KODAK, Tennessee — As the Tennessee Smokies prepare to move from their stadium in Kodak to a new venue in downtown Knoxville, leaders are reflecting on the economic impacts the team has had on Sevier County.
The Kodak stadium has brought in an estimated $50 million in development to the county since it opened about 25 years ago, Allen Newton said. Newton is the executive director of the Sevier County Economic Development Council.
Newton said building the stadium required utilities like sewer and water to be put in across the interstate in Kodak.
“So our goal was to get water and sewer across the interstate," Newton said. "And that was a very good way to do that. Certainly, we had the opportunity to build a stadium there, and it opened up a lot of economic development along that north side of the interstate where there wasn’t anything.”
Dozens of businesses have opened nearby as a result, he said.
“We’ve recruited several industries across there. Bass Pro is there, KaTom is there. Neighborhoods have sprung up because of water and sewer, so it has been very very beneficial for Sevier County as far as development goes,” Newton said.
The team said the move is bittersweet, and they're thankful for everything the community has done for them.
“We’re sadly going to miss this place," said Smokies president Chris Allen. "We’ve had a lot of great relationships with the city. The county has been wonderful.”
Allen extended a heartfelt thanks to the Sevier County fanbase.
“Thank you for all the wonderful moments," he said. "All of the success that we’ve had is because of our fanbase. Without them there is no Tennessee Smokies, there is no baseball here for 25 years.”
Newton explained that the county doesn't think there will be any negative impact on the county's economy as the team moves to downtown Knoxville.