The new Knoxville Convention Center was unveiled in October. The KCC is the centerpiece of World's Fair Park in the heart of the downtown business and entertainment district, and is sparking the city's economic revival. It's sited adjacent to Knoxville's majestic Sunsphere (the signature structure of the 1982 World's Fair); a $1 million collection of eclectic artwork graces its corridors and function space, making this center a nice marriage of functionality and aesthetics. A 27,300-square-foot divisible ballroom and a 119,922-square-foot exhibit hall are encompassed within its 500,000 square feet.
The Knoxville Convention Center anchors the city's waterfront on the Tennessee River, and the liberal amount of glass incorporated into its architecture makes for a fantastic view of the river and surrounding parks and green space. The center's interior décor is inspired by nature — mountain designs sprinkled throughout the center carry the images of the nearby Great Smoky Mountain range indoors.
Knoxville is a friendly, pedestrian city where delegates can walk to 50 eateries and dozens of attractions near the center. Groups cut loose at The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, shooting hoops and playing with interactive exhibits. A ride on the charming Three Rivers Rambler is like a step back in time. The vintage steam engine departs downtown on a 90-minute scenic trek showcasing Tennessee scenery — the train rolls over an old trestle bridge, and through farmland, gorges, and marble quarries.
