Rocky Top Sports World Exceeds Expectations with $27.5 Million Economic Impact in Second Year
At Rocky Top Sports World’s grand opening in September 2014, our ambassador Coach Phillip Fulmer told the crowd, “This was a great vision by a lot of people to come together and this will not only impact the lives of a lot of young people around the country, but the lives here economically.” Coach Fulmer could not have been more correct. Data from Rocky Top Sports World’s second year shows that our sports complex has had a profound economic impact on Sevier County.
Youth Soccer Has Made “The Beautiful Game” One of America’s Major Sports
When you think of iconic American sports, baseball, football, and basketball probably come to mind. However, recent youth sports participation data shows that soccer is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. In 2016, there were roughly 3 million kids playing in youth soccer leagues. That’s over a million more kids than baseball and double the amount of kids who play tackle football!
Come for a Tournament, Stay for the Leaves: Fall at Rocky Top Sports World
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.
Psychologist Shares 3 Tips for Character Building in Youth Sports
Dr. Jason Richardson is uniquely qualified to talk about character building in youth sports. In addition to having a Doctorate in Psychology, Richardson is also a former BMX Racer who maintained a Top-Ten World or National Ranking for the majority of his 15 year career. At the age of 19, Richardson was a Union Cycliste Internationale World Champion, and 13 years later he earned a Gold Medal at the Pan American Games in Rio De Janeiro.
A Turkey Day Tradition: The Gatlinburg Thanksgiving Bowl at Rocky Top Sports World
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.
Enjoy Labor Day Weekend in the Smokies with This Gatlinburg Soccer Tournament
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.
Get Ready to Battle in Rocky Top: Cheer Competition in Gatlinburg TN Arrives This Fall
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.
Moore Named Rocky Top Sports World General Manager
After a nationwide search, The Sports Facilities Management is pleased to announce the promotion of Lori McMahan Moore as General Manager of Rocky Top Sports World. Moore, a Sevier County native and graduate of the University of Tennessee, previously served as Director of Marketing and Business Development and Interim General Manager at the facility.
Rumble at the Rock: Gatlinburg Basketball Play Day Coming This Fall
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.
Kick It Up in the Smokies: Martial Arts at Rocky Top Sports World
Martial arts are some of the fastest growing sports in America, especially for children. Whether it’s Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, or Jiu-Jitsu, you are guaranteed to find a martial arts class near where you live. No matter which type your kids choose, training in the martial arts provides a number of important physical and mental benefits.
Olympic Contenders Inspire Young Athletes at Rocky Top Sports World
The 2016 Summer Olympic Games are right around the corner, and here at Rocky Top Sports World, our young athletes couldn’t be more excited! The children and teenagers who train and compete at our Gatlinburg sports complex can’t wait to see their favorite athletes head to Rio to try and bring back the gold. While many Olympic contenders have captured the imagination of young visitors to Rocky Top Sports World, there are a few athletes and teams who really stand out.
Beat the Heat: Remember to Stay Hydrated This Summer at Rocky Top Sports World
Here at Rocky Top Sports World, we love summer in the Smoky Mountains! With average highs in the mid-80s and lows in the 60s, the weather is perfect for outdoor sports camps and tournaments. At the same time, the summer heat requires athletes to take special precautions when they enjoy some fun in the sun. We have put together a convenient guide with everything you need to know about staying hydrated during summer sporting events at Rocky Top:
Smoky Mountain Basketball Tournament Comes to Rocky Top Sports World This Summer
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.
Take Your Team to the Next Level with the New Smoky Mountain Soccer Camp at Rocky Top Sports World
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.
Rocky Top Sports World to Host Gatlinburg Grappling Tournament
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.