News Summary
Knoxville fans are in for a treat as the Knoxville Smokies prepare to play their first game at the newly built Covenant Health Park on April 15. Following the recent passing of a bill allowing liquor sales at sports venues with small populations, fans can now enjoy wine and liquor while cheering on their team. This new development not only enhances the game-day experience but is also set to create additional job opportunities. With parking plans and an exciting mix of events, Covenant Health Park is gearing up to be a vibrant entertainment hub for the community.
Exciting Times for Knoxville: Covenant Health Park Ready to Serve Wine and Liquor!
Knoxville fans, get ready to mark your calendars! The Knoxville Smokies are set to kick off their first game at the brand-new Covenant Health Park on April 15. This season is shaping up to be extra special, as the park will soon be offering wine and liquor sales! That’s right, a recent bill allowing for this exciting change has now been passed and is soon to be signed by Governor Bill Lee, paving the way for a delightful experience at the ballpark.
A New Era in Sports Entertainment
The passing of Bill HB0823/SB0320 is key to this transformation. It reduces the population threshold for sports facilities to acquire a liquor-by-the-drink license from 500,000 to 350,000. This is great news not just for Covenant Health Park, but also for a soon-to-be-built stadium in Chattanooga. Fans can look forward to enjoying their favorite drinks as they cheer on their teams!
State Representative Justin Lafferty (R-Knoxville) champions this bill, highlighting how it enriches the fan experience while also creating more job opportunities. With the Smokies returning after a 20-year stint in Kodak, where they were known as the Tennessee Smokies, there’s a sense of excitement in the air as they step onto the field of this state-of-the-art facility.
Beyond Baseball: A Hub for Events
Covenant Health Park isn’t just about baseball, though. This venue will also host games for One Knoxville SC, along with concerts and festivals throughout the year, making it a vibrant part of the community. With a capacity nearing 7,000 fans and 1,100 dedicated parking spaces nearby, this park is ready to welcome a crowd!
Parking Plans to Ease Traffic
If you’re worried about parking when the Smokies play, fret not! A detailed parking plan is in place to handle the expected surge of attendees. Game days will see shuttles transporting ticketholders from city garages straight to the stadium every 10 minutes. While the Old City South Lot will transition into paid parking during weekdays, it will remain free during nights and weekends for added convenience.
Moreover, the North Lot under James White Parkway will have designated spots for both monthly parking and Smokies staff, ensuring there’s space for everyone. The parking strategy even includes up to 70 ADA parking spaces specially reserved for those with disabilities on event days.
Traffic Changes and Convenient Shuttle Services
As game day approaches, remember that traffic patterns will shift, with Central Street being closed during events, so plan your route accordingly! The Knoxville Area Transit will also provide a free shuttle service running every ten minutes for fans attending games.
A Taste of History at the Craft Corner
Looking Ahead
In conclusion, the passing of this bill and the unveiling of Covenant Health Park marks a fresh chapter for sports in Knoxville. With the mix of fun, entertainment, and community spirit, there’s a lot to look forward to! Be ready to grab your tickets and enjoy your favorite drinks while cheering for your team!
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Additional Resources
- Knox News
- Wikipedia: Covenant Health Park
- WATE News
- Google Search: Covenant Health Park
- WBIR News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Knoxville
- MILB
- Google News: Knoxville Smokies
