While Knoxville has plenty to offer, for a certain kind of traveler – you know the type, the ones who can smell fresh-cut grass and popcorn a mile away – this city really shines when it comes to America's favorite pastime, and its fast-pitch cousin.
Whether you're chasing minor league dreams, soaking in the electric atmosphere of SEC college sports, or even stepping back in time, Knoxville's got all the bases covered.
Let's start with the local minor league squad, the Knoxville Smokies. If you've visited Knoxville before, you might have driven a bit out of town to catch them play. But here's the game-changing thing: the Smokies have moved downtown! Starting in the 2025 season, they're playing at a brand-spanking-new stadium called Covenant Health Park in the heart of Knoxville.
This new downtown stadium? It's a vibe.
Minor league baseball (the Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs) is such a fantastic experience. It's pro ball, yes, but it feels incredibly accessible. You're close enough to the action to hear the players, see the intensity in their eyes, maybe even catch a foul ball if you're lucky (bring your glove, seriously!).
Smokies games are more than just nine innings. They're an event. We're talking between-inning promotions that are often hilarious, maybe some fireworks after a Friday or Saturday night win, and just a general sense of community. You'll see families, couples on date nights, groups of friends, all just enjoying a warm evening under the lights.
Think about it: You spend the afternoon exploring downtown Knoxville – maybe grab some local grub, wander along the waterfront, check out the shops in Market Square – and then as the sun starts to dip, you head over to the stadium. The smell of hot dogs and nachos fills the air, the distant murmur of the crowd grows louder as you approach, and you just know you're about to settle in for a good time. Be sure to come early to check out the seven statues throughout the park that honor Black history of baseball in Knoxville – culturally significant with the stadium’s location connecting the Old City to East Knoxville.
For purposes of this post, we’re talking all things baseball – but we’d be remiss not to mention Covenant Health Park is also home to One Knoxville SC, Knoxville’s USL League One professional soccer team!
Know before you go:
Take a gander at the promotions (like Star Wars night and Princesses in the Park!) and buy your tickets here.
Got kids and worried if they can sit in their seat the whole time? They don’t have to – take them to the Kids Zone in left center field and enjoy the new playground.
Make a plan to park with this helpful map and shuttle info.
Concessions – oh yeah, there’s food. Just come hungry.
Don’t forget the clear bag policy, no outside food & beverage, and Covenant Health Park is a cashless venue. Check out other Know Before You Go FAQs here.
Just looking for a map for cryin’ out loud? Here you go!
Now, if minor league is fun and accessible, University of Tennessee baseball? That's a whole 'nother beast. This is big-time college sports, and the energy at Lindsey Nelson Stadium is absolutely electric. If you haven't experienced SEC baseball, you're missing out. It's intense, it's loud, and the level of play is incredibly high.
The UT Vols Baseball program has been on fire lately. Like, really on fire. They've become a national powerhouse, consistently ranked among the top teams in the country – and are the 2024 National Champions! With that success comes an atmosphere that's frankly, kind of wild. The fans are passionate, knowledgeable, and they show up in droves. Getting tickets can sometimes feel like trying to find a golden ticket, especially for big weekend series against rivals, but trust us, it's worth the effort.
It's the kind of place where everyone is invested in the game from the casual fan to head coach Tony Vitello. The team's walk-up songs are legendary, and the traditions are deeply ingrained. It's college sports at its finest – raw, emotional, and utterly captivating.
Attending a Vols baseball game isn't just about watching baseball; it's about immersing yourself in a significant part of Knoxville's identity. The University of Tennessee is a huge deal here, and the athletic programs are a source of immense pride. You'll see people decked out in orange, talking about the team everywhere you go. So, when you buy a ticket to a Vols game, you become part of the community!
Don't Forget the Lady Vols on the Diamond! UT Softball is a Powerhouse
Now, while we're talking about UT sports on the diamond, we absolutely have to talk about Lady Vols softball. Seriously, if you think the baseball crowd is passionate, just wait till you experience Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. The Lady Vols softball program has a rich history of success, consistently contending for national championships, and they have a fan base that is fiercely loyal and incredibly enthusiastic.
