Lindsey Nelson Stadium,

[@1RBFjr]

I don’t know off the top of my head when it was supposed to be completed but I was down there yesterday and it certainly looks fairly close.

First Smokies game is supposed to be April 15, 2025. I was invited on a tour about a month ago. I’m not in construction, but it looked like they were making good progress. Not all new housing around the stadium will be done before baseball starts.

 

[@1RBFjr]

Some very recent photos. Press box gone. Ticket booth gone. Exterior walls gone (one photo shows them all stacked up like some playing cards), except for down the first base side where you can see them still in place in the top of one photograph. Otherwise you’re seeing the top of the seat backs from the upper row.

 

[@1RBFjr]

Lindsey Nelson Stadium renovation updates, plan for 2025 season

Tennessee sent out an updated memo baseball season ticket holders and media on the updates to the Lindsey Nelson Stadium renovation project.

www.on3.com

Not being a season ticket holder - don't get me started on that subject again, I did not get the referenced emal.

In reading what will be complete in the article; it appears the "hat" will no be complete. In other words, the suites and club seats.

I wonder where the broadcasters will go?

Here’s the email received today:

Vol Nation, we are committed to providing you with an unparalleled gameday experience and to building one of the nation's finest college baseball venues, home of the 2024 National Champions. We can't wait to welcome you into a new and exciting era of Tennessee Baseball. While our original aim was to unveil this experience for the 2025 season, ongoing renovations will continue until 2026. “Our staff and I appreciate Vol Nation for all the support we’ve received, specifically from our fans who have created one of the best home-field advantages in college baseball”, Tennessee head baseball coach Tony Vitello said. “The ongoing updates to Lindsey Nelson Stadium will only enhance the incredible environment established on Rocky Top for our passionate supporters who deserve a first-class facility that stands among the best in the country. While we all wish these updates could be completed by the start of next season, we understand the in-depth process required to complete a project of this magnitude and the challenges that come with it.” We are dedicated to transparency and want to keep you updated on the significant renovations taking place at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Despite facing unexpected challenges, we are making steady progress and are unwavering in our goal to elevate the fan experience. Construction is well underway, and while we've faced some unexpected challenges, we remain dedicated to enhancing the fan experience. "We are enthusiastic about offering a world-class experience for the best fans in the country once the renovations at Lindsey Nelson Stadium are complete," stated Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White. "We deeply appreciate our fans' patience and understanding as we navigate through the construction process." Despite these hurdles, we are excited and pleased to share what project components will be ready for the 2025 season: NEW: 4 seat tabletop units (4Topps) along the right field line NEW: Additional chairback seats under a new mezzanine level NEW: Permanent net system NEW: Left field bar on main concourse (behind the current 4Topps section) NEW: Right field student section NEW: 1st Baseline restrooms and concessions Renovated restrooms on main concourse behind home plate Enhanced seating behind home plate (brand new cushioned MVP style seats; these seats will increase in price with access to the MVP room and those amenities in 2026)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What construction challenges have occurred? The project team encountered several issues and unforeseen conditions associated with stadium site work and the relocation of surrounding utilities. The project requires a series of significant and complicated utility relocations, which often necessitate additional processes, including local utility review and approval. The relocation of utilities must be completed prior to completing several other aspects and milestones of the project, such as the placement of foundations and erection of steel for the new third-level club and suites.

Will Pat Head Summitt Street remain closed? During the 2025 season, Pat Head Summitt Street will remain closed to vehicular traffic. The general contractor will use most of the street as "lay down space" for the continued construction along the stadium's east side. The street will have a pedestrian pathway connecting foot traffic from the home plate area to Todd Helton Drive.

Will the main entry gate behind home plate be operational? Fans will notice construction continuing around the main entry gate of Lindsey Nelson Stadium during the 2025 season. As progress develops on the spaces that will be new in 2026, construction updates will continue to be made throughout the 2025 season.

