Fireworks might just be on the itinerary.
That’s not for certain, however. Tennessee baseball’s Lindsey Nelson Stadium is in the final stages of its multi-year renovation that began in November 2023, and when fans enter for opening day on Friday against Nicholls State, they’ll see the results of the expansion project.
“There’s no place you can go in this ballpark right now that you have a bad view,” said Alicia Longworth, Tennessee’s deputy athletics director. “I think that’s really cool.”
Lindsey Nelson Stadium will hold an opening-day capacity of 8,012 people — up from a 6,298-person capacity during the 2025 season.
Capacity could increase further as standing-room options are evaluated throughout the season.
“Our question is, how many can we pack in there and make it a good experience for our fans?” Longworth said. “So we’ll be over 8,000 to start the year, and trust us, we will do everything we can to continue to grow that number and get more people in.”
Other amenities include new concession options. Down the left-field line, a Yee-Haw and Ole Smoky bar stands where picnic tables once sat dormant in previous years of Tennessee baseball.
Other options, when equipment is delivered, include pizza and ice cream.
“We’re still a work in progress,” Longworth said. “There is a lot going on. Cleaning, construction crews are still here. What our fans will see this weekend is awesome, but I promise you, each weekend it’s going to continue to get better.”
The biggest difference from the 2025 season construction is the additional levels behind home plate. Eight new suites have been added, as well as a fully functional press box with multiple broadcast and radio booths.
“I think if you stand on the field and you look up, everybody here probably remembers the really small press box and it was just the 100 and 102 level seats,” Longworth said. “Now, when you look up and you see the roof, the Rocky Top Club, the suites and then the full press box below it, it’s the magnitude of how much this sport has grown and how our fans have bought into it. Just really exciting right now.”
Tennessee’s in-game experience also includes brand new turf, programmable lights — though the scope of use is yet to be determined — and a roof where the possibility of pyrotechnics has been discussed.
“If everybody knows what we like to do on roofs, that means we have the option of fireworks now,” Longworth said. “(The lights) turn colors. Maybe at this point, not like you’re used to seeing at Neyland, but never say never. We’ll work our way towards that.”
In what capacity the fireworks would be used, Longworth wouldn’t reveal.
“I’d like to leave it a surprise,” she said. “You got to show up to be able to figure that out.”
With plenty of projects completed, there are still a few that are in the process of completion. The beautification of the gate in left field is the first priority that Longworth pointed out regarding fans. Meanwhile, player entrance gates and coaches’ office renovations are also in the works.
The intimacy of Lindsey Nelson Stadium remains through each project, and that’s what Longworth most wants to be noticed when the first pitch is thrown against Nicholls State at 4:30 p.m. EST Friday.
“I think that was priority one,” Longworth said. “Playing in this ballpark, when our fans show up, has always been a little bit like a hornet’s nest.”
New additions in 2026:
- Home plate entrance and plaza area, wider main concourse with more TVs and directional signage
- Third-level suites and club space with a sustainable cross-laminated timber roof that adds warmth
- Additional chairback seats under a new mezzanine level connected to the seating bowl, as well as additional standing-room only areas to further increase capacity
- Right field restrooms and concessions
- Left field Yee-Haw/Ole Smoky bar on main concourse
- A kitchen that will enhance the food offerings throughout Lindsey Nelson Stadium
- Team merchandise shop inside the main entrance
- Third base line restrooms, a mother’s room and concessions, which will open around SEC play
- Multiple elevators
- Permanent, programmable LED and stadium lighting
- Turf field
- Fully completed mezzanine level with a new broadcast booth, radio booths, media work area and game operations booth
- Renovated concessions and restrooms on the main concourse behind home plate
- MVP Room expansion – new restrooms, bar and food service area
