Knoxville, TN – Visit Knoxville and its Board of Directors are pleased to announce the forming of the Visit Knoxville Sports Commission. This decision is key to taking Knoxville to the next level as it relates to the quality of its sports bookings.  The sports market is a multi-million dollar opportunity when it comes to economic impact as well as an opportunity to grow additional revenue for the Visit Knoxville marketing fund.  Knoxville’s convention sports scene has been growing steadily over the past few years, and this newly formed commission will be positioned to seize lost opportunities and develop new relationships.  The Sports Commission requires a strong infrastructure of event support, therefore, it will work under the umbrella of Visit Knoxville.

As part of this decision, Visit Knoxville has hired Chad Culver as the Sports Commission’s Senior Director. Culver is a Chattanooga native with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management from the University of Tennessee. He has over 15 years of experience in the sports industry in recruiting and managing events. Prior to joining the Visit Knoxville team, Culver was employed by the Kingsport Convention and Visitors Bureau where he served as Director of Sports Marketing. Chad also served on staff with the University of Tennessee Athletics Department for many years.

Culver’s role will center on the recruitment and monetization of sporting events, as well as, booking related association sport conventions in Knoxville.  “Knoxville is an ideal destination for many different types of sporting events. We’re looking forward to capitalizing on these opportunities as we build the Sports Commission, “ says Visit Knoxville President Kim Bumpas. “This decision was not made lightly as we look to recruit new national and televised sporting events to our destination.  The competition is fierce and Knoxville needs be positioned to step up to the plate. We are excited that Chad has hit the ground running and has a great track record in the Southeast.  He knows Knoxville and who we should recruit.”

“We have many existing groups putting on great events here,” says Culver. “We need to work with them and give them the tools they need to recruit/host regional and national level events – which will drive visitors to our great city. I look forward to recruiting new events and putting the sporting spotlight on Knoxville.”

The entire Visit Knoxville Sports Commission will work effortlessly to make sure that the sports organizations get the quality of service they would expect from Knoxville. 

Visit Knoxville (Knoxville Convention and Visitors Bureau) is the official CVB for the City of Knoxville and Knox County. Visit Knoxville is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, private company that works together with the community, business leaders and local and state government to further develop Knoxville as a premier leisure, meetings and travel destination.