What construction will be complete for the 2026 season? NEW: Home plate entrance and plaza area NEW: Third level suites and club space NEW: Sound system NEW: Kitchen NEW: Team merchandise shop and ticket office NEW: Player entry corridor NEW: 3rd Baseline restrooms and concessions Fully completed mezzanine level Renovated concessions on main concourse behind home plate MVP room expansion Multiple elevators Permanent LED lighting

 

[vol66]

Here’s the email received today:

​

​ Vol Nation, we are committed to providing you with an unparalleled gameday experience and to building one of the nation's finest college baseball venues, home of the 2024 National Champions. We can't wait to welcome you into a new and exciting era of Tennessee Baseball. While our original aim was to unveil this experience for the 2025 season, ongoing renovations will continue until 2026. “Our staff and I appreciate Vol Nation for all the support we’ve received, specifically from our fans who have created one of the best home-field advantages in college baseball”, Tennessee head baseball coach Tony Vitello said. “The ongoing updates to Lindsey Nelson Stadium will only enhance the incredible environment established on Rocky Top for our passionate supporters who deserve a first-class facility that stands among the best in the country. While we all wish these updates could be completed by the start of next season, we understand the in-depth process required to complete a project of this magnitude and the challenges that come with it.” We are dedicated to transparency and want to keep you updated on the significant renovations taking place at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Despite facing unexpected challenges, we are making steady progress and are unwavering in our goal to elevate the fan experience. Construction is well underway, and while we've faced some unexpected challenges, we remain dedicated to enhancing the fan experience. "We are enthusiastic about offering a world-class experience for the best fans in the country once the renovations at Lindsey Nelson Stadium are complete," stated Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White. "We deeply appreciate our fans' patience and understanding as we navigate through the construction process." Despite these hurdles, we are excited and pleased to share what project components will be ready for the 2025 season: NEW: 4 seat tabletop units (4Topps) along the right field line NEW: Additional chairback seats under a new mezzanine level NEW: Permanent net system NEW: Left field bar on main concourse (behind the current 4Topps section) NEW: Right field student section NEW: 1st Baseline restrooms and concessions Renovated restrooms on main concourse behind home plate Enhanced seating behind home plate (brand new cushioned MVP style seats; these seats will increase in price with access to the MVP room and those amenities in 2026)

​

​ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

​

​ What construction challenges have occurred? The project team encountered several issues and unforeseen conditions associated with stadium site work and the relocation of surrounding utilities. The project requires a series of significant and complicated utility relocations, which often necessitate additional processes, including local utility review and approval. The relocation of utilities must be completed prior to completing several other aspects and milestones of the project, such as the placement of foundations and erection of steel for the new third-level club and suites.

​

​ Will Pat Head Summitt Street remain closed? During the 2025 season, Pat Head Summitt Street will remain closed to vehicular traffic. The general contractor will use most of the street as "lay down space" for the continued construction along the stadium's east side. The street will have a pedestrian pathway connecting foot traffic from the home plate area to Todd Helton Drive.

​

​ Will the main entry gate behind home plate be operational? Fans will notice construction continuing around the main entry gate of Lindsey Nelson Stadium during the 2025 season. As progress develops on the spaces that will be new in 2026, construction updates will continue to be made throughout the 2025 season.

​

​ What construction will be complete for the 2026 season? NEW: Home plate entrance and plaza area NEW: Third level suites and club space NEW: Sound system NEW: Kitchen NEW: Team merchandise shop and ticket office NEW: Player entry corridor NEW: 3rd Baseline restrooms and concessions Fully completed mezzanine level Renovated concessions on main concourse behind home plate MVP room expansion Multiple elevators Permanent LED lighting

Thanks!!!

 

[mattdingus2002]

I don’t think there are any bars left on Cumberland Ave. anymore.

Cool beans will do

 

[Volfan1000]

The 2025 punch list items from article:

– 4 seat tabletop units (4Topps) along the right field line (Yay! More waste of space seats that will be vacant for 75% of the games)
– Additional chairback seats under a new mezzanine level (So the top section will be in place? but no one sitting above)
– Permanent net system (does this mean no pole obstructions?)
– Left field bar on main concourse (behind the current 4Topps section) (I assume this means a more permanent structure than was in place for 2024)
– Right field student section (this will make more seats available and make it harder on right fielders)
– 1st Baseline restrooms and concessions (I assume this means more permanent structures in the former playground plaza)
– Renovated restrooms on main concourse behind home plate (they need to remove the concession areas under main grandstand and make this all restrooms) Move all food and souvenir sales to wings)
– Enhanced seating behind home plate (brand new cushioned MVP style seats; these seats will increase in price with access to the MVP room and those amenities in 2026) (I know several MVP ticket holders were not happy with the plans for the MVP seats)


