While the Chattanooga Red Wolves have yet to announce the location of the future soccer-specific stadium for the USL League One club, which they have projected to be ready by March 2020, the club has decided where its professional training center will be.
Fields at Camp Jordan Park will be the home for the multi-use training facility for the Red Wolves, who were given approval by a unanimous vote from the East Ridge City Council last week. It will be used by the Dalton Red Wolves and Lady Red Wolves as well as the main men’s team, and there will be access for East Ridge community programs.
The soccer club plans to spend $1.25 to $2 million for improvements to the fields and build a stadium capable of seating 1,500-2,000. That will not be the stadium for the Red Wolves’ home matches.
“Camp Jordan is already a well-known destination throughout the region for soccer players, families and spectators to enjoy the beautiful game,” Red Wolves owner Bob Martino said in a news release this week. “We appreciate this opportunity to strengthen soccer roots in the community and establish this important partnership with the city of East Ridge. This facility gives our fans another opportunity to get to know the team and enjoy the only professional soccer experience in Chattanooga.”
The construction plans for the training center include a turf field, home and visitor locker rooms, concessions and ticket office. Job opportunities will be available as the Red Wolves plan to hire operations and maintenance employees in the coming months.
The Red Wolves plan to be active in the area’s youth soccer programs and recreational leagues as well.
Martino said the club looks forward to breaking ground in the coming months on the “first-rate complex.”
“The Red Wolves’ passion for our community and professional soccer contributes greatly to our master plan for Camp Jordan and the surrounding area,” East Ridge interim city manager Kenny Custer said in the release. “A regional training center will bring additional restaurants, hotels and attractions to the area. It not only puts us on the map for regional sporting events, but it also represents a major investment in our community.
“Youth are an important focus for East Ridge, and having access to these professional athletes will not only develop better youth players, but it will also develop them as people.”
The training facility will take an estimated 9-12 months to complete.
On March 30 the Red Wolves will open their inaugural season with a road meeting against North Texas SC.
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.