Covenant Health Park Parking Plan Provides Convenient and Affordable Access

March 11, 2025

Boyd Sports has partnered with the City of Knoxville and Knox County to develop a comprehensive parking plan for Knoxville Smokies games and other event days at Covenant Health Park, downtown Knoxville’s new publicly owned sports and entertainment stadium.

The collaborative parking plan features more than 1,500 dedicated parking spaces to serve Covenant Health Park, including 1,100 for the general public and 400 for staff, vendors and season ticketholders. There will be a free shuttle from designated parking garages provided by Knoxville Area Transit (KAT), offering visitors a five-minute ride to and from Covenant Health Park.

“Our teams have been working diligently to leverage the wonderful assets of downtown Knoxville and provide fans and visitors with convenient and affordable parking options,” Boyd Sports CEO Doug Kirchhofer said. “Thanks to the partnership of the City of Knoxville, KAT and others, we’re working to simplify the downtown gameday experience, offering free shuttles to and from Covenant Health Park from 1,100 spaces dedicated for event parking and from nearby garages. Reserved parking in the dedicated spaces will be offered for $5 in advance on the Smokies website.”

Located at 500 East Jackson Avenue, Covenant Health Park is situated just east of the Old City, connecting downtown and East Knoxville. It serves as the new home of Knoxville Smokies baseball and One Knoxville SC soccer teams and will serve as a venue for a variety of concerts and entertainment, private gatherings and other community events.

Urban planning models recommend one parking space for every 2.5 attendees at an event. With a capacity of roughly 7,000, a sellout event at Covenant Health Park would necessitate 2,800 parking spaces. Between the 1,500 dedicated parking spaces for Covenant Health Park and the nearly 7,400 additional available parking options surrounding the facility, there are nearly 9,000 area spaces identified.

“Knoxville is no stranger to welcoming big crowds downtown,” City of Knoxville Chief Operating Officer Grant Rosenberg said. “Just as we host thousands for UT football, Big Ears Music Festival, the Bassmasters Tournament and more, we will be able to accommodate those coming to Covenant Health Park – while preserving space for downtown workers and other visitors.

“In addition to infrastructure improvements, the City has been happy to work with all stadium partners to identify designated parking spaces and free shuttle services to streamline getting around downtown on game days.”

Visitors to Covenant Health Park are encouraged to take advantage of the following parking options:

§ Summer Place Garage will have 450 reserved, dedicated parking spaces available for a flat, prepaid $5 fee.

§ Free shuttle service running every 10 minutes

§ 0.7-mile walk

§ Langley Garage will have 650 reserved, dedicated parking spaces available for a flat, prepaid $5 fee.

§ Free shuttle service running every 10 minutes

§ 0.7-mile walk

§ In addition, there are nearly 7,400 affordable or free parking spaces, within about eight-tenths of a mile or closer to the stadium, at publicly owned garages, surface lots and on-street facilities. Parking at standard rates is available within a 10- to 20-minute walk from:

§ Market Square Garage (free shuttle service running every 10 minutes)

§ Locust Street Garage (free shuttle service running every 10 minutes)

§ State Street Garage

§ Jackson Avenue Lot

§ Dwight Kessel Parking Garage

§ On-street parking spots

§ And via free parking at the West Magnolia Avenue Parking Lots

§ Old City South Lot B, which is located directly across the street from Covenant Health Park, will have 70 reserved ADA-accessible spaces. These are free of charge for vehicles with valid disability license plates, placards and/or decals.

§ Of note, all publicly owned parking garages and lots also have free ADA-accessible spaces, and all stadium shuttle buses are ADA-accessible.

§ Designated drop-off/pick-up points will be available for ADA guests along Willow Avenue, at the southwest corner of the stadium, and for rideshare customers along Florida Avenue at the east side of the stadium.

§ Bicycle and micro-mobility scooter parking will be available in Old City South Lot A.

Additional parking for Covenant Health Park employees and Knoxville Smokies permit-parking will be available in Old City South Lot A, the Old City North Lot and the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum Parking Garage. Use of these spots will not be open to the general public but will help alleviate use of existing parking spots frequented by downtown workers, visitors and others.

Boyd Sports and the Knoxville Smokies will continue to roll out details for Covenant Health Park visitors via its website at http://www.smokiesbaseball.com and social media. This will include driving directions, parking information and more.

