News

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Feb. 18, 2021) – CHI Memorial Stadium is sharing new details about the video jumbotron display and digital field runner boards that will be used during Chattanooga Red Wolves Soccer Club matches and other live events. The over 2,000-square-foot jumbotron, which will feature in-game scoring and statistics, live video feeds and instant replays, will be the largest in the city and among the largest in the state of Tennessee. 

“The state-of-the-art addition to our stadium is yet another example of our dedication to creating a one-of-a-kind experience for our guests and fans,” said Sean McDaniel, president and GM of the Chattanooga Red Wolves Soccer Club. “This elevated technology allows us to bring our fans closer to the beautiful game than ever before, which has been our mission since inception of the team.”

The 33′ x 62′ jumbotron, which will be installed this spring, will have over 700,000 LEDs, 4K video resolution and wide viewing angles that will create an immersive in-game viewing experience from every seat in the stadium. CHI Memorial Stadium will also feature digital runner boards that will display live motion graphics throughout the match as seen in English Premier League, Major League Soccer, National Football League and National Basketball Association venues. The boards are carefully designed using a rubberized soft mask to protect players and withstand impact. The boards will initially be displayed at field level before being mounted to the wall upon stadium completion. Between the Jumbotron and Digital Field Runner Boards, over 1.45 million LEDs will be installed at CHI Memorial Stadium.

The Jumbotron and Digital Field Runner Boards are assembled locally by Chattanooga based, Plainview LED and will both be built and tested in their new Chattanooga plant. “PlainView LED and the Chattanooga Red Wolves are both home-grown organizations growing out of the same Chattanooga soil,” said Derek Markey, PlainView LED’s COO. “We are beyond excited to partner with them to bring an incredible fan and spectator experience to each and every home game and event at CHI Memorial Stadium. With larger than life vibrant colors, the scoreboard is capable of in-game scoring and statistics, live video feeds, instant replays, HD broadcast quality, and much more.”

Collectively, the addition of the Hi-Tech stadium elements will bring CHI Memorial Stadium into an elite group of sports and entertainment venues across the country. 

While the Jumbotron and Digital Runner Boards are CHI Memorial Stadium’s latest announcements, CHI Memorial Stadium also has multiple other elements currently under construction and on the way including lights and its Executive Club and Sky Suites building, which will include eight suites and a restaurant-bar.

The Chattanooga Red Wolves Organization is proud to be the presenting sponsor for Urban League of Chattanooga’s Fireside Chats that highlight Chattanooga’s Black History Trailblazers & Storytellers! 

The next Fireside Chat is this Sunday featuring Dr. Lonita Davidson, one of the highest ranking African American administrators in the history of the Hamilton County Department of Education. During her career she also became the first female principal ever at Howard High School. To hear more from the education trailblazer, register for the chat at www.ulchatt.net!

If you aren’t familiar with the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, their mission statement is to enable African-Americans and other disadvantaged persons to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights. Within the Urban League there is the volunteer auxiliary group Young Professionals (ULGCYP) whose purpose is to cultivate people in a way that inspires leadership, personal and professional growth, encourages civic engagement and promotes community involvement to effectively impact the community. 

Through a donation to Urban League’s inclusive leadership initiatives the Chattanooga Red Wolves Foundation and Urban League will help create more equity and opportunity for the development of young professionals, allowing multiple Urban League Young Professionals access to the mid-careers professionals leadership development institute.

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Jan. 29, 2021) – This Friday afternoon, the Red Wolves announced Rafa Mentzingen as their 16th addition to the 2021 squad pending league and federation approval. The dynamic forward brings a new level of pace and finishing to USL League One.

Born in Rio De Janeiro, Rafa spent his youth career in Brazil before moving to America after being recruited for collegiate soccer. The 24 year old Brazilian began his collegiate soccer career at Bryan College in Dayton Tennessee where he played alongside current Red Wolves defender Jonathan Ricketts, making him a familiar face to many Chattanoogans. Mentzingen completed his collegiate career with NCAA Division 1 program Valparaiso University. Upon graduation, Rafa entered the 2019 MLS Superdraft where he was selected in the 4th round by Columbus Crew.