Softball is a different kind of game than baseball, but just as thrilling. It's fast-paced, with incredible pitching, lightning-quick fielding, and explosive hitting. Watching these athletes perform is truly impressive.
Sherri Parker Lee Stadium is a fantastic venue; it feels intimate, putting you close to the action, allowing you to really appreciate the speed and precision of the game. And like Lindsey Nelson, the atmosphere is electric. The fans are loud, supportive, and deeply invested in the team's success in a positive and fun environment.
If you're visiting Knoxville during softball season (which often overlaps nicely with baseball season in the spring), do yourself a favor and catch a Lady Vols game. And be sure to make time to explore UT’s campus while you’re there!
But wait, there's more! For something truly unique and a charming little peek into the past, you have to check out Tennessee Vintage Base Ball, specifically the Knoxville Holstons and the Emmett Machinists.
Tennessee Vintage Base Ball (yes, that’s base + ball, two words) isn't just people playing baseball in old-timey uniforms. It's played using rules and customs from the 1860s. Think about that for a second. The game is subtly different – underhand pitching is a thing, fielders often don't wear gloves (can you imagine?), and the terminology is straight out of a history book. It's fascinating to watch because it's both familiar and completely foreign.
The Knoxville Holstons and Emmett Machinists are part of this delightful step back in time. They play their home games at the historic Ramsey House (one of Knoxville’s Historic House Museums). This adds another layer to the experience; you're not just watching a game, you're getting a mini history lesson about Knoxville while you're at it.
Attending a Vintage Base Ball game is a super relaxed, family-friendly affair. It's free to watch, and the players are happy to chat with spectators and explain the nuances of the 1860s rules. It's a reminder that baseball's roots run deep in American culture and, specifically, here in Knoxville. It's a different pace, a different feel, but it's still the same core game, just seen through a historical lens. Grab a picnic blanket or some chairs, spread out on the back lawn of the Ramsey House, select some on-site concessions, and enjoy an afternoon with America’s favorite pastime!
While you're here, you're going to need things to do between pitches, right? Good news: Knoxville is a city that's packed with stuff to see and do.
Downtown Knoxville is super walkable and has great energy. Market Square is the heart of it all, with restaurants, shops, and often events happening. It's a fantastic place to grab a bite, people-watch, or just wander around. The Old City (home to Covenant Health Park) is just a stone's throw away, has a slightly different, more historic vibe with cool bars and unique businesses. East Knoxville stretches beyond that, with several attractions including Zoo Knoxville, the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, Beck Cultural Exchange Center, Mabry-Hazen House, and more.
If you're into museums, check out the East Tennessee History Center or the Knoxville Museum of Art. Need some green space without leaving the city? World's Fair Park, site of the 1982 World's Fair, is a beautiful park with the iconic Sunsphere (you can go to the Observation Deck for amazing views!) and plenty of room to roam.
Knoxville also has a fantastic food scene – from Southern comfort food to international cuisine, you'll find something to satisfy any craving. And if you're a craft beer person, you're in luck – Knoxville’s Ale Trail is thriving with options from downtown to easily accessible neighborhoods. Trying a local brew is a great way to soak in the local flavor, literally!
Wrapping it Up: Your Knoxville Sports Adventure Awaits!
So there you have it. Coming to Knoxville for baseball or softball? You're in for a treat. You get the exciting new downtown minor league experience with the Smokies, the intense, high-level college action with the powerhouse UT Vols baseball and Lady Vols softball teams, and even a charming step back in time with Tennessee Vintage Base Ball.
But more than just the games themselves, you get to experience Knoxville. A city that's friendly, easy to navigate, and full of good food, interesting history, and beautiful scenery.
See you at the ballpark!
Author
Kristen Combs
Kristen Combs is the Director of Communications & Social Strategies for Visit Knoxville. With an extensive knowledge of Knoxville as a tourist destination, Kristen is also the author of 100 Things to Do in Knoxville Before You Die, published by Reedy Press and available in the Visitors Center Gift Shop. Find Kristen on Instagram at @100thingsknoxville.
