Big week for new stadium; big week ahead

The push for approval of a new multi-use stadium went 2-2 at the plate this week – and looks to do the same next week to bat a thousand. The Sports Authority and the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission, in separate meetings, both granted unanimous approval this week to move ahead with the $80.1 million overall project. The Sports Authority voted … Read More

Mayor: Bring baseball back to Knoxville

Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon posted a video this week to explain her support for the proposed multi-use stadium to be built in East Knoxville on the edge of the Old City complete with a background of baseball sounds and images. The Sports Authority, Knoxville City Council and Knox County Commission all will vote within the next week after a workshop … Read More

Stadium approval would bring new hotel

A local developer has plans to build a $22 million hotel in the Old City if approval is granted for a new baseball stadium and multi-use facility. “I’m excited about the growth of downtown Knoxville,” said Nick Patel, a University of Tennessee graduate and president of TCH Knoxville, LLC, which owns seven other hotels in Knox and Sevier counties. “The … Read More

Batter up: New Survey says play ball

Does Knoxville want a new multi-use stadium? The unequivocal answer is yes. A poll commissioned by the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors (KAAR) and conducted by nationally respected firm American Strategies indicated nearly 60 percent of registered voters in Knox County are in favor of the proposal to build a new stadium on the edge of the Old City in … Read More

Diverse panel touts upside of new stadium

A panel presented by the Beck Cultural Exchange Center examined the history of the proposed site for a multi-use stadium on the edge of the Old City and unanimously agreed that the development project should move forward in East Knoxville. Rev. Reneé Kesler, president of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, moderated the panel, which consisted of two former Knoxville mayors in … Read More

East Knoxville fields to get $1.6 million makeover at Claude Walker Park

With renderings of a $1.6 million renovation on the infield, dozens of people gathered in center field at Claude Walker Park to listen to plans to transform the youth ballpark in East Knoxville as part of the community investment connected to building a new multi-use stadium on the edge of the Old City. Dozens of community and business leaders attended … Read More

‘You’ve got to build a baseball stadium’

Stephen Benjamin, the mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, didn’t mince words when he spoke in Knoxville in May at World’s Fair Park on the edge of the University of Tennessee campus and its iconic football stadium: “I realize that I am in the shadow of Neyland Stadium. But I will tell you that I don’t believe you can be a … Read More

Community benefits ensure participation of minority businesses

The GEM Community Development Group will ensure that East Knoxville reaps specific benefits from the proposed mixed-use stadium through formal partnerships with the Knoxville Area Urban League, Beck Cultural Exchange Center, local schools and youth organizations. Steve Davis, president of GEM Community Development Group and a former University of Tennessee football player, understands that the biggest need in the community … Read More

‘Knoxville Realtors back stadium project’

The board of the Knoxville Association of Realtors (KAAR) has unanimously endorsed the proposed multi-use, multi-sport stadium development that will be located adjacent to downtown Knoxville. KAAR’s board released the following statement May 5: “Knoxville is already a great city, but it has even more potential. By enhancing public amenities and promoting the growth of healthy and vibrant neighborhoods, robust investment in … Read More