Rafa then began his professional career in USL League One during its inaugural season, putting away 6 goals and notching 7 assists. After a successful rookie season, Mentzingen went on trial with the Columbus Crew before signing with Memphis 901 FC where he played alongside former United States Men’s National Team Goalkeeper Tim Howard. During the shortened 2020 season, Rafa put in three goals and notched one assist.

Head Coach Jimmy Obleda is eager to see the pacey, dynamic Brazilian implemented into USL League One’s most high powered offense. “Rafa is a player of the highest quality,” says Obleda. “He checks all the boxes of what we are looking for in our attacking players, he has it all and does it all very well. Rafa will be someone that the team will be looking  to take the game by the scruff of the neck when needed.”

GM & President Sean McDaniel sees Mentzingen as a key addition to the 2021 roster. “While most clubs would be satisfied to have our goal production from last year, it really didn’t meet our expectations considering our style of play,” says McDaniel. “We felt it was critical to bolster our attack and find players that can create quality chances for us in front of the net. I’ve watched Rafa’s career for several years and he’s exactly what we have been missing.”

For Rafa, coming back to Chattanooga is something he’s looked forward to for a long time. “I feel like Chattanooga is home,” says Mentzingen. “I already have a strong community of friends in the city and love the beautiful hiking spots Chattanooga has to offer. It’s such a passionate city for sports, I’m very excited to begin the next chapter of my career back in Chattanooga. To the fans, we are going to give our 110% to bring this trophy to the city. I would like to ask for your full support, cheering and singing throughout our matches.”

Mentzingen is the 16th addition to the Red Wolves 2021 Roster and 4th forward. Rafa joins newcomers Josue Espana, Jose Carrera Garcia, Jimmie Villalobos, Jackson Dieterich, Jonathan Esparza, Jorge Luna, Daniel Navarro, Sebastian Mora-Mora and returners Ualefi Dos Reis, Ami Pineda, Ronaldo Pineda, Marky Hernandez, Ricky Ruiz, Jonathan Ricketts, Jason Ramos and Tim Trilk. More player announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Feb. 5, 2021) – This Friday afternoon, the Red Wolves announced Daniel Navarro as their 15th addition to the 2021 squad pending league and federation approval.

Born in Massachusetts, Navarro was raised in Brazil where he began his professional career in 2013. During his stint in Brazil, Navarro found plenty of success including winning the Copa Paulista while he played for Santo André-SP of São Paulo’s top flight. In 2018, Navarro moved to the USL where he signed with El Paso Locomotive and ultimately became a USL Championship Western Conference finalist in 2019.

The 29 year old center back will be a familiar face for Chattanooga fans considering his midseason, three match loan from El Paso Locomotive of USL Championship to the Red Wolves in the club’s inaugural 2019 season. For Navarro, he sees coming back to Chattanooga as an opportunity to leave an impression at the club. “It was a really short loan in 2019,” says Navarro. “For 2021, I’m excited to get more time and give everything I have to the club and the fans. The club has put their trust in my abilities, and I want to prove that they are right in doing so.”

With a well-travelled and successful career under his belt, it’s no surprise that Daniel Navarro is an exciting addition to the 2021 roster for Head Coach Jimmy Obleda. “Navarro brings a tremendous amount of wealth in experience and quality to the club,” says Obleda. “He is a player that has been there before and knows what we will be asking from him this season. He is a great addition to our back line.”

Navarro is the 15th addition to the Red Wolves 2021 Roster and 6th defender. Luna joins newcomers Jorge Luna, Josue Espana, Jose Carrera Garcia, Jimmie Villalobos, Jackson Dieterich, Jonathan Esparza, Sebastian Mora-Mora and returners Ualefi Dos Reis, Ami Pineda, Ronaldo Pineda, Marky Hernandez, Ricky Ruiz, Jonathan Ricketts, Jason Ramos and Tim Trilk. More player announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

Q&A With Tim Trilk

Looking back on your first year in Chattanooga, how was it?

It was an enjoyable one. As a player I was able to learn a lot from some of the veteran players in the club about how to be a professional and overall the business of the game. I was able to explore this great city and make relationships on and off the field to help make Chattanooga feel like home. 

What were some of your favorite memories of the 2020 season?

Being my first season, it was definitely one with a lot of great memories.  My favorites would have to be opening day at CHI Memorial Stadium and seeing the support and the excitement from the fans throughout the game, as well as our stoppage-time winner against Richmond.

