Latest news with #KimBumpas
Business Wire
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Vonlane to Offer New Daily Non-Stop Service Between Nashville and Knoxville, Beginning June 13th
NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vonlane, the premium regional transportation company, will offer daily luxury motor coach service between Nashville and Knoxville starting on June 13. The coach will depart Nashville at 10 a.m. from the Omni Nashville Hotel, located downtown, and Knoxville at 3 p.m. from The Tennessean Hotel, located downtown and one mile from Neyland Stadium. Fares are a flat rate of $125 for one-way trips with advance purchase. 'Our goal is to provide Tennessee travelers with an alternative to the hassle of driving their vehicle or taking a traditional bus service or connecting flight. We know it's not just about getting to the destination; it's also about the journey.' 'We're thrilled to expand our service in Tennessee and introduce Knoxville as a permanent route, supporting passengers who travel for work and play,' shares Alex Danza, founder & CEO of Vonlane. 'Our goal is to provide Tennessee travelers with an alternative to the hassle of driving their vehicle, taking a traditional bus service, or worse, having to take a connecting flight. We know it's not just about getting to the destination; it's also about the journey.' For the first time, travelers between Nashville and Knoxville will have access to a non-stop transportation choice in Vonlane—complete with Vonlane's signature experience of 22 first-class leather seats, ample workspace, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an onboard attendant offering premium cabin service with complimentary snacks, meals (on select routes), and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is available for purchase. 'Vonlane's daily Knoxville/Nashville luxury coach service is going to be a game-changer for Nashvillians looking to visit Knoxville this summer,' says Kim Bumpas, president of Visit Knoxville. 'We're so excited to have this offering available, and we look forward to having more visitors travel to Knoxville throughout the next few months and into football season.' Vonlane launched its Tennessee service in 2022, initially offering service between Nashville and Atlanta, Georgia, and subsequently expanded to provide service between Nashville and Memphis in 2023. In Fall 2024, Vonlane introduced a limited weekend route between Nashville and Knoxville tied to the University of Tennessee football game schedule and Music City weekend events. 'Bringing Vonlane service to Knoxville is a tremendous step forward as we work to grow international visitation to East Tennessee. We have the attractions and experiences travelers are looking for; we just need reliable transportation options for those who fly in and prefer not to rent a car,' shares Margaret Fuqua, director of sales with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. 'We're thrilled with Vonlane's expanding routes across Tennessee. Our strength lies in our partnerships, and we deeply value each one as we work together toward a shared vision.' Danza adds, 'With Vonlane, passengers simply arrive 15 minutes before departure, board the coach, and then relax with a movie, take a nap, knock out emails, or power work. And as fall approaches, passengers can expect an expanded weekend schedule for the Volunteers' games.' No taxes, baggage fees, or change fees apply. Rates increase with less than seven days' notice and within 24 hours before departure. Tickets can be booked at About Vonlane Founded in 2014 and with over 30 million miles driven, Vonlane is a luxury motor coach service for business and leisure travelers, offering approximately 500 weekly departures across 11 destinations. Routes operate in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Plano, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; between Atlanta, Georgia, and Nashville, Tennessee; and between Nashville and Memphis, and Nashville and Knoxville. The Vonlane fleet offers travelers spacious, peaceful, and productive environments to maximize billable productive time or relaxation, with hassle-free departure and arrival experiences. Learn more at
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
Sunsphere offers free visits to Knox County residents on select Fridays
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Sunsphere, one of Knoxville's top landmarks, is having free days for locals on the first Friday of each month from May through October. If you have a physical copy of a Knox County driver's license, you will get a complementary visit to the Sunsphere's observation deck on the fourth floor. The number of people allowed on the deck is limited, so it is first come, first served. Pilot Company volunteers work in garden at Inskip Elementary School The timeframe was chosen to commemorate the dates of the 1982 World's Fair for which the Sunsphere was built, said Kim Bumpas, president of Visit Knoxville. The observation deck will also be open an extra hour (until 6 p.m.) on those days. Bumpas said the Sunsphere 'is a great way to see a 360-degree view of everything Knoxville.' Additionally, from May 4-40, in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week, adults with the code NTTW25 will get a 50% discount on admission — $5 instead of $10. Children 12 and under will be admitted free. READ: More top stories on The Sunsphere also has displays about the history of the 1982 World's Fair. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Return of Bassmaster Classic highlights growth of Knoxville sports scene