In addition, the City of Knoxville, Visit Knoxville and Downtown Knoxville Alliance also provide insight for downtown visitors, including parking and transportation information, on their respective websites and social media channels.

House Passes Tennessee Healthy SNAP Act

March 10, 2025

The Tennessee House passes a bill that would place limits on buying junk food using SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

It’s not the first time the U.S. program that helps low-income families pay for food has faced threats limiting what qualifies for purchases. Other attempts to cut candy and snacks from SNAP have failed in the past.

The Tennessee Healthy SNAP Act would require the Tennessee Department of Human Services to request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture allowing the state to end benefits for candy and soft drinks.

Some opponents say limiting what people can buy with SNAP is an attack on the autonomy of low-income Americans.

A USDA report put ranked “sweetened beverages” and “prepared desserts” as the second- and fifth-most purchased types of items by SNAP recipients, who receive, on average, $187 per month — or about $6 per day — from the program. That being said, those same foods ranked at number five and number six for non-SNAP households.

TN.gov relative information about the bill: AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 71, relative to the food stamp program. Department of Human Resources – As introduced SB1154 and HB1236, enacts the “Tennessee Health SNAP Act,” which requires the department to submit a request for a waiver from the United States department of agriculture’s food and nutrition service to seek authorization to prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for the purchase of candy and soft drinks. – Amends TCA Title 71.

HB1236 passed Monday – Ayes 69, Nays 23

The definitions of “candy” and “soft drinks” would follow federal government guidelines. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with the stated purpose of ensuring SNAP benefits are used to improve food security and nutrition.

Lengthy Drug Investigation Results in 32 Charged and 12 Arrested in Cocke County

March 9, 2025

The Cocke County Sheriff’s Office says 12 people have been taken into custody after an indictment charging 32 people on various drug charges is unsealed.

Officers began searching for those who were indicted once the indictments were unsealed on Wednesday and on Saturday, CCSO took the following 12 suspects into custody Saturday: 

Crystal Crum, 41

Sale and delivery of Schedule IV drugs

Tracy Joseph Jones, 42

Sale and delivery of fentanyl

Pauline Lundy, 67

Sale and delivery of methamphetamine

Jessica M. McKay, 36

Sale and delivery of fentanyl

Sale and delivery of gabapentin

Sale and delivery of a counterfeit substance

Danielle Vasaturo, 25

Sale and delivery of cocaine

Alisha Arrington, 37

Sale and delivery of fentanyl

Kaela Napier, 27

Sale and delivery of methamphetamine

Maleik D. Story, 28

Sale and delivery of fentanyl

Christopher Finchum, 49

Sale and delivery of methamphetamine

John E. Atkins, 31

Sale and delivery of methamphetamine

Jose A. Balderas, 20

Sale and delivery of fentanyl

Sale and delivery of methadone

Sale and delivery of a counterfeit substance

Ashley Mayfield, 38

Capias for several drug charges

Their arrests resulted in officers seizing two firearms, $346 in cash and almost 3 grams of heroin.

The investigation unsealed 19 counts of sale and delivery of fentanyl, 14 counts of sale and delivery of methamphetamine, six counts of sale and delivery of cocaine, seven counts of sale and delivery of opioids and 14 counts of sale and delivery of a counterfeit substance.

CCSO says additional names will be released following their arrest.

A Water Main Break is Affecting Some Alcoa Businesses

March 7, 2025

A water main break is affecting some Alcoa businesses.

The City of Alcoa’s water department is working that break at the entrance of Hunters Crossing at Louisville Road.

Those in the area can expect some outages for the next several hours. Specifically, the city warned that businesses at Hunters Crossing would be affected which includes Chick-fil-A, American Family Care,T-Mobile
Murphy USA, Maryville Modern Dentistry, Blaze Pizza and Hooters.

Some people in the area may also see muddy water from their faucets.

313 Initiative Leads to ‘Staggering’ Drug Bust in Knox County, Sheriff Says

313 Initiative Leads to ‘Staggering’ Drug Bust in Knox County, Sheriff Says

March 6, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Describing their findings as “staggering,” detectives with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division make a big drug bust Tuesday in Knox County.

