Local investors support continued growth, expansion of local soccer

Chattanooga, TN (November 8, 2018)- Lamp Post, a local investment group, has agreed to acquire an ownership position in Chattanooga Football Club.

Chattanooga Football Club has played in the NPSL, a nationwide semi-pro league, for the past 10 seasons. After unparalleled success in the NPSL, Chattanooga Football Club’s local ownership group is reviewing a move into a higher league.

“Bringing in Lamp Post is the next step in building a solid foundation for Chattanooga Football Club as we set our sights on the club moving to the next level,” said Tim Kelly, Chairman of Chattanooga Football Club. “Lamp Post and its partners have done so much for Chattanooga and we are pleased they are joining our team at this crucial time.”

Barry Large, a founding partner at Lamp Post Group, will be joining Chattanooga Football Club’s board of directors.

“Lamp Post is all about investing in the future of this great community. Chattanooga Football Club has been a critical part of the ethos of Chattanooga over the past decade,” Large said. “We want to make sure it continues to play this key role, so it’s a no-brainer for us to join the ownership group.”

Large was a cofounder and CFO for Access America as the organization grew to $500 million in revenue over a 12 year period. In 2014, Access America merged with Coyote Logistics, which ultimately sold to UPS in 2015 for upwards of $1.8 billion.

Lamp Post was spearheaded by the founders of Access America: Barry Large, Ted Alling, and Alan Davis. Lamp Post’s investment in Chattanooga Football Club marks the second time the group has purchased a stake in a local sports team. In 2015, Lamp Post joined Hardball Capital, and other local investors, in acquiring the Chattanooga Lookouts.

“We are honored to have Lamp Post joining the team. Lamp Post’s partners epitomize how Chattanoogans invest in Chattanooga-based businesses and other ventures,” said Sheldon Grizzle, Interim President and General Manager for the club. “We’ve known the Lamp Post team for years and we are so excited about the energy they bring to the table. Everything they have been involved with in town is better because of it. They will make a difference.”

Chattanooga Football Club’s ownership group already includes local entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and businessmen including Tim Kelly, Sheldon Grizzle, Krue Brock, Daryl Heald, Paul Rustand, Thomas Clark, and Marshall Brock.