Tennessee baseball hoped to have the vast majority of renovations at Lindsey Nelson Stadium done by the start of the 2025 season but that will not be the case, the athletic department announced Wednesday afternoon.
Issues and “unforeseen conditions associated with stadium site work” is the cause of the delays, most notably the relocation of surrounding utilities. Due to the renovations, Tennessee must relocate a number of utilities that “often necessitate additional processes.” The university is unable to carry on with parts of the renovation project until the relocation of utilities is completed and there’s plenty of red tape to work through to get that done.
“Our staff and I appreciate Vol Nation for all the support we’ve received, specifically from our fans who have created one of the best home-field advantages in college baseball”, Tennessee head oach Tony Vitello said in a statement. “The ongoing updates to Lindsey Nelson Stadium will only enhance the incredible environment established on Rocky Top for our passionate supporters who deserve a first-class facility that stands among the best in the country.
“While we all wish these updates could be completed by the start of next season, we understand the in-depth process required to complete a project of this magnitude and the challenges that come with it.”
There’s a number of renovation areas that are delayed until the 2026 season. Chief amongst them is the new third level at Lindsey Nelson Stadium that will include premium seating and a new press box. Tennessee has already torn down the old press box at Lindsey Nelson Stadium but won’t have the new third level completed before the 2025 season.
Other parts of the renovations that won’t be complete until the start of the 2026 season includes the new home plate entrance and plaza level. It is currently uncertain whether the main home plate entrance will be complete for the 2026 season.
More From RTI: Christian Moore Continues To Shine In Professional Baseball
Tennessee will not finishing installing a new sound system, kitchen, team merchandise store, third baseline bathrooms and player entry area until before the 2026 season.
What will be new at Lindsey Nelson Stadium for the 2025 season? Tennessee is adding four new table top units on the right field line as well as additional chair back seating under a new mezzanine level and a student section in right field.
There will be a handful of other enhancements to the stadium including a bar on the main concourse in left field, new bathrooms and concessions down the right field line and a permanent net setting.
“We are enthusiastic about offering a world-class experience for the best fans in the country once the renovations at Lindsey Nelson Stadium are complete,” Tennessee Director of Athletics Danny White said in a statement. “We deeply appreciate our fans’ patience and understanding as we navigate through the construction process.”
This is the second offseason of renovations at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Tennessee significantly expanded seating down the left field line last offseason and added a few rows of seating down the right field line.
Tennessee baseball is coming off its first National Championship in program history and one of the best seasons in SEC history. The Vols posted a 60-13 (22-8 SEC) record including a SEC Regular-Season Championship, SEC Tournament Championship and a National Championship.
Vitello’s program made it to the College World Series for the third time in four seasons and defeated Texas A&M in three games to claim the National Championship.
