Chattanooga Lookouts to enhance fan experience with expanded alcohol sales

From Local 3 News: The Chattanooga Lookouts are gearing up for an exciting new chapter in their fan experience following the passage of a significant bill in the Tennessee General Assembly.

President Rich Mozingo shared that while the team has long offered beer at their stadium, wine, and spirits were previously limited to certain areas. However, this will soon change thanks to House Bill 823, which allows the sale of wine and liquor throughout the stadium.
The bill passed on Monday, grants stadiums in counties with populations of more than 350,000 the ability to apply for a liquor-by-the-drink license.

Mozingo explained that while the bill was introduced last month, the process has been ongoing for about a year. The Lookouts have worked closely with the Minor League Baseball team, the Knoxville Smokies, who are facing similar regulations as it constructs a new ballpark.

“This bill is going to allow us to provide fans with the same experience they can get in cities like Nashville and Memphis, where spirits are sold inside the stadium,” Mozingo said.
He added that this change couldn’t have come at a better time, with the baseball season just around the corner. With opening day only 21 days away, the team is excited to offer fans more beverage options.

House Bill 823 was introduced by Republican Senator Justin Lafferty of Knoxville, who believes this move will align Tennessee’s newer stadiums with the state’s larger sports venues.

By expanding alcohol offerings, the bill is expected to not only improve the fan experience but also create more quality jobs within the stadiums.

Mozingo credited local lawmakers for their tireless work in advancing the bill. “What a great job they did in shepherding this thing through, allowing us to create the fan experience we’re aiming for here in Chattanooga,” he said.

The bill also sets the expiration date for the Lookouts' wine and liquor license for March 1, 2030. Additionally, it requires local law enforcement to report any public safety issues such as public intoxication, vandalism, or drunk driving to the General Assembly on an annual basis.

This change marks a major improvement for the Lookouts and their fans, and they look forward to welcoming fans to a more vibrant, diverse stadium experience in the upcoming season.