Bill allowing Knoxville stadium to sell liquor, wine passes Tennessee General Assembly
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Tennessee House of Representatives passed legislation on Monday that will make it possible for Covenant Health Park to sell wine and liquor.
The bill, which was introduced last month, passed the House of Representatives on Monday after passing the senate on February 24. It allows stadiums in a county that has a population over 350,000 to apply for a liquor-by-the-drink license.
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According to the bill, wine and liquor sales at the Covenant Health Park are expected to bring in approximately $200,000 per year. The bill only covers liquor and wine sales. For beer sales, the stadium is still required to obtain a permit from the local beer board.
'House Bill 823 ensures Tennessee's newest stadiums will be able to offer wine and spirits, bringing them in line with the state's other major sport venues,' State Rep. Justin Lafferty said. 'This bill enhances the fan experience while also creating opportunities for more quality jobs at the stadiums.'
Along with the possibility for liquor and wine, a local brewery also announced last month that it was making a beer to honor one of Knoxville's historic Black baseball teams that will be available for sale at Covenant Health Park's 'Craft Corner' in April.
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The Knoxville Smokies will be kicking of their first season at the newly constructed Covenant Health Park in April, and One Knoxville SC will also be moving to the stadium later this year. In addition, the stadium is also expected to host a variety of other events, including concerts and festivals.
Lafferty added that the bill will also allow the sale of liquor and wine at the new multi-purpose stadium being built in Chattanooga. It is expected to be operational by early 2026. The new stadium will be home to the Chattanooga Lookouts. The bill set the Chattanooga stadium's wine and liquor license expiration date for March 1, 2030.
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