Stuff ready in 2026: Home plate entrance and plaza area

• Third level suites and club space
• Sound system (what prevents this from being done in 2025?)
• Kitchen
• Team merchandise shop and ticket office
• Player entry corridor
• 3rd Baseline restrooms and concessions (So the empty areas behind the 2024 expansion will remain empty in 2025?)
• Fully completed mezzanine level
• Renovated concessions on main concourse behind home plate (so much for my comment above about moving concessions)
• MVP room expansion (why does UT want their prime seating areas at Neyland and LNS to look empty on TV)
• Multiple elevators (no need to add elevators if no one's sitting up there in 2025)
• Permanent LED lighting (See sound system comment above)

Because of relocating utilities, Lindsey Nelson Stadium renovations will not be finished until the 2026 offseason per Mike Wilson in yesterday's edition of the Knoxville News Sentinel.

 

[LouderVol]

Very nice explanation. Thank you!

no problem. figured I could provide a different perspective on the matter, and maybe a little more information/possibilities.

 

[LouderVol]

Here’s the email received today:

​

​ Vol Nation, we are committed to providing you with an unparalleled gameday experience and to building one of the nation's finest college baseball venues, home of the 2024 National Champions. We can't wait to welcome you into a new and exciting era of Tennessee Baseball. While our original aim was to unveil this experience for the 2025 season, ongoing renovations will continue until 2026. “Our staff and I appreciate Vol Nation for all the support we’ve received, specifically from our fans who have created one of the best home-field advantages in college baseball”, Tennessee head baseball coach Tony Vitello said. “The ongoing updates to Lindsey Nelson Stadium will only enhance the incredible environment established on Rocky Top for our passionate supporters who deserve a first-class facility that stands among the best in the country. While we all wish these updates could be completed by the start of next season, we understand the in-depth process required to complete a project of this magnitude and the challenges that come with it.” We are dedicated to transparency and want to keep you updated on the significant renovations taking place at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Despite facing unexpected challenges, we are making steady progress and are unwavering in our goal to elevate the fan experience. Construction is well underway, and while we've faced some unexpected challenges, we remain dedicated to enhancing the fan experience. "We are enthusiastic about offering a world-class experience for the best fans in the country once the renovations at Lindsey Nelson Stadium are complete," stated Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White. "We deeply appreciate our fans' patience and understanding as we navigate through the construction process." Despite these hurdles, we are excited and pleased to share what project components will be ready for the 2025 season: NEW: 4 seat tabletop units (4Topps) along the right field line NEW: Additional chairback seats under a new mezzanine level NEW: Permanent net system NEW: Left field bar on main concourse (behind the current 4Topps section) NEW: Right field student section NEW: 1st Baseline restrooms and concessions Renovated restrooms on main concourse behind home plate Enhanced seating behind home plate (brand new cushioned MVP style seats; these seats will increase in price with access to the MVP room and those amenities in 2026)

​

​ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

​

​ What construction challenges have occurred? The project team encountered several issues and unforeseen conditions associated with stadium site work and the relocation of surrounding utilities. The project requires a series of significant and complicated utility relocations, which often necessitate additional processes, including local utility review and approval. The relocation of utilities must be completed prior to completing several other aspects and milestones of the project, such as the placement of foundations and erection of steel for the new third-level club and suites.

​

​ Will Pat Head Summitt Street remain closed? During the 2025 season, Pat Head Summitt Street will remain closed to vehicular traffic. The general contractor will use most of the street as "lay down space" for the continued construction along the stadium's east side. The street will have a pedestrian pathway connecting foot traffic from the home plate area to Todd Helton Drive.

​

​ Will the main entry gate behind home plate be operational? Fans will notice construction continuing around the main entry gate of Lindsey Nelson Stadium during the 2025 season. As progress develops on the spaces that will be new in 2026, construction updates will continue to be made throughout the 2025 season.

​

​ What construction will be complete for the 2026 season? NEW: Home plate entrance and plaza area NEW: Third level suites and club space NEW: Sound system NEW: Kitchen NEW: Team merchandise shop and ticket office NEW: Player entry corridor NEW: 3rd Baseline restrooms and concessions Fully completed mezzanine level Renovated concessions on main concourse behind home plate MVP room expansion Multiple elevators Permanent LED lighting

fwiw, the way I read this part: "The project team encountered several issues and unforeseen conditions associated with stadium site work and the relocation of surrounding utilities."

my opinion is two possibly related ways.

