Wine and liquor will likely be available to Chattanooga Lookouts fans when the team’s new stadium opens in the Southside in 2026.
A bill that recently cleared the general assembly would enable liquor sales at the Lookouts stadium and a new minor league ballpark in Knoxville, which will open for the Smokies’ first home game April 15. It now goes to Gov. Bill Lee for his signature. The teams will need to obtain a permit from their local jurisdictions to sell beer at the new stadiums.
(READ MORE: Athletic stadiums viewed as catalysts to revive Chattanooga neighborhoods)
“If you can only come out here and get a hot dog and a water, it’s not nearly as good as if you can get a full menu and a number of different drinks,” Lookouts President Rich Mozingo said in a phone call. “The opportunity to give people more options on the adult beverage side just makes for a better event typically.”
As is, liquor is only available in certain areas at the Lookouts’ existing home at AT&T Field, specifically suites and picnic areas, Mozingo said. Vendors can’t sell it on the concourse to the general public. When the bill is signed, the beverages would be available throughout the ballpark, Mozingo said. Beer is regulated by the city as opposed to the state and is already available throughout the ballpark.