Skyline and Sidelines: Chattanooga’s Rooftop Bar Kicks Off in 2026

All you need to know.

August 13, 2025

A sweeping new chapter in Chattanooga FC’s evolution is unfolding above the city skyline. Rising atop the club’s brand-new six-story headquarters, a rooftop bar is set to launch in January 2026, poised to deliver a game-day experience like no other.

With a commanding view of Finley Stadium and downtown Chattanooga, the bar is part of the expansive “Project Starball” development, a bold 70,000-square-foot undertaking that reflects the club’s deep roots in local culture and its ambitious future.

The Rooftop Reveal

The centerpiece of Chattanooga FC’s new fan experience is the rooftop bar perched atop its six-story headquarters. Slated to open in January 2026, just before the new soccer season, this elevated venue will offer unmatched views of both Finley Stadium and the Chattanooga skyline.

Fans will be able to enjoy live match energy from above while soaking in the urban and natural beauty of the region. With no detail spared in construction or concept, this bar is designed to become the pulse of match day excitement.

Strategic Timing Ahead of the Season

Opening the bar in January 2026 positions Chattanooga FC to capitalize on the energy and anticipation surrounding the new season. By aligning the grand opening with the first match days, the club guarantees a built-in audience of eager supporters ready to embrace the new venue.

For visitors planning trips around major match days or season events, resources like Tennessee sportsbooks can offer updated timelines and seasonal insights that align well with the grand opening calendar and fan experience goals.

The Vision of Project Starball

Project Starball is more than a bar, it’s a sweeping 70,000-square-foot complex that serves as the nucleus of Chattanooga FC’s long-term ambitions. Beyond the rooftop experience, this mixed-use development includes official team offices, a full-service restaurant, modern player housing, and state-of-the-art training facilities.

This interconnected space brings every facet of club life under one roof, solidifying Chattanooga FC’s status as both a professional organization and a community pillar.

Six Stories of Soccer Identity

The six-story structure that houses the rooftop bar and the rest of Project Starball is not just a vertical expansion, it’s a symbolic rise. Each floor is built with purpose: from executive and administrative functions to team operations and fan engagement.

The architectural intent behind the height was clear—to create a beacon of Chattanooga FC’s growth, ambition, and presence in the city skyline.

Immersive Architecture and Design

Local architectural firms have taken the lead in designing the rooftop bar and surrounding spaces, weaving Chattanooga’s rich history and natural elements into every surface. From heritage brickwork to steel accents reminiscent of the city’s industrial roots, the rooftop will not be a generic sky lounge, it will be a visual storybook of local pride.

Interior elements will feature nods to the club’s identity, with team colors, badges, and historical references shaping the atmosphere.

Fan-First Experience Model

Rather than building just another hospitality space, Chattanooga FC aims to redefine what a match day feels like for fans. The rooftop bar will function as both a pre-game and post-match hub, with live match screenings, club-themed décor, and curated menus.

This concept allows fans who can’t secure stadium tickets to still participate in the game day fervor from a vantage point with heart-pounding proximity and unrivaled views.

Restaurant Integration Within the Complex

Inside the Project Starball development, the full-service restaurant will serve as an extension of the rooftop experience. Sharing kitchen resources and design language, the dining venue will mirror the rooftop’s aesthetic while offering its own street-level entry for the broader Chattanooga community. From match day specials to everyday brunches, the culinary component plays a vital role in driving year-round traffic beyond the soccer calendar.

Athlete Housing Within the HQ

In a rare move for lower-division soccer in the U.S., Chattanooga FC’s headquarters will include designated player housing. This proximity between living space, training facilities, and the stadium fosters a tightly knit team culture and smoother daily logistics.

Players can literally ride an elevator to get to work, reducing commute stress and improving performance. It’s a professional infrastructure model borrowed from top-tier international clubs, now adapted to Chattanooga’s blueprint.

Advanced Training Facilities Onsite

Elite-level training facilities are embedded within the 70,000-square-foot campus. These include strength and conditioning zones, indoor technical training spaces, and recovery amenities, all under the same roof as the administrative and fan-facing operations.

This self-contained training ecosystem removes logistical friction for the team, allowing more efficient scheduling and continuous performance monitoring.

Symbolic and Strategic Placement

The rooftop bar’s location was not chosen arbitrarily. By placing it within direct view of Finley Stadium, Chattanooga FC is forging a symbolic link between its past and future. Finley remains the club’s matchday home, but the rooftop serves as its cultural crest.

On game days, the roar of the stadium will echo up to the bar, creating a layered, immersive experience, one that captures both the sounds and sights of the sport in Chattanooga.

Strengthening the Club-Community Bond

Outside of official matches, the rooftop and wider Project Starball development are envisioned as spaces for community events, youth engagement programs, and club watch parties. This reinforces Chattanooga FC’s deep community roots and adds an additional revenue stream through year-round activation.

With flexible layouts and locally inspired programming, the club ensures that the rooftop remains relevant and vibrant even when the pitch is quiet.

The Future of Soccer Infrastructure in Chattanooga

The fusion of administrative, athletic, residential, and fan-facing spaces within a single vertical structure positions Chattanooga FC as a trailblazer. This multi-use infrastructure, especially the inclusion of a rooftop venue, offers a replicable model for ambitious lower-division clubs across the U.S. As the 2026 opening nears, eyes across the soccer world will be watching how a community-powered club can set new standards for localized soccer experiences.