1. unforeseen conditions is a cavern, forcing them to relocate more than they thought, including existing utilities they weren't thinking of.
2. unforeseen conditions is a utility line. you would think that utility companies would know where everything is, and there is some real "master" document showing EVERYTHING, but in reality there isn't anything like that. It could even be an "abandoned" pipe/conduit, but for whatever reason the utility wants it kept. I have had projects held up for months while the contractor called every utility provider they could think of, they all denied it was theirs's, and the contractor ends up cutting it. just to have one of those utility companies reach back out afterwards complaining the GC cut their line. one time that happened probably less than 1 mile from this site too....

 

[fryeguy93]

First, its actually up to the owner to provide the information for anything below grade, and any existing conditions. 95 times out of 100 the geo-tech engineer is hired directly by the owner, not the design professional or contractor. if there is a failure here, its on UT.

Secondly. even if they did the right things there is no way to catch all the problems. the way that type of geotech work happens is by drilling holes. those holes are about one foot in diameter. chances are pretty high you will miss some of those caverns. you aren't going to drill 1000 holes all over the place, its maybe 30.

third, the standards change as well. so even if the school and the geotech did everything correctly, the codes update every 3 years. and what may have been buildable 10 years ago, may no longer be allowed. especially as the design is getting heavier, so even if the codes didn't change, the stadium is getting bigger and heavier, that will have different impact on the process. so it may have been safe to put 5000lbs on a cavern, but not safe to put 10,000 lbs on the same cavern.

fourth, beyond the structural challenges, the under ground utilities have to navigate more and more things under ground. stadium is getting bigger, that requires more drainage, larger pipes may have to go lower than the existing areas where there were no issues before. most of those caverns are upside down bowl shaped, narrower at the top, wider at the bottom. maybe before at the shallower depths and smaller pipes the caverns weren't an issue, but with deeper bigger pipes they could have uncovered new problems that didn't exist before.

fifth, the contractor and design professional should have built in some agreed upon amount of "extra" into the design. but if the site conditions go beyond that extra, they can't cover it. the school shouldn't have an open ended contract, that is just an opening for highway robbery.

sixth, it could be totally on the city causing delays with inspections, or some bs permit process. you would assume the city and UT would have a great relationship, but they usually don't. and the city is very cautious to allow risks for its flagship college, young students, and important highly visible projects.

just food for thought. it could still be 100% a screw up, but it doesn't have to be. If the school wants promises on delivery they are going to have to provide 100% accurate info, and they are going to have to pay more than they typically would to get the quality that can/will guarantee delivery. you are talking probably 25% mark ups, at the least.

My frustration was likely more about EVERY local road and bridge project that about the baseball stadium.

I believe the school - at least the prior generation of school leadership; learned some hard lessons with Thompson-Boling Arena Construction in the mid-80s. But I say that with the knowledge that other more recent construction projects have been botched to somewhat lesser degrees (Alan Jones Aquatic Center, White Hall, etc)

Perhaps the recently approved public/private partnership in residence hall construction projects will improve results and construction time. I don't think such partnerships could work with existing structures and/or athletic facilities - at least for the time being.

I hoped the takeover of almost all campus roadways by UT from Knoxville would improve future timelines. If this is truly a "utilities" issue then this should have been noted a long time ago. This portion of campus is "relatively" new- dating back to the urban renewal period of mostly the sixties and early 70s. As such, there should have been good records of what was in the ground. I realize that Upper Hudson/Haslam Field/Anderson Training have been under near constant construction since the 80s; and Lower Hudson/Lindsey Nelson Stadium has several renovations since 1992. There may be utility infrastructure work related to this but there should be no surprises.

I should not be surprised; I love the University of Tennessee but it is a government entity led largely by those from the political and academic realm. Only an entity run by journalists could be worse that that. All it took was a little bit of research. Sure, you may need to do a few test drills for deeper geological structures but keep in mind- UT has a very good geology program that would love real world experience training. Recall how UTAD didn't utilize in-school turf grass programs when they were having problems with the Neyland Stadium grass?

These problems will now cost the athletic department millions in extra construction costs and lost revenue and could have been largely avoided in the years leading up to the construction when everyone knew it was going to occur. Doing such groundwork or homework would have resulted in alteration of design, construction techniques or footprint alteration.

