Momentum Surrounding the Project Reaches Far Beyond Campus
By: Heather Thomas and Jonathan Frank
(UCBJ) – With Tennessee Tech University’s football home opener just weeks away, community leaders, alumni and longtime Golden Eagle supporters are sharing what the newly renovated Tucker Stadium means to them through a social media video series.
From business and civic leaders to former student-athletes and longtime game-day supporters, each sees the renovated West Side of Tucker Stadium as an investment not only in Tennessee Tech, but also in the continued growth and vitality of the Upper Cumberland.
When Tennessee Tech Succeeds, the Community Shines
Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Amy New, a Tennessee Tech alumna, said the momentum surrounding the project reaches far beyond campus.
“There is so much excitement building around Tennessee Tech right now, and I can’t wait to see the new Tucker Stadium ready for our first home game on Aug. 29,” New said in her video.
“This is more than just a construction project. It’s a major movement for our university and, really, our entire community. Tennessee Tech plays such an important role in Cookeville and in Putnam County. When Tech grows, our community grows.”
Watch Amy New’s video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1015790974301633
A Personal Connection to Game Day
For Michael Detwiler – better known throughout the Upper Cumberland as “The Cookeville Weather Guy” – the project carries a personal connection. A Tennessee Tech alumnus, Detwiler is entering his 26th season as the football program’s game clock operator.
“It’s a beautiful day for Tennessee Tech,” Detwiler said while touring the new club level. “The stadium’s coming along nicely. There’s only one first season, and you must be a part of it.”
Watch Michael Detwiler’s video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Bo4zKs4zg/
A New Chapter in Tennessee Tech History
Tennessee Tech alumnus, Sports Hall of Fame inductee and former Vice President for Student Affairs Marc Burnett said the renovated stadium marks another milestone in the university’s rich history.
“As you look around and see now, we’re in another new era. A first season that you’ll only have once,” Burnett said. “It’s very exciting to be a part of what’s going on.”
Burnett said the relationship between Tennessee Tech and Cookeville has shaped both the university and the community for generations.
“We know that Cookeville and Tennessee Tech have a relationship in which we surround one another, we’re together,” he said. “It’s one of the reasons I’ve stayed in Cookeville for almost 50 years.”
Watch Marc Burnett’s video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2125192298434556
Building on Championship Momentum
Former Cookeville mayor and Tennessee Tech football alumnus Matt Swallows echoed that sentiment, pointing to last season’s championship success and the anticipation surrounding the program’s future.
“Well, guys, it’s finally here,” Swallows said in his video. “The season we’ve been waiting for. There’s only one first season in a brand-new stadium.”
Swallows encouraged Golden Eagle supporters to experience the moment firsthand.
“We want you to come and see it so you believe as well,” he said.
Watch Matt Swallows’ video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/978208998386238
Excitement Across the Community
Buffy Key, chief executive officer of Cookeville Regional Medical Center, said the renovated stadium reflects the positive energy and growth she sees across Tennessee Tech.
“I’m so excited to talk to you about Tennessee Tech University and the new era of excitement that we’ve got going on at Tennessee Tech,” Key said.
“With the new football stadium and all of the great sports programs we’ve got going on here, we couldn’t be more excited to be neighbors and to thank everyone for their support and collaboration.”
Watch Buffy Key’s video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1045906118129785
Only One First Season
The Golden Eagles will open the renovated Tucker Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 29, when Tennessee Tech hosts Monmouth University and ushers in this new era.
For the alumni, community leaders and longtime supporters featured in the video series, the opening represents more than the beginning of another football season. It is a shared milestone for Tennessee Tech, Cookeville and the Upper Cumberland, and an opportunity to be part of a first season that will never come again.
Season tickets, half-season ticket packages and single-game tickets are available at ttusportstickets.com.
Image via Tech.
Copyright 2026 The Upper Cumberland Business Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Other stories you may want to check out:
