When you head out to UTC Night at the Chattanooga Lookouts on Friday, August 21, you won’t just see a game… you’ll experience it at the brand-new Erlanger Park.
And chances are, you’ll see UTC alumna Annaka Hall (’23) leading the way.
As the Lookouts’ Promotions Manager and on-field emcee, Hall is the energy behind the in-game entertainment— the voice over the speakers, the host of between-inning contests, the one keeping fans engaged from first pitch to fireworks. From coordinating promotions to running the show live on the field and across social channels, she helps transform a baseball game into a full-blown fan experience.
“I realized my passion wasn’t just working in sports,” Hall said. “It was creating experiences and memories for families and fans they would cherish forever.”
A Moc Moment That Changed Everything
Hall’s path to the spotlight started in a UTC classroom. Originally from Knoxville but drawn to Chattanooga through family ties, she said choosing UTC felt natural, so much so that it was the only school she applied to.
“I spent a lot of time here growing up and quickly fell in love with the city,” she said. “When it came time to decide where I wanted to go for college, UTC was actually the only school I applied to, even though I had academic and athletic scholarship opportunities at other colleges.”
As a Sports Management major, Hall gained hands-on experience that would shape her future, but one assignment changed everything.
In a Sports Marketing class with Dr. Eric Hungenberg, Hall and her classmates were tasked with creating a promotional night for the Chattanooga Lookouts and presenting it directly to the team’s front office.
“That project completely changed the trajectory of my career,” Hall said. “I remember thinking, this is exactly what I want to do.”
I realized my passion wasn’t just working in sports, it was creating experiences and memories for families and fans they would cherish forever.
Annaka Hall
2023
Up until then, she thought she might pursue a career as an agent or in recruiting. But while brainstorming theme nights and fan engagement ideas, something clicked.
“I grew up loving baseball but had no clue that Minor League Baseball was built around the fan experience,” she said. “I found myself having so much fun thinking about ways to make a night at the ballpark unforgettable.”
After the presentation, Hall made a point to introduce herself to the Lookouts staff.
“One piece of advice my professors always shared was, ‘it’s not about who you know. It’s about who knows you,” she said.
The next semester, she landed a marketing and promotions internship with the team. That opportunity led to a full-time role, and today, she’s the one building the experiences she once imagined.
Bringing UTC Night to Life at Erlanger Park
At Erlanger Park, the Lookouts’ new home that opened in April 2026 and seats more than 8,000 fans, Hall is helping bring UTC Night and College Football Night to life. Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite college team gear, making it the perfect opportunity for Mocs fans to fill the ballpark with blue and gold.
For her, it’s more than an event. It’s a full-circle moment.
“Now, getting to help host UTC Night at our brand new ballpark, Erlanger Park, is incredibly special because it’s a chance to celebrate the university and people who invested so much in me,” Hall said. “I love seeing current students, alumni, faculty and families all together at the game, and it’s surreal knowing I’m now one of the people helping create the experience.”
Fans can expect a high-energy evening that blends Moc pride with football season excitement, including:
- A Mocs Walk featuring the UTC Marching Band, Scrappy, spirit squads and more
- Football-themed games and entertainment throughout the night
- A Lookouts football jersey ticket package
- Exclusive UTC x Lookouts merchandise
- And postgame fireworks to close it all out
More Than a Game
For Hall, every detail, from scripting announcements to hosting on the field, is about creating moments that stick with fans long after the final out.
“Every game is an opportunity to create memories,” she said. “If someone leaves with a smile, a new favorite memory, or can’t wait to come back, then I’ve done my job.”
On August 21, those memories will be rooted in blue and gold.
Whether you’re a die-hard Mocs fan, a Lookouts fan or just looking for a fun night out with family and friends, there’s something for everyone! Be sure to grab your tickets at Lookouts.com. Go Mocs!
Calling all UTC students and alumni!
Join your Lookouts on August 21 for UTC Night at Erlanger Park. Let’s paint Erlanger Park with blue and gold. Go Mocs!
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