Millions have been paid to architects, engineers, demolition, and planning already. It would only have taken a few more dollars and time by all involved. (UT, local utilities, Knoxville, design team, and contractors) to avoid this situation.

Was KUB contacted long ago about the coming work? Did KUB respond and make any guarantees or warranties about their underground stuff?
Was UT Physical Plant derelict in knowing where their stuff was located? Steam pipes, data cables? Were they consulted at all?
When Lindsey Nelson Stadium was first constructed, the fraternity house directly behind it (then Phi Sigma) had to be condemned and demolished because of geological issues caused by that construction. Did those planning this renovation and addition project not research those problems from 1993 as background?

 

[WallyBalls]

The 2025 punch list items from article:

– 4 seat tabletop units (4Topps) along the right field line (Yay! More waste of space seats that will be vacant for 75% of the games)
– Additional chairback seats under a new mezzanine level (So the top section will be in place? but no one sitting above)
– Permanent net system (does this mean no pole obstructions?)
– Left field bar on main concourse (behind the current 4Topps section) (I assume this means a more permanent structure than was in place for 2024)
– Right field student section (this will make more seats available and make it harder on right fielders)
– 1st Baseline restrooms and concessions (I assume this means more permanent structures in the former playground plaza)
– Renovated restrooms on main concourse behind home plate (they need to remove the concession areas under main grandstand and make this all restrooms) Move all food and souvenir sales to wings)
– Enhanced seating behind home plate (brand new cushioned MVP style seats; these seats will increase in price with access to the MVP room and those amenities in 2026) (I know several MVP ticket holders were not happy with the plans for the MVP seats)


Stuff ready in 2026: Home plate entrance and plaza area

• Third level suites and club space
• Sound system (what prevents this from being done in 2025?)
• Kitchen
• Team merchandise shop and ticket office
• Player entry corridor
• 3rd Baseline restrooms and concessions (So the empty areas behind the 2024 expansion will remain empty in 2025?)
• Fully completed mezzanine level
• Renovated concessions on main concourse behind home plate (so much for my comment above about moving concessions)
• MVP room expansion (why does UT want their prime seating areas at Neyland and LNS to look empty on TV)
• Multiple elevators (no need to add elevators if no one's sitting up there in 2025)
• Permanent LED lighting (See sound system comment above)

I'm with you, especially on the lighting and sound systems. I can see the sound system waiting to be installed on permanent structures that are delayed, but the lighting being delayed makes no sense to me. When I've seen them changing at a lot of high schools around Knox Co they're done in almost no time.

Don't get me started on the premium areas and empty seats....

 

[WallyBalls]

fwiw, the way I read this part: "The project team encountered several issues and unforeseen conditions associated with stadium site work and the relocation of surrounding utilities."

my opinion is two possibly related ways.

1. unforeseen conditions is a cavern, forcing them to relocate more than they thought, including existing utilities they weren't thinking of.
2. unforeseen conditions is a utility line. you would think that utility companies would know where everything is, and there is some real "master" document showing EVERYTHING, but in reality there isn't anything like that. It could even be an "abandoned" pipe/conduit, but for whatever reason the utility wants it kept. I have had projects held up for months while the contractor called every utility provider they could think of, they all denied it was theirs's, and the contractor ends up cutting it. just to have one of those utility companies reach back out afterwards complaining the GC cut their line. one time that happened probably less than 1 mile from this site too....

I shudder to think of all the lines, unmarked and/or abandoned or otherwise, underneath that campus.

 

[spyfish007]

Planning and Knoxville are an oxymoron! Have you seen the development in West Knoxville? I love this place but planning is not a strength in government around here.

 

[DeerPark12]

My frustration was likely more about EVERY local road and bridge project that about the baseball stadium.

I believe the school - at least the prior generation of school leadership; learned some hard lessons with Thompson-Boling Arena Construction in the mid-80s. But I say that with the knowledge that other more recent construction projects have been botched to somewhat lesser degrees (Alan Jones Aquatic Center, White Hall, etc)

Perhaps the recently approved public/private partnership in residence hall construction projects will improve results and construction time. I don't think such partnerships could work with existing structures and/or athletic facilities - at least for the time being.

