Rocky Top Sports World: Tournaments in the Smoky Mountains

A place where sports dreams become reality, Rocky Top Sports World is an 80-acre modern sports center in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. With incredible indoor and outdoor facilities, it can accommodate almost any sporting event as well as corporate and community gatherings like award ceremonies and birthday parties. With synthetic turf fields, hydraulic goals and volleyball nets, and well-planned configurable spaces, Rocky Top Sports World in the Smoky Mountains is a state-of-the-art sports campus, claiming a spot as one of the Top 10 Multi-Use Sports Facilities in the June 2017 issue of SportsEvents Magazine.

Located less than 10 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a prime location for travel and sightseeing, the sports complex is near many other entertaining activities in Gatlinburg, including visiting local attractions, eating scrumptious Southern food, and taking in breathtaking mountain views. Having access to tons of great food and entertainment – and hundreds of beautiful cabins and a range of large-group lodges – makes it that much easier to plan a tournament in the Smoky Mountains.

Indoor Facilities

If indoor sports are more your game, look no further than the 86,000-square-foot multi-sport facility, known as “The Rock,” with the ability to configure and change to suit almost any indoor sport. It can be separated into 3 collegiate-size basketball courts, 6 regular-size basketball courts (plus 4 more on site), or 12 volleyball courts (plus 5 more on site), which is quite impressive.

Cleverly designed with athletes in mind, this facility provides not only an ultramodern gymnasium but also spaces for teaching and planning as well as a place to refuel for the next match. With message boards throughout the building, you can easily keep track of upcoming events and games. Conveniently, the Gatlinburg Community Center and Anne Porter Public Library are also onsite, giving you even more activity options. If you’re planning a tournament for the Smoky Mountains, this is the place to go!

Court Sports
At this facility, it’s all up to your imagination as the courts can be tailored to your sporting event needs (a few ideas are below). Made for athletes and supporters alike, there are ground (with bleacher seating) and upper level spectator viewing areas so family, friends, and teammates can cheer on competitors.

  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Table Tennis
  • Martial Arts
  • Wrestling
  • Cheerleading
  • Dancing

Useful Rooms
As a coach, this sports center will be invaluable, because you will be able to use one of 3 team rooms to create plans of attack against opponents, teach your pupils the ins and outs of their sporting pursuits, and above all, show them your epic play-making skills. Referees will also feel at home with their own referee locker rooms. Furthermore, there is an event planner workspace, so you don’t have to figure it all out in the middle of the court. In case any medical needs should arise, the LeConte Medical Center Training Room (located to the right of the gym entrance) can provide first-aid onsite.

Fuel Your Team
After giving it your all in the first round, replenish your energy at the Champs Grill, which features hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches — all freshly grilled — as well as foot-long corndogs, barbecue sandwiches, and French fries. If you are in the mood for something sweet, refreshing smoothies and ice cream are also available. Additionally, guests will be able to stay hydrated with Pepsi and Gatorade products — the life blood of sports!

As another dining option, you can pre-order a meal plan for your competing team or athlete. With Healthy Choice Athlete Meal Plans, you won’t have to worry about your team’s nutrition. From crispy barbecue chicken wraps and turkey and cheese hoagies to grilled ranch chicken wraps and pasta power salads, they will have more than enough energy to win – and then some!

Outdoor Facilities

Take in the fresh mountain air and enjoy a gentle passing breeze as you finish your practice for the upcoming game on one of the 7 spacious outdoor fields (6 being fully lit). With 6 synthetic turf fields accompanied by 1 natural surface field, planning your outdoor sporting event will be effortless. What’s more, the outdoor facilities can be configured into 14 youth soccer fields, making it the ideal place for a sports tournament.

Turf Sports
With 6 configurable AstroTurf fields available — to help better protect the athletes and the grounds — deciding how to use these accommodating spaces will be up to you (ideas are below). Bleacher seating is available for those who wish to lend their support to the athletes. Although not permitted in The Rock, lawn or camping chairs are permitted on all exterior fields to give you a more comfortable view of the games. Plus, if you want the real deal, there is a championship stadium on site that hosts an advantageous press box and enough seating for 1,500 people.

  • Soccer
  • Lacrosse
  • Football
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Band
  • Rugby
  • Track and Field

Useful Spaces
Should you and your group feel the need to feed, picnic tables are available for your convenience. There is also a children’s play area for the little ones to let out all that pent-up energy from watching their brothers and sisters run, jump, kick, hit and throw on the fields. Perhaps most importantly, there is ample onsite parking throughout the complex to make life just a little easier on everyone. Here is a helpful tip: the Gatlinburg Trolley system provides transportation from downtown Gatlinburg to Rocky Top Sports World.

What Else Can You Do?

  • Sign up for some of the sports tournaments held year-round or call up and create your own!
  • Join one of the Gatlinburg sports leagues to improve your skills and meet new people.
  • Encourage your kids to go to a sports camp this year to make new friends and learn strategic moves.
  • Host a fantasy fanatics draft party complete with a private draft room, Wi-Fi, and delicious buffet food.
  • Ask Champ the Bear to make an appearance at your child’s birthday party at The Rock this year!
  • Use the Rocky Top Sports World’s special events team to help plan your next corporate or community event. (Inquire about Champs Grill Catering.)
  • Add to your T-shirt collection with merchandise from The Trophy Room.

Close Attractions
Only 4 miles from Gatlinburg’s shopping and entertainment district, you can get your shopping fix at The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, grab some more grub at Smoky Mountain Shakes N Dawgs, or just take a few scenic pictures of the Smoky Mountains on your way home from the game. Check out some more exciting eateries and attractions below!