Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
AT&T Field 201 Power Alley Chattanooga, TN 37402
Year Opened: 2000
Capacity: 6,382
Lookout, It's The Lookouts!
Roughly halfway between the cities of Nashville and Atlanta lies the city of Chattanooga, the fourth most populated city in Tennessee. Chattanooga is home to the Lookouts minor league baseball team, the AA affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The Lookouts play in the Southern League, winning the league three times, most recently in 2017.
The Lookouts have called AT&T Field their home since 2000 after playing at Engel Stadium since 1930. However, the Lookouts broke ground on a $115 Million new stadium that is scheduled to open in time for the 2026 season. AT&T Field will likely be demolished when the Lookouts leave and the area will be redeveloped.
Food & Beverage 4
The main concession stands serve a variety of food such as hot dogs ($4), chili cheese dogs ($5.50), bratwursts ($6.50), garden salads ($7.50), grilled chicken salad ($10), veggie wraps ($7), pimento cheese sandwiches ($5.50), nachos ($5), peanuts ($4), cracker jack ($5), pretzels ($6), popcorn ($4), and a slice of Looie’s signature pizza ($4). Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider at AT&T Field with small ($3.50) and large ($5.50) sodas, bottled water ($4), Powerade ($5), Bodyarmor ($7), Monster Energy drinks ($7) and Thelma’s Lemonade ($4.50) on offer.
“The Sweet Spot” sells sweet treats such as ice cream cups ($3.50), ice cream cones ($5), ice cream floats ($6), ice cream sundaes ($7), funnel cakes ($), deep fried Oreos ($5), and Oatly ice cream bars ($5). The “Lookouts Grill” offers made-to-order options such as cheesesteaks ($10), cheesesteak nachos ($12), sausage plate ($10), polish sausage ($7.50), and a Chatta-Cheesesteak ($15).
For those who want a beer, there are domestic drafts ($7) and Five Wits Brewing Company branded brews ($8) sold at the concession stands. Down the third baseline is the “Beer Hut” with domestics for $8 and craft beers/seltzers going for $9 while further down the line is the “Five Witts Beer Garden” as well as the Budweiser Party Deck.
Atmosphere 3
AT&T Field is built on top of a fairly steep hill but fortunately, there is an outdoor escalator that gets the fans close to the entrance. A small flight of stairs gets the fans to the main ballpark gates. Upon entering the gates the fans find themselves in a fairly small concourse. The team store is on the right upon entering the concourse while a statue of “Looie”, the Lookouts mascot is in front of the stairwell that leads into the seating bowl.
The seating is a bit lopsided as it extends throughout the first base line while it stops at third base. The aforementioned beer garden and party deck is located along the third base line while the CHI Memorial Picnic Pavilion is located behind the right field wall. There are fans on the roofs of the main seating bowl that provide some breeze for the spectators.
Kids are invited to run the bases after every Lookouts game, weather permitting. Promotion nights include “Food City Tuesdays” where fans that show a Food City “ValuCard” receive buy one, get one general admission tickets, “Chick-fil-A Giveaway Wednesdays” which give attendees a free item at Chick-fil-A, “Thirsty Thursday” drink specials, “Fireworks Fridays” where the Lookouts put on a postgame firework show, and “Spin-to-win Saturdays” in which a couple of fans are randomly selected to win prizes.
On Sundays kids that are “Little Debbie Little Lookouts Kids Club” members attend games for free and fans of all ages are invited on the field to play catch on the field. Fans can get a free general admission ticket for a Sunday game if they bring a canned good for the local food pantry.
Neighborhood 4
One of the best views of Chattanooga is seen from Point Park on the edge of Lookout Mountain. There was a Civil War battle in the area and Point Park has many monuments honoring the battle. Lookout Mountain is where the “Lookouts” got their name. For families, the Creative Discovery Museum offers science exhibits for the kids and the Tennessee Aquarium is four blocks away and right next to the Tennessee Riverwalk.
If you head East on 4th Street you will pass by McKenzie Arena, the home of Chattanooga Mocs Basketball before continuing to Engel Stadium, the longtime home for Chattanooga Lookouts from 1930-1999. Continue driving past the railroad tracks and the Chattanooga Zoo will be on the right. The Southern Belle Riverboat offers cruises throughout the Tennessee River.
Dining options near the ballpark include Puckett’s Restaurant for Southern cuisine, Agave & Rye for Tacos, and Lupi’s Pizza Pies. There are plenty of hotel chains including Courtyard, Residence Inn, and Hilton Garden Inn. All of the mentioned hotels are a quick walk to the ballpark.
Fans 3
The Lookouts are one of the oldest minor league teams in existence. The fandom has been passed down from generation to generation. The fans are knowledgeable about their team and have a good time.
“Looie” the Lookouts mascot walks throughout the ballpark and is part of the team’s introduction. The video board offers games and other entertainment during breaks in the action. The emcees get involved with the on-field activities, offer fun quizzes, and encourage the fans to keep their enthusiasm up.
Access 3
From I-24 East turn off Exit 178 and merge onto Highway 27. Then take exit 1C on West 4th Street and make a left on Chestnut Street and another left on West 3rd Street. AT&T Field will be on the right. From I-24 West get off exit 178 onto Highway 27. Follow the same directions as I-24 Eastbound to AT&T Field.
AT&T Field does not have a designated parking lot but there are a couple of parking garages nearby for $5 as well as street parking in the surrounding blocks that is free after 6 pm. The concourse is fairly narrow and gets cramped when everyone is arriving at the ballpark.
Return on Investment 4
General admission bleacher seats cost $11 and reserved chairback seats are $14, fees included. If you buy a general admission ticket, a hot dog, beer, and park on the street you would pay about $25. The Lookouts offer a Family 4-Pack where each person gets a general admission seat and $10 in concessions for a total of$78. ($19.50/person). A night at AT&T Field is a great way to enjoy an evening in Chattanooga without breaking the bank.
Extras 3
AT&T Field’s outdoor escalator is one of a kind in the minor leagues. The ballpark being built on a steep hill makes it a necessity. The sunset at AT&T Field provides a gorgeous backdrop for a baseball game. A lot of the attractions in Chattanooga are within walking distance of AT&T Field.
Final Thoughts
AT&T Field provides a beautiful view of the Chattanooga hills. Its days are unfortunately numbered but the memories that the ballpark provided will live on through those that witnessed a baseball game there.
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