Covenant Health Park Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Knoxville? The new Covenant Health Park has quickly turned into a downtown hotspot. This lively stadium is home to both the Knoxville Smokies baseball team and One Knox Sporting Club, giving visitors a modern sports venue just steps from city attractions.

Right in the heart of downtown Knoxville, the park offers a lot more than just sports. You’ll find all kinds of food, family-friendly entertainment, and a cashless venue system that makes paying for tickets, snacks, merch, and parking easy. The stadium’s design keeps you close to the action and lets you soak in Knoxville’s city views.

Getting to Covenant Health Park is easy. Several parking garages are within a 15-20 minute walk—Market Square, Locust Street, Langley, and Summer Place garages are all solid choices. Since the park is a taxpayer-owned venue, it feels like a genuine part of Knoxville, not just another sports complex.

Overview of Covenant Health Park

Covenant Health Park has become Knoxville’s go-to spot for sports and entertainment, offering both modern amenities and that classic ballpark vibe. The stadium combines old-school charm with new features, right in the middle of a revitalized downtown.

Key Features and Amenities

You’ll find nearly 7,400 parking spaces within walking distance—many are free or inexpensive. If accessibility is a concern, the stadium has ADA-compliant entrances, seating, restrooms, and shuttle boarding zones, plus designated accessible parking.

On game day, the stadium buzzes with energy. Concession stands serve up local favorites and all the classic ballpark eats you’d expect.

Seating covers all the bases: standard grandstand, premium club sections, and luxury boxes for those who want to splurge. The open concourse lets you keep an eye on the game while you grab a snack or check out the merch.

History and Significance

Covenant Health Park brings professional baseball back to downtown Knoxville, inspired by legendary venues like Wrigley Field. The Knoxville Smokies, Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, call this place home.

The stadium plays a big part in Knoxville’s downtown revival. Set in Tennessee’s 37902 zip code, it’s transformed a once-quiet area into a lively entertainment district.

Besides baseball, the park also hosts community events, concerts, and other sports all year long. Its architecture blends right in with the neighborhood, while still giving visitors modern comforts.

Knoxville built this stadium to serve both locals and visitors, keeping the city’s baseball roots front and center.

Planning Your Visit

A little prep goes a long way for your Covenant Health Park visit. How you get to the stadium and when you go can really shape your experience in downtown Knoxville.

Location and Directions

Covenant Health Park sits in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee (zip code 37902). It’s pretty easy to reach, no matter how you’re traveling. If you’re driving, it’s smart to get there a bit early—game day traffic can back up near the stadium.

Public transportation is a solid option, too. KAT (Knoxville Area Transit) runs buses to the stadium, and you can check routes and live updates on their site. On game days, a free shuttle runs between downtown parking garages and the park.

Staying close by? Walking might be your best bet. Pedestrian-friendly paths connect the stadium to downtown, and it’s usually a 10-15 minute stroll from most hotels.

Don’t forget: Covenant Health Park is cashless. Bring a credit or debit card for everything—tickets, food, merch, even parking.

Best Times to Visit

The Knoxville Smokies play from April through September, with home games sprinkled throughout those months. Weeknight games usually kick off around 7 PM, while weekends sometimes have afternoon starts.

April and May usually bring comfortable temps—think 60s to 70s°F—perfect for baseball. Summer (June-August) gets hotter and busier.

If you want to dodge the crowds, try:

• Tuesday or Wednesday night games
• Day games during the work week
• April or September games when school’s in session

The One Knox Sporting Club also plays soccer matches here, so you’ve got more chances to check out the stadium.

Always check the team’s site before you go—promos like fireworks nights and giveaways are fun, but they can mean bigger crowds.

Ticketing and Consent Policies

Buying Smokies tickets at Covenant Health Park is pretty straightforward, but knowing the venue’s rules will help your visit go smoothly.

Purchasing Tickets

Since Covenant Health Park is a cashless venue, you’ll need a credit or debit card for everything. You can grab tickets:

• Online at the Smokies’ official site
• At the box office (opens 2 hours before the game)
• By phone
• Through the MiLB app

Most folks use mobile tickets. You’ll get them by email and just show your phone at the gate. If you’d rather have a paper ticket, you can print it at home.

Groups of 20+ can get discounts and special seating. Premium experiences are also up for grabs if you want to upgrade your visit.

Visitor Consent and Regulations

By entering Covenant Health Park, you agree to follow stadium rules. Everyone’s expected to respect other fans, players, and staff.

Here’s what to know:

• No outside food or drinks allowed
• Clear bag policy—think NFL stadium rules
• No weapons, illegal stuff, or anything you could throw
• No smoking inside (there are designated areas)
• You can re-enter if you get your ticket scanned

If you need special accommodations, reach out in advance. Service animals are allowed, but emotional support animals usually aren’t.

