The only plus that I can determine is that there is a proposed new I-24 exit.  

I'm not going to mess with the I-24 traffic from where I live in East Brainerd to drive to this proposed location. Nothing about this passes my smell test!

Ron Peterson

* * *

Hummmmm?

Ron Peterson's smeller must be clogged up.

As an East Brainerd property owner, I have determined the proposed new site of a Lookouts stadium is really closer to East Brainerd than the current downtown location.
 
If it's the Ridge Cut traffic that bothers you my guess is that ain't gonna change anytime soon. 

For 20 years we've had Commissioner after Councilperson after Mayors and Mayors-elect discuss everything from housing to water parks to manufacturing prospects for the biggest eyesore in Chattanooga. Lots of critics. No answers. Let's repeat: lots of critics, no answers. Twenty years.

My smell test is that Mayors Coppinger and Kelly are doing what we ask them to do: Lead. Advance ideas. Create progress. Make us better.

Thanks, gentlemen. I'm sure there are some thorns, but I'm smelling roses so far on the proposed Southside development.

Keep leaning in.

Garry Mac
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