Covenant Health Park Stadium Set for Grand Opening in Knoxville

Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNewsSports

Exterior view of Covenant Health Park Stadium ready for grand opening

News Summary

Knoxville’s eagerly anticipated Covenant Health Park Stadium is nearing completion, just in time for the Knoxville Smokies’ debut on April 15. With a budget of $114 million, the multiuse stadium will enhance local sports and entertainment. It is designed to accommodate 7,500 fans and will also serve as home for the One Knoxville SC soccer team. As the city prepares for the grand opening, updates on construction, funding, and legislative changes regarding alcohol sales are generating excitement within the community.

Exciting Times in Knoxville as Covenant Health Park Stadium Readies for Grand Opening!

Knoxville residents, it’s almost time to gear up for an epic new chapter in the heart of our community! Construction on the long-awaited Covenant Health Park Stadium is *nearly complete*, just in time for the Knoxville Smokies’ big debut on April 15. This shiny *$114 million* multiuse stadium is designed to bring a jolt of energy to our city, packed with features that promise to make every game day a memorable experience.

The Countdown to Opening Day

As of now, officials are keenly eyeing the end of March to secure a certificate of occupancy, which means once everything is wrapped up, folks will be able to step inside and soak up all that the new venue has to offer. So, what’s left to be done? The final touches include completing the stadium’s *Tennessee-shaped scoreboard*, setting up the *audiovisual systems*, working on the concourse sidewalks, and getting signage in place. It sounds like just a few bits and pieces before the big day!

A Look Back at the Journey

When the groundbreaking ceremony kicked off back in June 2023, it marked a significant milestone for the area known as The Bottom. This site holds a rich history and cultural significance, but soon it will transform into a vibrant center for sports and entertainment. The stadium is equipped to seat 7,500 fans for baseball and soccer games, and there’s room for even more for concerts and *special events*. East Knoxville is certainly in for a *makeover* with this project!

Funding and Community Impact

Funding for this massive project was largely made possible through a blend of public and state funding—$65 million in public bonds alongside a *$13.5 million* economic grant. What’s more, this partnership with Covenant Health showcases the symbiotic relationship between our local healthcare system and the excitement of sports. It’s not just about baseball; One Knoxville SC, a third-division soccer team, will also call Covenant Health Park home after relocating from Regal Soccer Stadium. How cool is that?

New Legislation on the Horizon

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—*alcohol sales*. Currently, liquor laws in Tennessee put a damper on things by limiting sales in stadiums located in counties with populations of *500,000 or more*. Lawmakers are stepping up to change this with a proposal to lower the threshold to *350,000* based on the latest Census data. This could mean easier access to cold drinks while cheering on the Smokies and enjoying live soccer!

What’s Inside the New Stadium?

Everyone is buzzing about the high-tech features of the stadium, including a *retractable pitcher’s mound* and cutting-edge tracking technology to enhance player performance. The construction team has also used innovative techniques like *drone technology* and *Building Information Modeling (BIM)* to keep everything running smoothly and efficiently. Talk about 21st-century construction!

A Community Reconnected

Covenant Health Park is not just another stadium; it’s a *beacon of hope*. As the city gradually prepares for its grand opening, locals are eager to reconnect with one another through sports and entertainment—an opportunity that promises to rekindle that special sense of community that Knoxville is known for.

So gear up, Knoxville! The countdown is officially on until our new favorite place to cheer till we lose our voices opens its doors. It’s going to be an adventure you won’t want to miss!