How do you like living in Chattanooga? Where are some of your favorite spots in the city?

I love every bit of living in Chattanooga.  It’s a great city with something for everyone.  I love to spend time at all the great restaurants in town. It’s hard to beat the views of Lake Chickamauga and Sunset Rock as well.

What’re your goals for 2021? 

My goals for 2021 are the same as the rest of the team, and that is to bring a championship to the Scenic City.  The club has made great progress in establishing themselves as an iconic part of this city and I plan to help this club continue that growth through the 2021 season.  

What’re your off-season training goals? What’s your daily routine look like?

This off-season my goal is to become stronger physically and to improve technically on the ball. Every day I wake up and have a big breakfast before heading to the gym. After the gym, I head over to the field for some fitness work and finish up with ball work. After that, its onto recovery for the following day.

What’re your thoughts on the new signings? Do you have history with any of them?  

The coaching staff and front office have done a great job filling out the roster for the upcoming season.  I don’t have any previous connection with any of the signings but I know they’re bringing a wealth of experience and talent to the team and I am excited to get to work with each of them.

Is there anything you’d like to say to the fans? 

To the fans, there’s a new era between the sticks for the Red Wolves.  I’m excited for the opportunity to take this club to the next level, and that’s just what I plan to do. I look forward to seeing the stands in CHI Memorial filled again this spring!

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Jan. 01, 2021) – This Friday afternoon, the Red Wolves announced Jorge Luna as their 14th addition to the 2021 squad pending league and federation approval.

The 27 year old Venezuelan Center Back will be coming to Chattanooga with plenty of experience under his belt. Luna spent time on the Venezuelan Youth National Team before beginning a professional career where he played in the First Division in Venezuela, Uruguay and Paraguay. Most recently, Luna played for Sportivo Luqueño of the Paraguayan Primera División as a Left Center Back.

With his extensive resume under his belt, Luna is eager to get started in Chattanooga. “When I first knew I could have the opportunity to go to play with the Red Wolves, I didn’t think twice,” says Luna. “I was attracted by the way Coach Obleda leads the team, the style of play and the overall quality of the club. I also saw that the team has top tier players.”

For Head Coach Jimmy Obleda, Luna’s signing has been a long time coming. “Luna is a player I have been keeping my eye on for some time,” says Head Coach Jimmy Obleda. “He is a young man that has played at a very high level for many years.  He is a left center back with a strong presence and personality. It’s in his DNA.”

Luna is set to join a strong Red Wolves back line already consisting of Second Team All-League Player Ricky Ruiz, Jonathan Ricketts, Jason Ramos, and new signing Jonathan Esparza. 

For Red Wolves GM & President Sean McDaniel, Jorge’s signing is the product of a long and calculated search. “We looked both domestically and internationally for this specific position,” says McDaniel. “We feel like Jorge is exactly what we were looking for. He has played at a very high level in South America and we are anxious to see him out on the pitch at CHI Memorial Stadium this season.”

Luna is the 14th addition to the Red Wolves 2021 Roster and 5th defender. Luna joins newcomers Josue Espana, Jose Carrera Garcia, Jimmie Villalobos, Jackson Dieterich, Jonathan Esparza, Sebastian Mora-Mora and returners Ualefi Dos Reis, Ami Pineda, Ronaldo Pineda, Marky Hernandez, Ricky Ruiz, Jonathan Ricketts, Jason Ramos and Tim Trilk. More player announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Jan. 25th, 2020) USL League One to begin play on or about May 8; 28-game regular season slate scheduled to run through October.

USL League One announced on Monday following the league’s Board of Governors meeting that the 2021 regular season will begin on or about May 8 and will feature a 28-game slate running through October and culminating in a six-team playoff to take place in November.

“Starting the Red Wolves season in early May gives our great city and sports fans something exciting to look forward to,” says President and GM Sean McDaniel. “Professional soccer is returning to the Scenic City very soon and will allow our community to cheer us on to a 2021 Championship.”

In voting for a flexible start date, the Governors have approved for clubs to begin play as early as April 10th depending on conditions in their local communities. Further details and scheduling announcements will be made in the coming months and the league will continue to monitor the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in the event that alterations to the format need to be made.

“Now that we have a kick off date to look forward to, we can begin working with our local authorities to ensure a safe and secure environment at CHI Memorial Stadium as fans enjoy professional soccer is this great venue,” says McDaniel.

