CHATTANOOGA, Tenn — The community debate over Engel Stadium’s future has taken a new turn, as local advocates point to a 2002 Hamilton County Commission resolution they say proves the historic ballpark should have been conveyed back to the City and County.
The post, shared widely this week in the public Facebook group Save Engel Stadium, argues that UTC agreed to return the site once it finished using it for university needs. Supporters say that promise should now be honored as UTC moves forward with plans to demolish Engel and build a new women’s athletics complex on the property.
The resolution shared online dates back more than 20 years, long before the university announced its intent to raze the crumbling stadium. It was a decision that sparked public outcry, historic-preservation efforts, and weeks of new developments.
On Wednesday, we took those concerns directly to Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly.
Look, it’s UTC’s property,” Kelly told us. “I think UTC is a great, faithful community partner. I think they’re going to listen to feedback, and I do think, in the great Chattanooga tradition, we’ll figure it out together…