Staff can refuse entry or kick out anyone who breaks the rules or ruins the fun for others.

Accommodations Near Covenant Health Park

The right place to stay can make your trip to Covenant Health Park even better. You’ve got plenty of options, from fancy hotels to wallet-friendly spots.

Hotels and Lodging Options

The Hilton Garden Inn Knoxville West/Cedar Bluff has comfy rooms and modern perks, and a lot of baseball fans pick this place. The Best Western Plus Cedar gets good reviews, too.

For something more upscale, THE TENNESSEAN is right by the “Start Line” and offers fancy rooms and suites. It’s super close to the stadium, so you won’t have to travel far.

Wyndham hotels are nearby as well—they’re the Official Hotel of Minor League Baseball—and sometimes offer special game packages.

If you want the easiest access to the stadium and downtown, look for hotels in the 37902 zip code.

Short-Term Rentals

Need more space or want a homier vibe? Short-term rentals are a great alternative. Several apartment buildings near Old City offer units for short stays.

Vacation rental sites list lots of places within walking distance of the park, from studios to big apartments for families or groups.

If you need ADA access, rentals near Old City South Lot B (right across from the park) offer accessible parking.

Staying in a downtown rental gives you the freedom to explore local restaurants and shops between games.

Dining and Refreshment Options

You won’t go hungry at Covenant Health Park. There’s a good mix of classic ballpark food and local specialties both inside and around the stadium.

On-Site Eateries

The park has three main concession stands on the concourse, plus some specialty spots. Ballpark Bites serves up hot dogs and chicken tenders—can’t go wrong with the classics.

Craving pizza? Barley’s at the park has you covered. For quick snacks, The Local Market is handy.

Kids (and adults with a sweet tooth) will want to hit the Dippin’ Dots stand, especially when it’s hot out.

Heads up: No outside food or drinks allowed, so plan to eat at the park.

Nearby Restaurants

Knoxville’s food scene is worth exploring before or after the game. Downtown, just a short walk from the stadium, you’ll find spots serving Southern classics and modern dishes.

Barbecue fans will love the Tennessee barbecue joints—smoked meats and tangy sauces are a big deal here. Plenty of brewpubs serve local craft beers and hearty pub food.

For something quick, there are plenty of casual spots close to the park. Many restaurants use local ingredients, so you get a taste of East Tennessee’s best.

Most places nearby are family-friendly, making them great for pre-game meals with kids. Restaurants often open early on game days to welcome Smokies fans.

Access and Transportation

Getting to Covenant Health Park is pretty straightforward. You’ve got public transit and dedicated parking to make your game day easy.

Public Transit Options

Several KAT bus routes serve the stadium area. Check KAT’s website for routes, live tracking, and any last-minute alerts.

Options include:

• Regular bus service: Multiple routes stop within walking distance of the park
• Game day schedules: Look for special timings on game days
• Transit apps: Use KAT’s live tracking to see where your bus is

If you’re staying downtown, walking is usually the easiest. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk from places like Market Square to Covenant Health Park.

Parking Information

You’ll find over 1,500 dedicated parking spaces serving Covenant Health Park, and about 1,100 of those are open for general public use. The city and park teamed up on this plan to keep parking affordable and convenient for everyone.

Downtown Garage Options:

• Market Square Garage
• Locust Street Garage
• Langley Garage
• Summer Place Garage

These garages sit roughly a 15-20 minute walk from the stadium, which gives you a good excuse to wander around downtown Knoxville before or after the game. It’s a pretty lively area—worth the stroll.

If you’re using rideshare, you’ll find designated pickup and drop-off zones close to the stadium. Uber and Lyft prices shift with demand, so keep that in mind, especially after games when everyone’s leaving at once.

Technology and Apps for Travelers

Honestly, tech has made getting to Covenant Health Park so much easier. A few handy apps and online resources can help you find parking, get directions, and just generally make your trip smoother.

Official Apps and Online Resources

The City of Knoxville rolled out some digital tools to improve your stadium visit. You can grab the My Knoxville App for quick info on stadium updates, parking, and event schedules. It’s free and sends you real-time notifications about traffic or special happenings.

If you’re taking public transit, the KAT (Knoxville Area Transit) website gives you routes, live tracking, and rider alerts. Planning your trip on the bus or trolley feels pretty straightforward with this.

The Smokies baseball team’s official app adds some extra features:

• Digital tickets and contactless entry
• Interactive stadium maps
• Food and merch ordering
• Real-time game stats and highlights

Navigating Using Maps

Digital maps really help when you’re finding your way to Covenant Health Park. Just use your favorite map app to check out the different parking options and plan your route.

