The Chattanooga Red Wolves SC plans to expand the seating capacity of CHI Memorial Stadium to hold more than 6,000 people while also converting the playing surface from synthetic turf to natural grass.
The capacity of the East Ridge facility will rise from the current mark of more than 4,000, said Sean McDaniel, president of the professional soccer club owned by businessman Bob Martino, in an interview Friday.
“It has always been intended,” McDaniel said about the growth.
In addition, work will start later this year after the Red Wolves’ season to remove the stadium’s artificial turf and install grass, he said. McDaniel said the artificial turf has been “fantastic,” but grass is preferred.
According to the Red Wolves, the multimillion-dollar changes are aimed at creating expanded opportunities for the stadium that’s at Interstates 75 and 24 and where the club opened play in 2020.