Plans started as early as 2016 for Randy Boyd to bring the Tennessee Smokies back to Knoxville. The Smokies were last in Knoxville in 2000 at Bill Meyer Stadium before moving to Sevier County. The idea resurfaced in 2019 when the city talked to Boyd Sports about potentially coming back to the city.[2]
In August 2020, Boyd Sports unveiled plans, designed by Populous, for a new ballpark on the site of an abandoned Lay's meat packing plant. The initial cost would be US$65 million, entirely funded by the city and county. Boyd promised millions in private development around the ballpark, including apartments and community spaces.
After approval from the city, county, and the newly formed sports authority in 2021, the Knoxville-Knox County Sports Authority approved a plan to sell $65 million in bonds to fund a portion of the project.[3][4][5][6] 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.[4] Construction is being overseen by Denmark Construction.[7][8][9]
On August 27, 2024, Boyd Sports and Covenant Health announced that the new stadium will be called Covenant Health Park for 20 years. The financial details for the name change were not announced.[10]
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.[11]
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.[12][13]
Tenants
The Tennessee Smokies will relocate to the new stadium in 2025 and change their name to the Knoxville Smokies. One Knoxville SC will also play home games at the venue beginning in 2025.[14][15][16][17]
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.[12] A 2021 study by Knox County projected positive economic benefits for the community.[18] 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.[19][20]
The stadium faces criticism from some community members who oppose the use of taxpayer funds, advocating for investment in education, safety, and infrastructure instead. Concerns were 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.[21]
