KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees will meet this week to discuss a possible budget increase for the Lindsey Nelson Stadium renovation project.
The university is requesting the increase due to "unknown underground soil and utility conditions" found. Based on the construction, UT is requesting to increase the budget by $9.3 million to $105.1 million, which would be fully funded by donations.
In February 2022, the board approved the Lindsey Nelson renovations project for $56.8 million. In June 2023, the board approved a budget increase of $39 million, which accounted for updated scope and cost escalation impacts, totaling $95.38 million.
The projected timeline for when all renovations will be completed is set for 2026. The board provided the following timeline:
Completed for 2024
- Third-baseline chairback seats
- Left-field 4-seat tabletops section
Completed for 2025
- Right-field student section
- First-baseline restrooms and concessions
- Left-field bar on the main concourse
- Right-field line 4-seat tabletop units
- Renovated restrooms behind home plate
- MVP club cushioned chairback seats
Completed for 2026
- Stadium sound system and kitchen
- Third-baseline restrooms and concessions
- Team merchandise shop and ticket office
- Renovated concessions behind home plate
- Home plate entrance and plaza area
- Mezzanine level
- Third-level suites and premium club space
- MVP room expansion
- Multiple elevators
The board will meet to vote on the affiliation agreement for the new UT Athletics Foundation nonprofit that could eventually be used to pay student-athletes directly through profit sharing. The agreement outlines the relationship between UT and UTK Athletics Foundation, as well as the structure and expectations of the management and administration of the nonprofit.
The board is set to meet in the Student Union ballroom on Friday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m.