Since becoming Finley Stadium’s executive director in January 2014, Paul Smith has been seeking ways to enhance alcohol sales at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga home football games while having the school’s support as well.
Smith has accomplished that mission.
RECORD REVENUE
For the first time in Finley Stadium history, the 20,668-seat facility has produced revenues in excess of $1 million.Finley executive director Paul Smith said Tuesday that the stadium that opened in 1997 has housed events that have earned $1,091,012.44 as of March 21. That total will rise given that the Chattanooga FC has four home games — one in May and three in June — scheduled in this current fiscal year.“We’re in the best financial position we’ve ever been in,” Stadium Corp. board chairman Bryan Patten said.
Fans cheer for U.S. women’s national soccer team goalkeeper Hope Solo as she warms up before the team’s match against Costa Rica at Finley Stadium on Wednesday.Starting with the 2016 season, beer will be sold on Finley’s West Plaza, which overlooks the field and is across the street from the First Tennessee Pavilion. Alcohol already is sold at the Stadium Club and in the 20,668-seat facility’s luxury suites.
“The Stadium Club room has been selling beer for a long time, so people could go in there and have a beverage, but they had to stay in there,” Smith said. “Fans will now be able to see, hear and feel the atmosphere of college football and enjoy a beer at the same time, as opposed to being in a room with eight TVs.”