KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In early February, Tennessee athletics director Danny White could see cranes working above Lindsey Nelson Stadium, signaling the ongoing transformation of the much-anticipated baseball facility.

"To see it starting to look like a real stadium is pretty cool," White told Knox News, highlighting the excitement surrounding the ongoing renovations.

The multiyear project has entered another phase, with major work wrapping up while construction continues during the season. The goal is to complete the entire renovation by 2026, with the project already surpassing a $100 million budget.

White gave the media a tour on Monday, showcasing the impressive progress as the facility continues to evolve according to the vision that coach Tony Vitello has had since arriving at the program.

“I think when he got here, he thought that baseball could compete at the highest level,” said UT deputy athletics director Alicia Longworth. “I think between Danny and Tony, this is going to be one of the best ballparks in the country. You can see the marriage between the administration and our coaching staff.”

With the success of Vitello’s program, which won the national title in 2024, White expressed the pressure to ensure the facility lives up to its vision.

"Now, the pressure is on and we better make sure it is," White said.

What’s Been Completed so Far

The renovations have already added several exciting features to the stadium, including new seating behind home plate, a student section down the right-field line, upgraded restrooms, and a new sound system. The addition of a permanent net system and player entrance will be completed before the first game.

While much of the construction is still underway, the vertical elements of the stadium have started to take shape, giving fans a glimpse of what’s to come.

"You can see from some of the sight lines that when this place is done, it is going to be fantastic and is going to be one of the best ballparks in the country," Longworth remarked.

What’s Still to Come for 2026

As work continues, more changes are anticipated before the 2026 season. White, who played a key role in building up baseball facilities at Ole Miss and UCF, has drawn on those experiences to shape the new stadium. The addition of upper-level suites and club areas is a major feature of the final phase of the project, with suites "hanging out right over home plate," White said.

“Fans will see the stadium continue to grow all year,” Longworth noted, confirming that construction would continue throughout the season, with progress visible during non-game days.

The completed stadium is expected to offer a first-class experience for fans and players alike.

"When it gets done, I think it will be best in class,” White said. “I think it will be a phenomenal facility considering the location and the experience for our fans.”

Final Details of the Project

Among the planned additions for 2026 are a completed mezzanine level, expanded MVP room, renovated home-plate concessions, and additional elevators. The project is slated to provide fans with a state-of-the-art ballpark experience, with construction continuing into the middle of SEC play.

“It will be absolutely special, and we couldn’t be more proud of this,” White concluded.

As the project progresses, Lindsey Nelson Stadium is set to become a key venue for Tennessee’s baseball program, attracting fans and enhancing the overall experience for the team. The ongoing improvements are expected to elevate the program to new heights, making it a premier destination for baseball fans in the region.

Work will continue through 2025, and with each phase, more enhancements will be added. Fans will have a chance to experience the evolution of the stadium firsthand, while looking forward to a fully completed state-of-the-art facility in time for the 2026 season.\

Originally reported by Mike Wilson in Knoxville News Sentinel.