Finley Stadium Davenport Field: The Home of UTC Football
For the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), the transition to a modern athletic facility marked a new era for the Mocs football program. Moving from a historic campus site to a state-of-the-art venue, the program embraced a facility designed for growth, community engagement, and professional-grade competition.
The Transition from Chamberlain Field
Before the opening of their current home, the Mocs played at Chamberlain Field. Opened in 1908, Chamberlain Field held the distinction of being the second-oldest on-campus stadium in the United States. However, as the program grew, city and university leaders recognized the need for a more modern facility to support the team and the community.
This need led to the development of Finley Stadium Davenport Field, which became a cornerstone of the city's Southside revitalization project, an urban renewal effort aimed at improving the city's infrastructure and economic appeal.
Construction and Funding
The journey to the new stadium began on March 7, 1996, with the groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the former Rock Tenn plant. Seven months later, the Stadium Corporation officially named the facility Finley Stadium Davenport Field.
The project required a total investment of $28.5 million. The funding was a collaborative effort between public entities and private citizens, showcasing significant community support. Private donations alone accounted for nearly 40% of the budget, totaling $10.2 million, with individual contributions ranging from $10 to $1 million.
The remaining funds were provided by the following entities:
- City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County: $13 million
- State of Tennessee: $3.5 million
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga: $2.9 million
Opening and Modern Enhancements
Finley Stadium Davenport Field officially opened its doors on October 18, 1997. The inaugural game saw the Mocs defeat Tennessee State with a score of 28-7. The event was a massive success, drawing an overflow crowd of 22,646 spectators.
While the original capacity was set at 20,668, the facility currently accommodates 20,412 seats. To maintain the quality of the playing surface, a new turf was installed in 2015 at a cost of $600,000. This modern surface features the versatility to erase or switch between football and soccer lines depending on the event being hosted.
Key Facts
- Opening Date: October 18, 1997
- Total Construction Cost: $28.5 million
- Current Capacity: 20,412 seats
- Private Funding: $10.2 million (approx. 40% of total)
- Former Site: Rock Tenn plant
- Previous Venue: Chamberlain Field (est. 1908)
| Contributor | Amount Contributed |
|---|---|
| City of Chattanooga & Hamilton County | $13 million |
| Private Donations | $10.2 million |
| State of Tennessee | $3.5 million |
| University of Tennessee at Chattanooga | $2.9 million |
| Total | $28.5 million |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did UTC move to Finley Stadium?
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga stopped using Chamberlain Field and began using Finley Stadium Davenport Field in 1997.
Who did the Mocs play in the stadium's first game?
The Mocs played Tennessee State on October 18, 1997, winning the game 28-7.
How was the construction of the stadium funded?
The $28.5 million project was funded through a combination of private donations ($10.2 million), contributions from the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County ($13 million), the State of Tennessee ($3.5 million), and the University ($2.9 million).
What is the current seating capacity of the facility?
The facility currently has 20,412 seats, slightly down from its original capacity of 20,668.
What improvements were made to the field in 2015?
A new turf surface was installed for $600,000, which allows the stadium to switch between football and soccer markings depending on the event.