| ~ from Visit Knoxville |
| Visit Knoxville Sports Commission (VKSC) officially celebrates ten years of bringing sporting events to Knoxville and Knox County. What began in 2016 as a strategic initiative within Visit Knoxville has grown into a powerful driver of tourism, economic impact, and national visibility for Knoxville and Knox County. Over the past decade, VKSC has helped position the community as a premier destination for competitive events of all sizes.
Established as a department of Visit Knoxville, VKSC was created with a clear purpose: to recruit local, regional, and national sporting events that generate overnight stays, increase visitor spending, and elevate the area’s profile as a top-tier host city. By partnering with local venues, schools, and community leaders, VKSC has brought new energy and opportunity to the city and county while strengthening the tourism economy. The vision behind VKSC was rooted in long-term growth and community pride. “When we launched the Sports Commission in 2016, we saw the potential for sports tourism to become a cornerstone of our destination strategy,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. “We believed Knoxville could compete on a national stage, and ten years later, the results speak for themselves. VKSC has delivered measurable economic impact while showcasing the very best of our community.” Over the past decade, VKSC has recruited hundreds of sporting events, welcoming athletes and their families to Knoxville and Knox County. Those events have generated more than 76 million dollars in hotel revenues, conservatively, which means significant economic activity not only for hotels but also restaurants, retailers, and attractions. “The growth we’ve experienced over the past ten years reflects the strength of our partnerships and the appeal of our destination,” said Chad Culver, Senior Director of Visit Knoxville Sports Commission & Convention Sales. “From youth tournaments to national championships, we’ve worked hard to build a diverse portfolio of events that continue to expand our reach and impact each year.” A recent example of VKSC’s significant work in recruiting key events to Knoxville was the return of the Bassmaster Classic March 12–15, 2026. That event welcomed more than a hundred thousand attendees to Knoxville, making the 2026 Classic the second most attended Bassmaster Classic ever (following the 2023 hosted in Knoxville). VKSC’s success in bringing a third Classic translates into a major economic boost for businesses as thousands of visitors book hotel rooms, dine at local restaurants, shop at neighborhood stores, and visit attractions across Knoxville. As the Visit Knoxville Sports Commission looks ahead to the next decade, its focus remains on strategic recruitment, strong community collaboration, and sustainable growth. With world-class facilities, dedicated partners, and a proven track record of success, VKSC is poised to build on its momentum by welcoming even more athletes, families, and fans while continuing to drive tourism and economic vitality for years to come. |
