Knoxville Smokies Gear Up for First Home Game

Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNewsSports

Fans cheering at the Knoxville Smokies home game at Covenant Health Park

News Summary

Knoxville anticipates an exciting opening day for the Smokies at Covenant Health Park on April 15. With renovations to parking downtown, fans can secure event-day parking while enjoying family time at the game. Local businesses are adapting to the new traffic as the community embraces the revitalized sports scene.

Exciting Times Ahead for Knoxville Smokies as First Home Game Approaches

Knoxville is buzzing with excitement as the Knoxville Smokies gear up for their inaugural home game at the stunning Covenant Health Park on April 15. This marks a thrilling new chapter for the local baseball scene after years of waiting, and fans can hardly contain their enthusiasm. It’s a great time for families and friends to gather and enjoy a day out at the ballpark while cheering for their team!

Parking Changes Make Waves Downtown

With the Smokies coming to town, changes are happening not just at the stadium but also throughout downtown Knoxville. The city is undergoing a major overhaul of its parking system, aiming to better accommodate the bustling atmosphere that comes with event days. Some of the most significant changes include the removal of parking meters, reducing time limits, and increasing parking rates. These alterations are designed to enhance the downtown experience, but they might also create a bit of a parking puzzle for visitors.

Plan Ahead for Event Day Parking

For those looking to catch the action at Covenant Health Park, there’s good news! Fans can secure event day parking in advance when they buy their tickets online. Just reserve a spot at either the Langley or Summer Place garages, and you’re all set. For a mere $5, guests can snag a parking pass that also includes a shuttle ride to the stadium from the intersection of Walnut Street and Summer Place. This way, you can ride in style and avoid the hassle of searching for a parking spot close to the venue!

Handy Parking Options for Everyone

In addition to the paid parking facilities, there’s free ADA parking available beneath James White Parkway. Also, the city has pledged to keep the previously free ADA street parking around downtown unchanged. It’s important to note that while the parking lot under James White Parkway will now charge $1 per hour with a maximum daily rate of $7, it remains free during evenings and weekends, offering convenient options for all. The free-to-use area that was previously open all day is now being managed like other city-owned lots, attempting to streamline operations.

Local Business Stepping Up

For those looking for more parking choices, a local family business, J&J Machinery & Tool, located approximately half a mile from the stadium, is opening their private parking lot to the public on game days. This lot accommodates about 30 vehicles and will charge $17 for six hours of parking. This is a fantastic way for visitors to avoid parking stress while also supporting a local business!

Concerns Over Increased Foot Traffic

As downtown Knoxville prepares to host its new sports facility, there are rising concerns regarding parking and traffic flow. The recently opened stadium has a capacity of nearly 7,000, not only for Smokies games but also for soccer matches and concerts. This influx of visitors could lead to some challenges for nearby businesses as foot traffic increases.

A Bright Future for Knoxville’s Sports Scene

Parking studies from 2022 have indicated that there are around 1,333 parking spaces within a quarter-mile radius of the stadium and around 7,675 spaces within a half-mile radius. While these numbers might alleviate some concerns, stakeholders are optimistic yet realistic about the potential parking hurdles for residents, employers, and visitors alike.

With the Smokies’ return to Knoxville after their last game in 1999 and the transformation of the former Bill Meyer Stadium site, there’s no doubt that this season at Covenant Health Park is going to be unforgettable! So, mark your calendars, grab your friends and families, and get ready to cheer on the Smokies with plenty of spirit!