KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — As crews continued working on a new stadium in downtown Knoxville, project leaders showed off a new piece of technology included on its field — a retractable pitcher's mound.
With this technology, the pitcher's mound can move 14 inches down into the ground and become flush. By moving the mound down, the stadium can be used for a variety of events including soccer games, concerts and more.
"At any multi-use stadium, where you have multiple different things happening, you have different needs," said Mohamed Abbas, a senior project manager for the stadium. "We've put a lot of research in to make sure this thing goes well."
He said crews traveled to Kentucky to see the technology in action at a stadium there, learning how it is installed and how it works. He also said crews will test the retractable mound as it is installed, and it will continue to be tested once installation is complete.
He also said the stadium is expected to be complete in time for the Tennessee Smokies' first home game of the season on April 15, 2025. In the next few weeks, a scoreboard will be installed and so will some finishings of the building.