KCSO officials say investigators stopped several cars believed to be connected to a suspicious house, taking four people into custody and seizing several quantities of drugs to include 302 grams of fentanyl. Police also recovered 16 firearms and nearly $14,000 in cash:

  • 16 firearms (including 3 automatic weapons & 2 Short barreled rifles)
  • 302 grams of fentanyl (equivalent to 151,000 lethal doses)
  • 88.5 grams of methamphetamine
  • 14.7 grams of cocaine
  • 7 grams of marijuana
  • $13,935 in cash

Court records identify those arrested as Aaron Barrett, Jamar Cortez, Gregory Seaton and Donta Stewart.

KCSO says the investigation is part of the ongoing 313 Initiative, a program in partnership with law enforcement agencies in East Tennessee and Detroit to crack down on drug crime in East Tennessee.

“The relentless efforts of our dedicated detectives continue to disrupt drug trafficking organizations that are poisoning our community,” KCSO said. “Every bust like this saves lives and helps keep Knox County safe.”

(Left to right) Aaron Barrett, Jamar Cortez, Gregory Seaton and Donta Stewart (Courtesy: KCSO)
McGHEE TYSON AIRPORT PREPARES FOR SPRING BREAK

McGHEE TYSON AIRPORT PREPARES FOR SPRING BREAK

March 5, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Starting Thursday, March 6, 2025, through Monday, March 24, 2025, McGhee Tyson Airport is expecting higher than normal passenger traffic due to Spring Break travel.  With an increased number of travelers in the airport, it is important to be aware of the following information when traveling during those dates:

  • IMPORTANT TRAFFIC NOTICE: To manage heavy traffic during Spring Break travel and minimize potential safety risks with vehicles backed up onto 129 South (Alcoa Highway), the airport is implementing a new traffic pattern on certain dates and times. From Thursday, March 6, 2025, to Monday, March 10, 2025, the main airport entrance off 129-South (Alcoa Highway) will be closed from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. each night. During this time, traffic will be redirected to the Hunt Road exit, with signs guiding drivers to the terminal building. The entrance will also be closed from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. on March 13-18 and March 20-24. Traffic coming from 129-North (Alcoa) will not be affected, and the exit process will remain the same. See attached image “Hunt Rd Detour Spring Break”.
  • IMPORTANT CONSTRUCTION NOTICE: Starting the week of March 10, 2025, the airport will be relocating the parking garage entrance. The new entrance will be near the current one, so drivers won’t need to change their planned route. Signs will be posted to clearly indicate the new entrance. See attached image “New Garage Entrance Copy”.
  • Here are three simple things you can do before heading to the airport to make your Spring Break travel easier. First, check FlyKnoxville.com for real-time parking availability and choose the best parking option for your plans. Next, download your airline’s app to get your boarding pass and stay updated on your flight and luggage details. Finally, pack light and put your medications, personal items, and a change of clothes in a carry-on bag.
  • When more people travel, there is a higher demand for airport parking. Some airport parking lots require a short walk or a shuttle ride to the airport terminal building. Please account for the additional time it will take to get to the terminal from the parking lot. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure, even for the 5 a.m. flights.
  • TSA’s checkpoint screening equipment requires that carry-on bags strictly meet airline size requirements. Oversized luggage will need to be checked for your flight. Luggage measurement devices are located at the airline ticket counters and at the entrance to checkpoint.
  • When picking someone up at the airport, the curbside is only for pick-ups and drop-offs, and parking at or near the curb is not allowed. Instead, consider using the Phone & Wait Lot. It’s a FREE parking area where you can wait in your car until your guest has their luggage and is ready to meet you on the lower level. This lot helps reduce traffic and minimizes the need to circle the airport while waiting to pick up your passenger.
  • Not traveling for Spring Break but planning summer travel, make sure to get REAL ID or renew your passport. Learn more https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.
McGhee Tyson Airport (Source: Google Earth)
#1/2 Vols Tie NCAA Record with Three Grand Slams in Win Over Radford
Courtesy / UT Athletics

#1/2 Vols Tie NCAA Record with Three Grand Slams in Win Over Radford

March 5, 2025

Game Recap: Baseball | March 04, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – No. 1/2 Tennessee tied the NCAA Division I record with three grand slams in a wild 22-9 midweek win over Radford on Tuesday night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Two of those three grand slams came in the Volunteers’ 11-run seventh inning, including a walk-off blast by pinch hitter Blake Grimmer to send the run-rule into effect. The two slams in a single inning also tied an NCAA record.