While CHI Memorial Stadium was ready to hold professional matches in 2020 there are still many more building elements coming to Tennessee’s first pro soccer stadium. The Executive Club and Sky Suites are currently under construction and lights, the Jumbotron and digital field runner boards are set to begin installation shortly. 

“Last season was historical for many reasons, one of the brighter ones being the fact that we were able to safely open up and play in Tennessee’s first professional soccer stadium, CHI Memorial Stadium, says McDaniel. “While CHI Memorial Stadium was already a top class professional stadium, there are many more additions on the way”

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.​ (Jan. 21, 2020) This afternoon Chattanooga announced Jonathan Esparza as their first new defensive addition to the 2021 roster.

Originally from Chula Vista California, the 21 year old outside back has had a strong and well traveled career. Esparza landed a spot on the U-18 US Men’s National Team before signing professionally to Club Tijuana of Liga MX in 2018. During his career at Club Tijuana, Esparza had stints on loan to Oaxaca and most recently Celaya of Ascenso MX.

Esparza will be joining a strong group of returners in Chattanooga’s backline, including Jason Ramos, Jonathan Ricketts and ​2020 League One All-League Second Team selection Ricky Ruiz.​ “One of the first tasks Coach Obleda had for building his 2021 roster was solidifying the depth of our defenders so it was critical that we find the right personnel for this role,” says GM Sean McDaniel. “Jonathan fits perfectly into the system as well as the Red Wolves culture and will be a great addition to our back line for 2021.”

The 21 year old defender has also played professionally both as a forward and in the midfield, creating a unique offensive skill set for an outside back. “Jonathan is a young player that brings a level of experience and bite that we are looking to have in our back line,” says Head Coach Jimmy Obleda. “He brings the extra that cannot be taught. He adds to the depth we want to have in the back line.”

Esparza is excited to step on the pitch for the Red Wolves and also to live in the Scenic City. “My soccer career has taken me to the most amazing cities full of culture,” says Esparza. “From what I have seen and read, Chattanooga is just that, a beautiful city with many scenic places, culture and history that I am excited to explore. I will wear this crest with pride. I am counting down the days to step onto the CHI Memorial Stadium and make Chattanooga proud. I will work hard and do everything in my power to bring a championship to the city.”

Esparza is the 13th player signed to the Red Wolves 2021 Roster ​joining newcomers Josue Espana, Jose Carrera Garcia, Jimmie Villalobos, Jackson Dieterich, Sebastian Mora-Mora and returners Ualefi Dos Reis, Ami Pineda, Ronaldo Pineda, Marky Hernandez, Ricky Ruiz, Jonathan Ricketts, Jason Ramos and Tim Trilk. More player announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

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About Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
Founded in 2018, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is a professional soccer club in Chattanooga, Tenn. The USL League One founding member is led by business executive Robert Martino and President Sean McDaniel. The club is constructing a state-of-the-art 5,500-seat soccer-specific stadium in Chattanooga for the 2020 season. For more information, visit https://www.chattanoogaredwolves-sc.com/.

I’m extremely happy to be back, and I love the city and I want to be not only a leader, but a champion. It’s time to present the club that has opened the doors for me with the first of many titles to come. I want to be champions, and I’m going to give my life in training and games so that this comes true at the end of the season.

I don’t have any favorite parts in the city, the whole city is special for me. We feel welcomed in Chattanooga.

As one of the most experienced or the most experienced in the cast, I want to bring my experience to help all my teammates and emphasize that everyone can count on me both on and off the field. I want to help in everything to become more than teammates, but a family. I think that if we have this family environment and stay together, we will succeed in 2021. I believe in the criterion of our coach Jimmy, and if he believes that we will succeed with the hired athletes, I am with him.

I would like to speak with our fans, I am very grateful for what you have done for us every game supporting us and being our 12th player.  We will play for you, we will leave everything on the pitch to win everything we can, fighting for each ball, for each play and not giving up until the referee blows the end of the game. You are our 12th. If it is possible in 2021 to have 100% capacity, we would be happy to see our stadium with every seat full, it will certainly help us. It will help the club and certainly the city and us on the pitch. We want to bring the title to you, the club and the city.  See you in 2021. God bless you all!