As a large crane overlooks the landscape of Lindsey Nelson Stadium, the defending champion Tennessee Volunteers will take their home field to kick off the 2025 season this Friday afternoon.
One look at current pictures of the stadium and it’s easy to tell that there are several major renovations actively being made to enhance the ballpark. From new seating to a new exterior, Tennessee has a number of projects that are ongoing and planned for the Vols’ park.
Here’s a look at just some of the photos from Tennessee’s stadium tour for the media on Monday morning:
Tennessee Deputy AD Alicia Longwood spoke with the media on Monday morning to answer some questions about the stadium renovations with the season/home opener just five days away on Friday afternoon. Based on Longwood’s answers, here’s a Frequently Asked Questions list for fans ahead of this weekend’s season-opening series from Knoxville.
Q: Will there be ongoing construction happening during the season?
A: Yes, there will be ongoing construction throughout the season. The crane located at the front of the ballpark will remain in place as steel beams are placed in the coming months. According to UT, “fans will see the stadium continue to grow all year.”
Q: What days will construction take place?
A: Construction will mainly take place on non-game days but it may also take place before certain games. Tennessee gave an example that construction crews may be out at the ballpark until Noon before gates open at 3:00 p.m. for a particular game.
Q: What will the new capacity be?
A: Tennessee says that it will start with “a little over 6,200” but that number could grow with standing room on the wider concourses.
Q: Will there be any signage planned to honor Tennessee’s championship team?
A: Deputy AD Alicia Longwood hinted at seeing “new signage come to life” before Friday’s season opener.
Q: Which renovations will be completed for fans to see first?
A: The new seating areas. According to UT, though, the most noticeable change for returning fans will likely be the new sound system.
Q: Will the new light show system go into effect this year?
A: No, that’s something that will come to life before the 2026 system.
Q: Should fans expect any obstacles/challenges getting into the stadium?
A: In short, prepare as though the answer is yes. Here’s what Deputy AD Alicia Longwood had to say: “The gate entry is probably going to be the biggest thing where they notice a big difference. So I would recommend, especially early in the season, getting here a little early. There’s smaller pathways, smaller gates. But when they walk in, they’ll see they’ve still got beams over their head, there’s still construction going on, so just be flexible and maybe allow a little extra time, especially early in the year. Once they see it a few times I think they’ll get used to it.”
Q: Will there be additions to the number of gates and entry/exit points as construction advances?
A: Possibly.
Q: Are there more restrooms and concessions?
A: Yes, and it will evolve as the season continues. Restrooms behind home plate have been renovated.
One of the big things that students can look forward to is a new standing-room section in right field.
Here’s a look at where the students will be posted up this season, undoubtedly a tough situation for opposing right fielders.
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Here’s a look at more pictures of Tennessee’s Lindsey Nelson Stadium from the media tour on Monday morning:
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Tennessee will host Hofstra in a three-game series to kick off the season this weekend: Friday at 4:30 p.m. ET, Saturday at 4:00 p.m. ET, and Sunday at Noon ET. Stay locked into Rocky Top Insider this season for live, on-site coverage of every game.
