KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Historic Zoning Commission recommended approval for a zoning request in April, seeking to add historical landmark protection to The Sunsphere.
In order for this to happen, the Knox County Planning Commission would have to approve the protection through a rezoning.
This protection would restrict future mayors or property owners from making major renovations or repair plans if the site was sold. In order to make any changes, the building materials would have to adhere to the Secretary of Interior's standards for rehabilitation.
Around 117,000 people from all 50 U.S. states and from 57 countries have visited the Sunsphere since it reopened to the public in February 2022, according to Visit Knoxville.
The Sunsphere's hours are listed on its website, with the observation deck being closed daily for an hour starting at 1:30 p.m. except on Sundays. Tickets for the Sunsphere can also be purchased on Visit Knoxville's website, starting at $5 for adults and children over 12 years old.