Columnist David MartinIf you read last Thursday’s sports page, then you’re well aware the Chattanooga Lookouts’ new owner, Atlanta-based Hardball Capital, wants one of two things: a brand new baseball stadium or a substantially renovated ballpark.
Hardball CEO Jason Freier isn’t offering project specifics yet, but it’s clear the days of AT&T Field, as we know it, are numbered. Citing design problems, Freier told the Times Free Press’ David Paschall, “If you don’t build a ballpark the right way, its shelf life is very short.”
He’s right about structural defects, especially the directional positioning of the stadium. The way it sits, the best place to get an early evening suntan (sunburn in my case) during summer is on the first base side of the stands. You’ll also get scorched retinas staring straight into the sun until it sets sometime between the third and fourth innings.
Given that and a few other imperfections, Lookouts attendance typically shrinks after May. This year, fan turnout dwindled to 3,193 per game -lowest in the facility’s 17-year history.
In short, Hardball is the proud new owner of a baseball club whose flawed and outdated complex is contributing to slumping ticket sales.