The stadium’s website has a PDF parking map showing all the lots and how far they are from the park. Downloading it to your phone before you go isn’t a bad idea.

For rideshare, just put “Covenant Health Park” in your app. The drop-off and pick-up zones sit right by the main entrance. Rideshare prices jump around depending on the time and how busy it is.

Safety, Security, and Spam Prevention

Going to a game at Covenant Health Park means keeping an eye on safety and knowing how to dodge unwanted emails or texts. The stadium follows some clear policies to keep things safe and family-friendly.

Safety Guidelines

Covenant Health Park uses a clear bag policy: only transparent bags up to 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches are allowed. They do let in small clutch purses too. This helps security staff check bags quickly.

They’ve made sure the stadium is fully ADA-compliant with accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms. Designated accessible parking spots are available right by the stadium.

During those sweltering summer games, remember to drink water and use sunscreen. Some sections have shade, but a lot of seats get direct sun in the afternoon.

Security staff are always around the venue. If anything feels off, just flag down a staff member or swing by Guest Services near the main entrance.

Dealing with Spam and Unwanted Communications

When you buy tickets online or at the box office, they’ll ask for your contact info. Double-check the consent boxes before you hand over your details. If you don’t want marketing emails, just uncheck those options.

The Smokies send out updates and promotions to subscribers, but you’ll always see an unsubscribe link at the bottom of their emails.

Watch out for third-party ticket sellers promising special deals. To avoid scams, buy your tickets straight from the official Smokies website or their authorized partners.

If you get a sketchy email or text claiming to be from the stadium or team, call the official box office instead of using any contact info from the message.

Exploring the Surrounding Area

Covenant Health Park sits close to a bunch of attractions and outdoor spots, so you can make a day of it in Knoxville. There’s a nice mix of cultural stops and outdoor adventures right near the stadium.

Local Attractions

Downtown Knoxville is buzzing and just minutes from Covenant Health Park. The Old City has historic buildings, restaurants, bars, and shops all within walking distance—great for grabbing a bite before the game or celebrating afterward.

Market Square is always lively, with local events, farmers markets, and unique shops. It’s a solid place to soak up Knoxville’s vibe.

The Knoxville Museum of Art shows off regional artwork and, hey, admission is free. They’re open Tuesday through Sunday—an easy cultural stop before heading to the ballpark.

World’s Fair Park, home of the 1982 World’s Fair, features the Sunsphere. You can ride up to the observation deck for city views and a bit of Knoxville history.

Recreational Activities

The Tennessee River flows right by the stadium, and you can kayak or paddleboard if you’re up for it. Rental shops nearby can get you set up—even if you’re a beginner.

Ijams Nature Center is only 4 miles from downtown and covers 315 acres. There are hiking trails, rock formations, and water features, plus a quarry for swimming in summer.

Urban Wilderness offers more than 50 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, all just minutes from the stadium. It’s a quick way to escape into nature without really leaving the city.

The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum has 47 acres of gardens and walking paths. It’s open daily, free to enter, and honestly, it’s a peaceful spot if you want a breather from all the game-day energy.

Travel Tips and Additional Resources

If you want your trip to Covenant Health Park to go smoothly, a little planning helps. Here are some tips and resources that’ll make your game day experience a whole lot easier.

Essential Travel Tips

Covenant Health Park only accepts cards—no cash at all—so bring your credit or debit card for tickets, food, merch, and parking. Give yourself extra time for parking, especially on weekends when it gets crowded.

For the simplest parking, aim for the downtown garages. Walking from Market Square, Locust Street, Langley, or Summer Place garages takes about 15-20 minutes to the park.

If public transportation is more your style, game day shuttles run from downtown right to the stadium entrance.

Visitors needing accessible options will find ADA-compliant entrances, seating, restrooms, and shuttle boarding zones throughout the park. Accessible parking spots are clearly marked and easy to find.

Useful Contacts and Information

Stadium Information:

• Main Office: 865-286-2300
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: milb.com/knoxville

Hours of Operation:

• Box Office: Opens 2 hours before game time
• Gates: Open 1 hour before first pitch
• Team Store: Open during games and from 10am to 4pm on weekdays when there’s no game

Want real-time updates or a heads-up on special deals? Just follow the Knoxville Smokies on social media. They usually post about weather delays, ticket deals, and whatever’s coming up next.

You’ll find the Knoxville Visitor Center at 301 S. Gay St.—it’s just a quick walk from the stadium. Stop in for maps, brochures, or a little local advice if you want to explore Tennessee’s third-largest city before or after a game.