Draft:Knoxville Multi-use Stadium Project

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  • Comment: WP:TOOSOON as well I think, if it doesn't even have an official name then maybe wait until it's open? GraziePrego (talk) 03:12, 2 November 2023 (UTC)


Knoxville Multi-use Stadium Project
AddressKnoxville
United States
Capacity7000
Construction
Opened2025
Construction cost$114+ million
Website
https://www.grandslamknox.com/

The Knoxville Multi-use Stadium is a 7000-seat sports stadium currently under construction in Knoxville, Tennessee. Scheduled for completion in March 2025, the stadium will serve as the home of the Tennessee Smokies (to be renamed the Knoxville Smokies), the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The stadium is situated within the Magnolia Avenue Warehouse District, just east of Knoxville's Old City.

Development and Funding

Construction began in June 2023 after the Knoxville-Knox County Sports Authority approved a plan to sell $65 million in bonds to fund a portion of the project.[1] [2][3][4] The total projected cost of Grand Slam Knox is $114 million, funded through a combination of local government bonds, a state grant, investment earnings, and contributions from Boyd Sports founder Randy Boyd.[2] Construction is being overseen by Denmark Construction.

Timeline

  • December 2021: Project approved by Knoxville and Knox County.
  • 2023: Construction began.[5]
  • April 2024 Construction reaches halfway point[6][7]
  • March 2025: Projected completion date.

Features

  • Multi-use design: Intended to accommodate baseball, concerts, festivals, soccer, football, and other year-round events.
  • Adjacent Development: Residential apartments and condominiums are under construction alongside the stadium, with some units expected to be ready by opening day. [8]
  • Community Integration: The city's Reconnecting Knoxville project will include a greenway around the stadium and a monument to the historic Knoxville Giants baseball team. [9][10]

Tenants

The Tennessee Smokies will relocate to the new stadium in 2025 and change their name to the Knoxville Smokies. One Knoxville Sporting Club will also play home games at the venue beginning in 2025.[11][12][13][14]

Community Impact

The stadium project has generated discussions around parking availability, as no designated stadium parking exists. The city plans to replace some nearby parking lots with park space, relying on existing public and private parking within walking distance.[9] A 2021 study by Knox County projected positive economic benefits for the community.[15] There has been a stated goal to award 17% of contracts to disadvantaged businesses, with efforts by the Knoxville Area Urban League to encourage minority participation in the project. [16][17]

The proposed Knoxville multi-use stadium faces criticism from some community members who oppose the use of taxpayer funds, advocating for investment in education, safety, and infrastructure instead. Concerns are raised about the project's financial viability, potential for gentrification, and lack of community involvement. Supporters, however, argue the stadium would bring economic revitalization to East Knoxville, serve as a community gathering space, and connect the area to downtown.[18]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Knoxville-Knox County Sports Authority blesses $65 million in debt to pay for the stadium". wbir.com. May 9, 2023. Retrieved 2023-07-16.
  2. ^ a b Cornelius, Maria (2023-05-26). "Stadium construction hits 'major milestone'". Baseball Stadium. Retrieved 2023-07-16.
  3. ^ "Knoxville's Smokies stadium funding secured, a crucial step as construction ramps up". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved 2023-07-16.
  4. ^ "$65 million in bonds sold to cover downtown stadium construction". wbir.com. May 25, 2023. Retrieved 2023-07-16.
  5. ^ "Crews officially break ground on Knoxville's new multi-purpose stadium". wbir.com. 2023-06-12. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  6. ^ "Stadium Halfway Completed: Wooden Roof Installed - Next Up, Light Poles!". www.knoxvilletn.gov. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  7. ^ "$114M Knoxville stadium taking shape as construction passes halfway point". WATE 6 On Your Side. 2024-04-12. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  8. ^ "Knoxville – not Tennessee – Smokies baseball debuts in 2025, and a new jersey is coming". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  9. ^ a b "With a year till opening day 2025, will Knoxville's Smokies baseball stadium be ready?". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  10. ^ "5 ways new paths and parks will 'Reconnect Knoxville' from the stadium to the river". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  11. ^ Austin, Jared (2024-04-09). "One Knox SC discusses next home in downtown Knoxville stadium". https://www.wvlt.tv. Retrieved 2024-04-19. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  12. ^ "One Knoxville to play in Old City stadium if approved". WATE 6 On Your Side. 2021-10-26. Retrieved 2023-07-16.
  13. ^ "Tennessee Smokies will move to Knoxville stadium under construction". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  14. ^ "Knoxville – not Tennessee – Smokies baseball debuts in 2025, and a new jersey is coming". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  15. ^ "Knox County Multi-Use Stadium & Adjacent Development Tax Revenue & Economic Impact Assessment" (PDF). Knoxville Community Development Corporation. Conventions, Sports and Leisure International. August 18, 2021. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  16. ^ "Why the downtown Knoxville stadium construction isn't enticing diverse contractors". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved 2023-07-16.
  17. ^ "Knoxville Area Urban League hosts annual luncheon to discuss agenda for the year, celebrate members". wbir.com. 2024-02-07. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  18. ^ "Some community members say Knoxville stadium deal would be a "swing-and-a-miss" for taxpayers". wbir.com. 2021-02-18. Retrieved 2024-04-19.

External links[edit]

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