Chamber Board Votes to Support Development of Knoxville Sports and Entertainment Park

The Knoxville Chamber today announced that its board of directors voted to support the development of the Knoxville Sports and Entertainment Park.  The proposed $65 million multi-use facility, which would be the catalyst for the return of the Tennessee Smokies to Knoxville as well as $100 million in associated private development, aligns with the Chamber’s mission of driving regional economic prosperity.  The construction and ongoing use of the publicly owned park will support over 3,000 jobs, have over $1.1 billion in economic impact, and be managed by the new Sports Authority of the County of Knox and the City of Knoxville.

“Our board cited several reasons to support the Knoxville Sports and Entertainment Park,” said Amy Nolan, the Chamber’s vice president of regional enhancement. “Those included the redevelopment of a currently blighted area, the venue’s proximity to a part of town that’s seen historic disinvestment, the significant private development that will accompany the public investment, and its role as civic furniture that will help retain and attract much-needed young talent to the region.”

The park is scheduled to open in 2023.