For many families, watching or playing football on Thanksgiving is as important a part of the holiday as turkey and stuffing! Have you ever wondered why Thanksgiving football became an American tradition? Rocky Top Sports World did a little research to bring you the answer to this question. The Tradition Starts Earlier Than You Think Thanksgiving’s love affair with football goes all the way back to the

Here at Rocky Top Sports World, fall is one of our favorite times of the year! With cool, comfortable weather, the autumn climate in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains is ideal for outdoor activities. Of course, Gatlinburg is also famous for its beautiful fall foliage. With over 100 species of trees in the Smokies, the area offers some of the most spectacular red, orange, and yellow leaves in North America.

Ever since the Detroit Lions played the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day in 1934, football has been forever linked with the holiday. Here in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains, we have our very own Turkey Day tradition: the Gatlinburg Thanksgiving Bowl. Established in 1972, this annual tournament is a hugely popular event with locals and visitors alike. Formerly held at Gatlinburg Pittman High School and later Mills Park, the Thanksgiving Bowl has been hosted by Rocky Top Sports World since 2014. Read on to learn everything you need to know about one of our favorite autumn tournaments.

This Labor Day Weekend, Rocky Top Sports World will host one of our largest soccer tournaments to date! The Gatlinburg Labor Day Invitational is a two day competition open to youth soccer teams from across the United States. Catering to all levels of play, this exciting Gatlinburg soccer tournament is the perfect way to kick off a three day weekend in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains. Read on for everything you need to know about this eagerly anticipated event.

Does your cheer squad have what it takes to be #1? This November, cheerleading teams from around the nation will come to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for the popular Battle in Rocky Top Cheer Competition. This excellent event is sponsored by the Battle in Rocky Top National Championship Youth Football Tournament, which will be held over the same weekend. Read on for everything you need to know about the premiere cheer competition in Gatlinburg TN.

Let’s get ready to rumble! This fall, Rocky Top Sports World will host “Rumble at the Rock”, a one day Gatlinburg basketball play day for high school teams. This exciting event is a great opportunity for teams from around the area to enjoy a day of spirited competition and plenty of fun. Read on to learn everything you need to know about Rumble at the Rock.

Youth basketball teams from around the country will head to Gatlinburg this July to compete in the Hoopz Showcase Summer Championships. This Smoky Mountain basketball tournament promises to draw great athletes and big crowds. Rocky Top Sports World has put together a quick guide with everything you need to know about this hotly anticipated competition.

Rocky Top Sports World is excited to host the Smoky Mountain Soccer Academy Team Camp this July! Specifically designed for high school and club soccer teams, this three day camp will sharpen technical and tactical abilities. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this one of a kind camp.

This July, Rocky Top Sports World will host the 2016 Gatlinburg Summer Grappling Games. Martial artists from around the country will descend on our Smoky Mountain city to compete in this one of a kind tournament. If you would like to participate in the games or would like to attend as a spectator, read on for everything you need to know about the upcoming grappling tournament in Gatlinburg.

If your kids want to learn the basics of “the beautiful game”, they will love the Smoky Mountain Soccer Academy! This excellent organization offers a number of soccer programs throughout the year at Rocky Top Sports World that are open to children and teens of all ages. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the Smoky Mountain Soccer Academy’s seasonal camps.

Now in their 90th year, the Harlem Globetrotters are an indelible part of American sports and culture. Known for their incredible athleticism and outrageous antics, the Globetrotters have delighted fans from all around the world in over 26,000 exhibition games. In June, this one-of-a-kind team will return to Rocky Top Sports World for a special Smoky Mountain basketball camp! Read on for everything you need to know about this can’t-miss event.

One of the greatest college football coaches of all time will lead a special camp at Rocky Top Sports World this June! The famous Phillip Fulmer will share his unparalleled knowledge of the game with aspiring football players, ages 7 - 17. Read on for everything you need to know about this one of a kind Gatlinburg football camp.