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Bassmaster Classic is making its return to Knoxville in 2026, marking another addition to the Scruffy City's growing sports scene. The competition was previously held in Knoxville in 2019 and 2023. More than 160,000 people traveled to the city for the event two years ago, setting an attendance record. 'They're coming for a lot of reasons,' said Visit Knoxville President Kim Bumpas. 'They're coming to watch the competition but they're also coming to go to the world's largest fishing expo, that actually has a lot more to shop for than just fishing equipment, so it's super exciting for everyone in Knoxville.' Construction of East Knoxville multiuse stadium enters final phase The 2023 classic made an impact on more than just Knoxville's fishing community. 'In 2023, the economic impact was over $35 million. That's people staying in hotels, eating at restaurants, shopping, enjoying all the city has to offer. Over 29,000 hotel rooms were purchased over the stay of visitors for the 2023 classic,' B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson said. Professional Angler Robert Gee grew up in Knoxville and graduated from Christian Academy of Knoxville and University of Tennessee. He's competing at his first ever Bassmaster Classic this year in Fort Worth, Texas, but is hoping to qualify for the 2026 competition in his hometown. 'That's going to be my number one goal, is to make this classic, because I grew up fishing up on Fort Loudoun and Tellico,' he said. 'I mean this has been my home lake growing up so I'm really looking forward to trying to make this tournament.' Price increase for UT Basketball season tickets due to talent fee, arena upgrades The news of the Bassmaster Classic's return comes during an era of growth for the Knoxville sports scene. The Smokies baseball team will soon begin their first season in the new multi-use stadium being built in downtown Knoxville which will also host professional soccer team One Knoxville Sporting Club. As a lifelong Knoxvillian, Gee says right now is the best time to be a Tennessee sports fan. 'It's been the best of my lifetime. I was born in 1999, so I was born like eleven days after we won the 1998 national championship. So this has kind of been the peak of my life of Tennessee sports. I mean we're good at baseball, basketball, football. We're getting the Smokies to come to Knoxville. We're getting the Bassmaster Classic to come to Knoxville. So if you're a sports fan, Knoxville is the perfect place to live in my opinion,' he said. The 2026 Bassmaster Classic will be held March 13-15. Fort Loudoun Lake, Tellico Lake and Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center will all serve as venues for the competition. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bassmaster Classic returning to Knoxville in Spring 2026
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Super Bowl of bass fishing is returning to Knoxville in 2026. The Bassmaster Classic will be held in Knoxville for the third time on March 13-15, 2026. B.A.S.S. officials announced Wednesday that the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour will be held in Knoxville with competition on the Tennessee River lakes of Fort Loudoun and Tellico and daily weigh-ins at the University of Tennessee's Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in downtown Knoxville. In addition. the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo will be held at the Knoxville Convention Center and World's Fair Exhibition Hall. Price increase for UT Basketball season tickets due to talent fee, arena upgrades 'We are thrilled to return to the site of two of our most successful Classics in history,' said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. 'East Tennessee fully embraces the Classic for what it truly is — a celebration of the sport of bass fishing. The fan experience in Knoxville is second to none, with all event venues within walking distance. With our ever-growing global fanbase, we expect the 2026 Classic to be even bigger and more exciting.' With daily takeoffs from Volunteer Landing, located downtown along the Tennessee River, the 2023 Classic drew a record crowd of 163,914 spectators. It generated an economic impact of $35.5 million for Knoxville and East Tennessee, bringing in $2.85 million in state and local tax revenue and supporting 12,698 jobs throughout the event. In 2019, the Classic generated an economic impact of $32.2 million for Knoxville and East Tennessee. Nine players in the Super Bowl have Tennessee ties 'Knoxville shines during major events like the Bassmaster Classic,' said Kim Bumpas, president of Visit Knoxville. 'Both the anglers and fans enjoy an unmatched experience, from the Tennessee River to the world-class venues hosting events throughout Classic weekend. We are excited to welcome everyone back in 2026.' 'B.A.S.S. is extremely excited to return to Knoxville for the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour,' said Chris Bowes, B.A.S.S. vice president of tournaments. 'This event should be just as competitive as past Classics on Fort Loudoun and Tellico lakes. We expect to see all three black bass species cross the weigh-in scales, and with such a versatile fishery, competitors will be able to play to their strengths. One thing that won't change is the breathtaking backdrop of Knoxville and the convenience of its world-class venues for both anglers and fans.' Meet eagle made famous by NFL pregame flights at Super Bowl party in Kodak The field will include 58 anglers who will qualify through Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance, Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew's and the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship. Prizes include $300,000 first-place prize and a total purse of over $850,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