I hoped the takeover of almost all campus roadways by UT from Knoxville would improve future timelines. If this is truly a "utilities" issue then this should have been noted a long time ago. This portion of campus is "relatively" new- dating back to the urban renewal period of mostly the sixties and early 70s. As such, there should have been good records of what was in the ground. I realize that Upper Hudson/Haslam Field/Anderson Training have been under near constant construction since the 80s; and Lower Hudson/Lindsey Nelson Stadium has several renovations since 1992. There may be utility infrastructure work related to this but there should be no surprises.

I should not be surprised; I love the University of Tennessee but it is a government entity led largely by those from the political and academic realm. Only an entity run by journalists could be worse that that. All it took was a little bit of research. Sure, you may need to do a few test drills for deeper geological structures but keep in mind- UT has a very good geology program that would love real world experience training. Recall how UTAD didn't utilize in-school turf grass programs when they were having problems with the Neyland Stadium grass?

These problems will now cost the athletic department millions in extra construction costs and lost revenue and could have been largely avoided in the years leading up to the construction when everyone knew it was going to occur. Doing such groundwork or homework would have resulted in alteration of design, construction techniques or footprint alteration.

Millions have been paid to architects, engineers, demolition, and planning already. It would only have taken a few more dollars and time by all involved. (UT, local utilities, Knoxville, design team, and contractors) to avoid this situation.

Was KUB contacted long ago about the coming work? Did KUB respond and make any guarantees or warranties about their underground stuff?
Was UT Physical Plant derelict in knowing where their stuff was located? Steam pipes, data cables? Were they consulted at all?
When Lindsey Nelson Stadium was first constructed, the fraternity house directly behind it (then Phi Sigma) had to be condemned and demolished because of geological issues caused by that construction. Did those planning this renovation and addition project not research those problems from 1993 as background?

KUB had it completely wrong. I’m not sure how they could have been as wrong as they were. But some of the mainline utilities for West campus that KUB had blueprinted as behind right field, actually ran right under the former Pat Head Summit Street. Crews have had to do a lot of work in the middle of the night because of how much of campus loses power when they disconnect and reconnect some of those lines. UT is going to try to recoup some of the money from KUB because of the incorrect plans but this added over $1 million to the project cost. Will likely be closer to $3 or $4 million by the time it’s done.

It’s not a mass relocation, they’re moving things by a few feet so support beams can go in, but the entire blueprint that KUB had was off by a fairly wide margin without explanation. I came to campus in the fall of 1998, and I can’t recall utility work through there since then, so you’re probably correct that it dates at least to the LNS construction. But if it was off by that much, it’s a small miracle that there wasn’t a bad accident during the practice field expansion project, demolition of Stokely, and construction of the new parking garage and student health center.

.

 

[DeerPark12]

I'm with you, especially on the lighting and sound systems. I can see the sound system waiting to be installed on permanent structures that are delayed, but the lighting being delayed makes no sense to me. When I've seen them changing at a lot of high schools around Knox Co they're done in almost no time.

Don't get me started on the premium areas and empty seats....

The Soundsystem can’t be fully installed until the new press box is done. The control center will be housed there, and the infrastructure that supports the system will be as well.

The new lighting system is a complete replacement, not just replacement of the bulbs. it goes all the way to replacing the poles, with ones that are a proper height for television, which the current ones are not. Like the Sound system, the computer control for the LED system will be housed in the new press box and can’t be installed until it’s mostly complete.

 

[WallyBalls]

The Soundsystem can’t be fully installed until the new press box is done. The control center will be housed there, and the infrastructure that supports the system will be as well.

The new lighting system is a complete replacement, not just replacement of the bulbs. it goes all the way to replacing the poles, with ones that are a proper height for television, which the current ones are not. Like the Sound system, the computer control for the LED system will be housed in the new press box and can’t be installed until it’s mostly complete.

Didn't even think about a control center, or new poles. That fills in the blanks for me.

Thanks for the clarification.

Did I read the email right, though, that the new permanent netting system will be installed this year? (which I'm assuming/hoping means the large poles right next to the dugouts can go away)

 

[LouderVol]

KUB had it completely wrong. I’m not sure how they could have been as wrong as they were. But some of the mainline utilities for West campus that KUB had blueprinted as behind right field, actually ran right under the former Pat Head Summit Street. Crews have had to do a lot of work in the middle of the night because of how much of campus loses power when they disconnect and reconnect some of those lines. UT is going to try to recoup some of the money from KUB because of the incorrect plans but this added over $1 million to the project cost. Will likely be closer to $3 or $4 million by the time it’s done.

