Cookeville Donating Another $3 Million To Tech Stadium

Cookeville will donate an additional $3 million in hotel/motel tax money to complete the renovations at Tennessee Tech’s Tucker Stadium.

The agreement includes language that the project must be finished by November, 2026 or the city can rescind its donation. Council Member Chad Gilbert asked the city manager to finalize an agreement with the University.

“My understanding is a resolution is a pledge, and I’m all for this and think we’re doing the right thing with the tourism dollars to go make something that’s really great,” Gilbert said. “But should we do another agreement that’s a bit more formal that says, Hey, this is where the money is, the sources and uses, this is where the money is coming from.”

Attorney Danny Rader said a more formal agreement would be appropriate to outline the deal. Cookeville already committed $1 million last July to the project. The county has also given money.

“I think it’s a great thing for our community,” Council Member Eric Walker said. “It’s a great opportunity for Cookeville to step up and support its university. It’s critical to our town and critical to the town we’ve become today. This is a relationship that’s been ongoing for longer than I’ve been alive, and it will go beyond the well past we’re even around. I’m just happy to be a part and support the university in this way.”

Finance Director Brenda Imel said hotel/motel tax revenue must go toward economic development and the promotion of tourism.