Chattanooga FC Opens New Headquarters, and Local Soccer Keeps Growing

Chattanooga’s soccer scene just got a new home base. On Wednesday, September 16, Chattanooga Football Club cut the ribbon on its new headquarters, the Starball Building, on Riverfront Parkway, and it’s a facility that puts Chattanooga in rare company for a club at this level.

A Facility Built for the Long Run

The six-story, 70,000-plus square foot building sits near Finley Stadium and brings every part of the organization under one roof for the first time, first team operations, MLS NEXT Pro staff, the CFC Youth academy, and the CFC Women’s program. Inside, it includes an elite training facility with ice baths and a sauna, a film room, apartments for players, offices, retail space, and a rooftop bar.

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, who has been involved with the club since its founding, didn’t hold back on what the building represents for the city. “Dare I say, there’s not another facility like this anywhere in lower league soccer in the United States,” Kelly said at the ribbon-cutting.

Part of a Bigger Chattanooga Soccer Moment

The timing isn’t a coincidence. MLS NEXT Pro’s Vice President of Business Operations, Mac Bartels, connected the investment directly to Chattanooga’s rising soccer profile following this year’s World Cup, specifically pointing to Spain’s decision to use Chattanooga as its training base during the tournament. That’s the same story we covered back when Spain trained at Baylor School on their way to the World Cup Final, and it’s clear that moment is still paying dividends for how the rest of the country sees soccer in this city.

Between a World Cup training base and now one of the most advanced club facilities in American lower-league soccer, Chattanooga has built a real case for itself as a soccer city, not just a football and baseball town with a soccer team.

What It Means for Youth Soccer Locally

The part of this story that matters most for local families isn’t the rooftop bar, it’s that CFC Youth and the club’s MLS NEXT academy now operate out of the same building as the professional staff. That kind of integration tends to raise the level of coaching, development, and visibility for the youth players coming up through the pipeline, and it’s a strong signal for how seriously the club is investing in the next generation of Chattanooga soccer talent.

For parents, coaches, and rec league organizers, moments like this tend to translate into more kids picking up the sport and more competitive club and travel teams forming to keep up with the growing interest.

Outfitting Chattanooga’s Growing Soccer Community

Whether your team is affiliated with a club academy, a school program, or a rec league just getting started, The Athletic Shop can help you outfit it. We build custom soccer uniforms with lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics designed for a full match, along with practice gear and coaches’ apparel to complete the look.

If your club or booster program is looking for an easier way to handle uniform orders and fundraising as your roster grows, our online team store builder lets parents order and pay directly, no spreadsheets required.

Get Your Team’s Uniform Started

If your soccer program is ready to gear up for the season, get a free quote from our team. Start your quote today.

FAQs About Chattanooga FC’s New Headquarters

Q: Where is Chattanooga FC’s new headquarters located?
A: The Starball Building sits at 1620 Riverfront Parkway, near Finley Stadium.

Q: What’s inside the new facility?
A: The 70,000-plus square foot building includes an elite training facility, player apartments, a film room, retail space, offices, and a rooftop bar.

Q: Does the new headquarters include youth programs?
A: Yes. The building houses staff and operations for CFC Youth and the club’s MLS NEXT academy alongside the professional team.

Q: Can The Athletic Shop outfit youth and club soccer teams in Chattanooga?
A: Yes. We build custom soccer uniforms and team gear for youth leagues, school teams, and club programs throughout the Chattanooga area.