It’s not a mass relocation, they’re moving things by a few feet so support beams can go in, but the entire blueprint that KUB had was off by a fairly wide margin without explanation. I came to campus in the fall of 1998, and I can’t recall utility work through there since then, so you’re probably correct that it dates at least to the LNS construction. But if it was off by that much, it’s a small miracle that there wasn’t a bad accident during the practice field expansion project, demolition of Stokely, and construction of the new parking garage and student health center.

.

you are more connected to the program and will definitely have better sources than me on the specifics. But I can 100% see KUB having the info wrong.

it happens ALL. the. time.

utility companies are weird, not sure about KUB, but they typically aren't truly public, or truly private, and have weirdly set up lines of command.

the lines being in the wrong place, and different from the records, could be any number of reasons. final as built drawings weren't submitted or recorded. several rounds of revisions confused the matter, with an earlier revision being documented as the last/built, even if the actual built was submitted. the digitization of records. new or different formatting.

 

[LouderVol]

My frustration was likely more about EVERY local road and bridge project that about the baseball stadium.

I believe the school - at least the prior generation of school leadership; learned some hard lessons with Thompson-Boling Arena Construction in the mid-80s. But I say that with the knowledge that other more recent construction projects have been botched to somewhat lesser degrees (Alan Jones Aquatic Center, White Hall, etc)

Perhaps the recently approved public/private partnership in residence hall construction projects will improve results and construction time. I don't think such partnerships could work with existing structures and/or athletic facilities - at least for the time being.

I hoped the takeover of almost all campus roadways by UT from Knoxville would improve future timelines. If this is truly a "utilities" issue then this should have been noted a long time ago. This portion of campus is "relatively" new- dating back to the urban renewal period of mostly the sixties and early 70s. As such, there should have been good records of what was in the ground. I realize that Upper Hudson/Haslam Field/Anderson Training have been under near constant construction since the 80s; and Lower Hudson/Lindsey Nelson Stadium has several renovations since 1992. There may be utility infrastructure work related to this but there should be no surprises.

I should not be surprised; I love the University of Tennessee but it is a government entity led largely by those from the political and academic realm. Only an entity run by journalists could be worse that that. All it took was a little bit of research. Sure, you may need to do a few test drills for deeper geological structures but keep in mind- UT has a very good geology program that would love real world experience training. Recall how UTAD didn't utilize in-school turf grass programs when they were having problems with the Neyland Stadium grass?

These problems will now cost the athletic department millions in extra construction costs and lost revenue and could have been largely avoided in the years leading up to the construction when everyone knew it was going to occur. Doing such groundwork or homework would have resulted in alteration of design, construction techniques or footprint alteration.

Millions have been paid to architects, engineers, demolition, and planning already. It would only have taken a few more dollars and time by all involved. (UT, local utilities, Knoxville, design team, and contractors) to avoid this situation.

Was KUB contacted long ago about the coming work? Did KUB respond and make any guarantees or warranties about their underground stuff?
Was UT Physical Plant derelict in knowing where their stuff was located? Steam pipes, data cables? Were they consulted at all?
When Lindsey Nelson Stadium was first constructed, the fraternity house directly behind it (then Phi Sigma) had to be condemned and demolished because of geological issues caused by that construction. Did those planning this renovation and addition project not research those problems from 1993 as background?

the people who learned those lessons are long long gone. there has been an almost ever changing leadership within UT's facilities development team, allegedly to cut down on the good ole boy factor.

something from the 60s or even 70s would definitely not be considered new. even on campus. and even with later work, if they aren't touching the areas, there is no way/reason to update the records.

while yes a few drill holes could have figured this out, you have to get those drill holes in the right location, which is just pure luck. so in reality you need hundreds or thousands of those bores to make sure you actually catch everything, which is so far beyond the typical its laughable. if its what Deerpark said about a line in the wrong place, there is pretty much no way to know until work starts. there is a huge difference in what lives on paper vs what actually exists underground, its just the way it is.

