It is now game week, and Lindsey Nelson Stadium is still undergoing offseason renovations.
A multi-million dollar project that began at the conclusion of the 2024 season, construction crews have been working to make the stadium a playable destination for 2025. Tennessee deputy athletic director and chief development officer Alicia Longworth discussed the process on Monday morning with opening day nearing.
Lindsey Nelson Stadium under construction ahead of season opener. Monday, Feb. 10, 2025.
While the construction continues, Longworth guaranteed that the stadium will still be accessible when Tennessee baseball opens the season Friday, Feb. 14.
“Five days out, I think we’re in a really good spot to make this come to life,” Longworth said. “It’s been a really tight timeline when you play late in the postseason and don’t get started until late June, early July, and then to have to turn around everything we needed to turn around we’re in a really good spot for Monday on game week.”
As part of the process, Tennessee has been dedicated to expanding the stadium to house the defending national champions. Lindsey Nelson Stadium previously held approximately 4,300 fans — but Longworth says the capacity should be around 6,200 with the potential for added standing room.
The construction will remain throughout the season as plans are expanded through 2026. For now, fans should expect to see an active construction zone any time baseball is not being played on the diamond. That includes up to three hours before first pitch, which is the case when gates open at 3 p.m. on Friday.
“You’re going to see a lot of construction all year long,” Longworth said. “There will be a crane at the front gate. Steel beams will continue to go up. The dirt path that’s over to our left right behind third base, that will be built out and be filled in. Fans will continue to see the stadium grow all year.”
With the ongoing changes, Longworth also recommended that fans show up to games earlier to mitigate the struggles. Once a few trial runs have passed, the process should flow better with an opportunity to open more gates.
Some spaces are readily available as soon as Friday, but other projects are anticipated for the 2026 season. Seating changes have been made, but not all of it has been fully developed. The student section remains down the right field line, although the seats have been removed in favor of standing room. Club seating will not be finalized until next season.
As for other changes, bathrooms and concessions have seen an overhaul. The bathrooms in the main concourse have been renovated, while more kiosks will be used to aid with ballpark food needs. Additionally, a market will be installed down the right field line — similar to what is in Neyland Stadium — with hopes of completion by the start of SEC play.
The fan experience will also receive an enhancement. Longworth described the newly-installed sound system as one of the biggest differences. LED lighting is part of the plan in 2026.
Through all of this, it is part of the plan that head coach Tony Vitello and athletics director Danny White have envisioned all along.
“I think this was Tony’s vision all along,” Longworth said. “I think when he got here, he thought baseball could compete at the highest level. What the fanbase did to buy in, how excited they got about the program, everything he’s done on the field. Danny’s vision of what our facility should be and where we’re going. Between Danny and Tony, this is going to be one of the best ballparks in the country. You can see the marriage between the administration and our coaching staff.”
As fans show up to the ballpark for first pitch on Friday, they can expect an unveiling to recognize the 2024 NCAA National Champions. Tennessee and Hofstra open up the 2025 season at 4:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 14.