Reese Chapman hit the first of UT’s three bases-loaded jacks with a third inning shot to right center to erase a 4-2 deficit and put the Big Orange ahead 6-4. The Vols went on to score three more runs in the inning to take a 9-4 advantage.

The Highlanders (6-6) didn’t go away, however, scoring five unanswered runs in the fourth and fifth innings to tie the game at nine.

Tennessee (12-0) regained the lead on a Hunter Ensley RBI double in the bottom of the fifth, which proved to be the game-winning run. The Vols added another run on a Stone Lawless double in the sixth to increase their lead to two before their exploding for 11 runs to finish the game in the seventh.

Andrew Fischer led UT with five RBIs on the night thanks to a pair of homers, including the first grand slam in the seventh inning, which traveled 427 feet.

Every Tennessee position player that played in the game scored at least one run while seven players registered multi-RBI performances.

Big Innings from D. Loy

With the game in the balance and the Vols reeling after having given up five straight runs, sophomore lefty Dylan Loy was able to settle things down and quiet the Radford bats for the remained of the game.

Loy pitched the final 2.1 innings, retiring all seven batters he faced while racking up four strikeouts to earn the win and improve to 2-0 on the year.

Vols on Record Pace for Grand Slams

After setting an SEC record with 12 grand slams last season, Tennessee is well on its way to breaking the NCAA Division I single-season record this year. Through just 12 games, the Vols have already mashed seven grand slams.

Arizona State holds the NCAA record with 14 in 2003, doing so in 68 games.

Up Next

UT is back in action on Wednesday night when it takes on Xavier at 6 p.m. The game will be streamed on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app.

KCS To Report On Progress, Celebrate Reward Schools

KCS To Report On Progress, Celebrate Reward Schools

March 2, 2025

Knox County Schools will give a report on progress made toward the district’s annual goals and to celebrate the eighteen Reward Schools recognized by the Tennessee Department of Education.

It will be at Bearden Elementary School tomorrow (Tuesday) and will focus on key data points outlined in the 2023-24 KCS Annual Report. Attendees will include Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk, key district leaders, and principals from this year’s state-designated Reward Schools.

The Annual Report is also available at https://www.knoxschools.org/cms/lib/TN01917079/Centricity/Domain/13420/AnnualReport_Pages_Web_FINAL.pdf

I-40 to Reopen to Traffic with Restrictions between Tennessee and North Carolina for the First Time Since Hurricane Helene
NCDOT

I-40 to Reopen to Traffic with Restrictions between Tennessee and North Carolina for the First Time Since Hurricane Helene

February 28, 2025

KNOXVILLE — In another milestone of the progress made since Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Tennessee and North Carolina, motorists can travel between the two states on I-40 for the first time since September 2024 on Saturday, March 1.

In October 2024, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) reopened I-40 to one traffic lane in each direction between MM 446 and MM 451 (Waterville Road) in Cosby, just before the TN/NC state line. This weekend, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will reopen on their side of I-40, permitting travel between states.

Due to anticipated slowdowns and lengthy delays, TDOT recommends that motorists traveling into North Carolina take I-81 North to I-77 South in Virginia or I-81 North to I-26 East.

This area will have lowered speeds, with a 40-mile-per-hour limit in Tennessee and a 35-mile-per-hour limit in North Carolina. Vehicles over 8½ feet in length will not be allowed to use this roadway. Motorists must remember that this remains an active work zone in both states, with reduced lane widths to protect workers rebuilding the interstate in Tennessee and North Carolina.

In addition, motorists also need to be aware of the following:

  • The work zone extends from MM 446 in Tennessee to MM 7 in North Carolina.
  • There is only one lane of traffic open in each direction across approximately 12 miles.
  • Work crews and construction equipment will enter and exit this roadway daily.
  • There are no shoulders and no emergency pull-off lanes within the work zone.
  • There are no exits in the work zone with easy access to gas stations or convenience stores.
  •  

For more information on Hurricane Helene Recovery efforts, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/hurricane-helene-recovery.html.

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February 26, 2025

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