KNOXVILLE, TN (November 10, 2025) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The Knoxville Knox County Sports Authority announces applications are open for the Summer 2026 College Internship Program. Paid internship positions will be open to applicants with a deadline to apply by Friday, February 6, 2026.

The goal of the program is to expose college students to leadership roles and experience in specific industries of interest related to the operations of the new multi-use stadium project. Applicants of all backgrounds, including underrepresented populations, are encouraged to apply. The hope is to create a pipeline of highly skilled professionals of diverse backgrounds through the career opportunities associated with the multi-use stadium in Knoxville. 

“The Internship Program is designed to create opportunities for students of varying backgrounds. We’ve had two very successful cohorts of well-qualified interns. Our employers have been extremely satisfied with our interns and in some occasions have hired them as employees in the company.  Internships are an avenue that develops professional aptitude, encourages character growth, and often opens doors to professional careers,” said Rosalyn Tillman, Former Dean of Pellissippi State Community College Magnolia Campus, and Chair of the Sports Authority Internship Committee.  “The internships provide opportunities to students capitalizing on their potential to positively impact the Knoxville/Knox County community through a multi-disciplined approach.”

Visit Knoxville, acting as the Internship Program Administrator, is guided by the Sports Authority Internship Program Committee. The Committee invited employers to offer these unique opportunities and will recruit students from a variety of colleges and universities. The Committee will review applications, conduct interviews, and provide recommended candidates to each prospective employer for interviews and final decisions.

Visit Knoxville is assisting the Internship program by collecting and providing applications to the Sports Authority Internship Committee. Visit Knoxville will also facilitate student placements and agreements with intern employers and provide mid-point and final evaluation surveys of students and employers.

“We are so excited to have seen the Sports Authority Internship Program through the first year of Covenant Health Park’s opening,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. “We are honored to have supported this program since its inception in 2022, and we look forward to continuing to provide beneficial opportunities for students that will impact the stadium and the community for years to come.”

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Sports Authority Internship Program,” said Megan Sullivan, Summer 2025 Knoxville Community Development Corporation Development & Public Finance Intern. “It was an incredible learning experience that allowed me to connect with inspiring professionals and build real-world skills.

“My internship with the Knoxville Smokies was an incredible experience that strengthened my passion for working in baseball,” said Ayden Cole, Summer 2025 Knoxville Smokies Stadium Operations Intern. “The staff was supportive, the environment was professional and fun, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to learn and contribute to the organization.”

Available paid internship position opportunities:

Requirements:

  • Current college student
  • College level of study and GPA requirements will vary and are based upon the needs of the employer and the internship position.
  • Approach internship as a professional opportunity to improve skills: personal, professional, and/or technical.
  • Diligently respond to work requests and support the overall employer team.
  • Take initiative where appropriate.
  • Participate fully in the work and responsibilities.
  • Participate in the mid-point and final evaluation surveys.

Timeline: 

  • November 10, 2025 – Announce internships and begin accepting applications
  • February 6, 2026 – Application deadline
  • February 17 – 26, 2026 – Interviews (select dates)
  • Summer 2026 – ​Internships (ranges May through August)

Application Requirements:

  • Upload a resume and cover letter
  • Provide letters from two professional or academic references with contact details
  • Answer the question, “Share with us why you are interested in this specific internship?”

These internships will take place in the summer of 2026 for 8-10 weeks/40 hours per week program with exact dates and schedules to be determined by the intern and employer.

 

Additional Details, position descriptions, and application can be found at sportsauthorityinternship.com.

ABOUT THE SPORTS AUTHORITY

The Sports Authority Board is a joint board of the City of Knoxville and Knox County. The Board was created for the purpose of planning, financing, constructing, and managing a publicly owned sports and entertainment stadium in East Knoxville, near the Old City.

Knoxville City Council and Knox County Commission approved the formation of the Sports Authority of the County of Knox and the City of Knoxville in December 2020. The Sports Authority governing board is comprised of seven directors jointly appointed by the City and County. The slate of directors presented to Knoxville City Council and Knox County Commission has been vetted and is recommended by both the City and County Mayors.

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Kristen Combs
Director of Communications
Visit Knoxville
865.306.4341 c
kcombs@knoxville.org