I went to UT's school of architecture, when I graduated in 2012 they still hadn't learned to utilize their in home assets, I doubt that has changed. but for stuff like borings, I very much doubt UT has the equipment to do the drillings or to fully test everything themselves. yet alone the experience or actual knowledge to interpret the information any better.

construction is NEVER perfect, never. and if there is ever a short time line, as there is on most university projects, it doesn't take much to upset the apple cart. so much is about sequencing, and if that gets thrown off even by a week or two, that can cost months down the road as things shift around. all of that planning goes away. and with the schedules being what they are around sports seasons you are even more restricted.

the construction schedules also have to work around the weather. so a for instance is maybe the exterior construction was supposed to finish up in November before bad weather hits. they were planning on a november finish because they expect 6 rain days that month, but December they expect 15 bad weather delays, 18 in January, and 20 in February. so they were hoping to be done on the outside, and working in enclosed spaces in December to minimize the impact of weather. well now outside construction is delayed into that more bad weather time, slowing it down even more. *I don't know the actual construction timelines or delay, purely an example*

if something was in the wrong place and had to be moved elsewhere, it may simply be a case of not having the materials needed to complete the move because its a little bigger of a move than planned. and if its an actual power line or water line, that is wholly on the utility company, not the contractor. regardless all the materials take time to get on site, with stuff being ordered months before work begins in the field to make sure you have what is needed as work is happening. well now they have a few more feet, and with long lead times even getting a short amount takes a long time. and in the mean time work in the area is dead. no way to know its in the wrong spot until you dig and someone goes "uhoh".

I have no idea about what actually went on. I can only comment on what I am reading based on my experience in the field, but I have no behind the scenes knowledge.

 

[onthehill71]

Look up infrastructure in the dictionary......" graft, corruption, bribery and fraud"

 

[youcancallmeAl]

You can do test pits looking for the utilities. But how do you know where to start digging the pits?

The first place is where the drawings say they should be. If there then great. If not, then it's a crapshoot. Utility companies not requiring as builts of the project engineers and surveyors is often the culprit.

 

[Vtonerider]

Who knew the stadium remodel thread would bring out as many experts on infrastructure engineering as a baseball gameday thread brings out experts in baseball coaching!

 

[chuckiepoo]

Who knew the stadium remodel thread would bring out as many experts on infrastructure engineering as a baseball gameday thread brings out experts in baseball coaching!

Well, from the collective conscious of the thousands of regular participants on VolNation, it doesn’t surprise me at all.

Ever been around when the discussion turns to aerospace or nuclear engineering?

Now, the managers and coaches checking in on game threads, that’s a different tale.

 

[Vtonerider]

Well, from the collective conscious of the thousands of regular participants on VolNation, it doesn’t surprise me at all.

Ever been around when the discussion turns to aerospace or nuclear engineering?

Yep, eclectic opinions abound on the board! John Wilkersons wife has recently posted some recent pics on Facebook showing significant digging ( or maybe just holes in the ground) on the utility work around the stadium entrance. Looks like progress is being made.

 

[mattdingus2002]

The Knoxville community came together to finish neyland’s construction when the money ran out, I think we could come together to move some utilities

 

[fryeguy93]

You know.

We could solve an awful lot of problems starting in February if the Vols could play at the newly named Covenant Health Park.

They could continue work on LNS without for the season or working around games

The fans would not have to enter through temporary gates and closed streets

UT could sell suites a year early

More fans could attend

Bars are closer

I bet the UT President could work a pretty good deal.

I wonder if the new park could be ready by February?

There’s really not a lot of overlap in ncaa and minor leagues seasons. And since the southern league has gone to 6 game series, it makes it easier for the teams to work around each other.

Perhaps even easier, I bet Sevierville would kill a man to host UT all season. That place with all the parking would be packed! That Tennessee Tech midweek game in 2022 was insane.

 

[chuckiepoo]

You know.

We could solve an awful lot of problems starting in February if the Vols could play at the newly named Covenant Health Park.

They could continue work on LNS without for the season or working around games

The fans would not have to enter through temporary gates and closed streets

UT could sell suites a year early

More fans could attend

Bars are closer

I bet the UT President could work a pretty good deal.

I wonder if the new park could be ready by February?

There’s really not a lot of overlap in ncaa and minor leagues seasons. And since the southern league has gone to 6 game series, it makes it easier for the teams to work around each other.

Perhaps even easier, I bet Sevierville would kill a man to host UT all season. That place with all the parking would be packed! That Tennessee Tech midweek game in 2022 was insane.

If anyone sees the advantages for the team, it would be Randy.