Latest news with #BoydSports
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Big League' Knoxville Smokies prepare for Opening Day at new stadium
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — With just one week left until Opening Day at Covenant Health Park, officials are putting the final touches on the $114-million project and honoring the city's baseball history before fans enter through the gates. The Knoxville Smokies will take the field on April 15 for their home opener. Boyd Sports Vice President Jeremy Boler told 6 News this week is all about the final details. Old City business owners welcome Covenant Health Park parking plan but questions linger 'Punch list items, a little electrical work here and there. Our food and beverage department is stocking coolers right now, getting all the beer carts and concession items all in. Food deliveries are everyday now,' said Boler. Stadium workers from concessions to ticketing have been at the park all week preparing. 'We've hired a lot of new staff, but we also have returning staff from Smokies Stadium, and this is a new ballpark with new technology, so teaching them every little bit about what goes on here is really important before having our first game,' said Aris Theofanopoulos, assistant general manager of marketing and entertainment. What fans can expect at Covenant Health Park on Opening Day The park also unveiled seven new statues Tuesday in Giant's Landing outside the stadium. The statues represent the Smokies, the Knoxville Giants who played in the Negro Southern League and the first little league baseball program for black children in Knoxville before integration. As the team looks back at the history of baseball in Knoxville, they're also looking ahead to the future. 'We have a time capsule that was recently buried, so we're going to have a plaque that's installed right there in the ground in the concrete so everyone can take a look at when it was buried and when the projected date is to open,' Theofanopoulos said. Whitewater rafting business in Hartford reopening after Helene damage No one is more prepared for Opening Day however, than the players. 'The number one slogan they keep saying is 'big league,' so they're really enjoying the ball park and the amenities they have downstairs in the club house in their lounge, and honestly they are really excited to open this park next Tuesday,' Boler said. The first pitch will be at 7:30 p.m. on April 15. The game will be broadcasted live on WATE 6. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Knoxville Stadium unveils parking plan with 1,500+ spaces
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Covenant Health Park will have more than 1,500 dedicated parking spots according to a new plan. The city of Knoxville and Knox County partnered with Boyd Sports to develop a parking plan for events at the new Knoxville stadium, a press release revealed. This plan includes 1,500 parking spaces — 1,100 for the public and 400 for staff members, season ticket holders and vendors. A free shuttle will take visitors from the parking garages to the stadium, according to the press release. Tennessee among 60 colleges warned of 'potential enforcement actions' over antisemitism claims The plan includes 450 reserved and dedicated parking spots at Summer Place Garage, and 650 spots at Langley Garage for $5. Covenant Health Park Parking Map – Credit Visit Knoxville and MoxCar Marketing + CommunicationsDownload 'Our teams have been working diligently to leverage the wonderful assets of downtown Knoxville and provide fans and visitors with convenient and affordable parking options,' said Boyd Sports CEO Doug Kirchhofer. 'Thanks to the partnership of the City of Knoxville, KAT and others, we're working to simplify the downtown gameday experience, offering free shuttles to and from Covenant Health Park from 1,100 spaces dedicated for event parking and from nearby garages. Reserved parking in the dedicated spaces will be offered for $5 in advance on the Smokies website.' The stadium will be home to the Knoxville Smokies baseball team and the One Knoxville SC soccer teams, including the recently announced women's pre-professional team. It is also expected to host a variety of concerts and other events. Former Knoxville Police Chief urges public to be aware after West Town Mall disturbance 'Knoxville is no stranger to welcoming big crowds downtown,' said city of Knoxville Chief Operating Officer Grant Rosenberg. 'Just as we host thousands for UT football, Big Ears Music Festival, the [Bassmaster] Tournament and more, we will be able to accommodate those coming to Covenant Health Park – while preserving space for downtown workers and other visitors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
