| The Smokies made a thoughtful decision when they upgraded from
Bill Meyer Stadium. While the historic ballpark had its charm, it was clearly in need of significant renovations. When those weren't feasible, building a new park was the logical next step. Smokies Stadium, constructed in Sevierville, 20 miles outside Knoxville along I-40, exemplified the ballpark design trends of the 2000s. The stadium offered modern features such as individual chair seating for most sections, good sightlines without a middle concourse, and additional seating on grassy berms in the outfield. Its bucolic setting, nestled against a small mountain with a tree-lined backdrop, created a pleasant atmosphere. Concessions were plentiful and reasonably priced, including Chicago favorites like Italian beef and Chicago dogs, a nod to its affiliation with the Cubs. Other amenities included a third-base line restaurant (The Batter's Box), a large gift shop on the first-base side, and ample $5 parking. While Smokies Stadium provided a solid game-day experience, it lacked the unique or memorable character that might make it stand out to fans. After 25 years in Sevierville, the Smokies moved back to Knoxville in 2025, settling into a newly built downtown ballpark. The future of Smokies Stadium remains uncertain as the team begins a new chapter closer to the heart of Knoxville.
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