“Take me out to the ball game …” This famous song debuted as America’s theme song for its national pastime in 1909, 13 years after the Tennessee Smokies began its baseball career in 1896. Now, more than a century later, the Tennessee Smokies Baseball Double A team continues the tradition of singing this song every seventh-inning stretch, and you can join them by catching a game during your next visit to the Smokies.
About the Tennessee Smokies
The Tennessee Smokies is a Minor League Baseball team based in Knoxville, Tenn., and a Double A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The team’s ballpark (Smokies Park) is located in the suburb of Kodak, Tennessee, and seats up to 8,000 fans.
Before they were the Tennessee Smokies, they were called the Knoxville Indians and then the Knoxville Pioneers. They received the name “Smokies”—a tribute to the gorgeous Great Smoky Mountains, which serve as a distant backdrop at these East Tennessee games—in 1925. And they have been playing in the Double A league since 1963.
Game Schedule/Ticket Options
If a night in the stands with a hot dog in your hand sounds like fun to you, then be sure to catch a Tennessee Smokies baseball game during your trip to the Smoky Mountains. Their schedule lasts from the first week of April to the first week of September.
Although the 2015 season has already come to a close, you can already view their 2016 schedule here and make your plans for a night of baseball fun with your friends and family next year. What better way to spend a Saturday night next summer than cheering on a team with a 120-year-old tradition? That’s right—2016 marks their 120th year!
If you are interested in bringing your family or group to a Tennessee Smokies game, be sure to check out their group sales and promotions for 2016. You can find these on the Tennessee Smokies ticket options page. They have season passes, 12-pack ticket options, and youth sports packages, including Field of Dreams and Stars of Tomorrow. These unique programs allow kids the opportunity to play catch on the field or stand next to one of the players during the singing of the national anthem.
Just for the Kids
Besides the Field of Dreams and Stars of Tomorrow packages for youth, the Tennessee Smokies has other special programs, including its Smokies Kid’s Club. Membership to the Kid’s Club is only $25, and kids will receive field-level admission to five Sunday games, a Kid’s Club t-shirt, a personalized membership card with lanyard, a monthly newsletter, prizes when they attend a select amount of games, and discounted ticket packages for parents, which start at $59 for six undated ticket vouchers.
The Tennessee Smokies also have a Summer Reading Program that just might inspire your kids to keep their nose in a book in 2016. Depending on how many books they read, they will receive prizes like tickets to Tennessee Smokies’ games, a ticket to the Knoxville Zoo, and a free Shoney’s Healthy Kids Meal.
Special Group Events
If you’re looking for a unique way to entertain your group in the Smokies, try a Calhoun’s At The Yard event at Smokies Park. Located just beyond the outfield fence on the left side at the stadium, you’ll find a large, all-you-can-eat buffet provided by one of the area’s favorite restaurants, Calhoun’s.
Dinner is served 30 minutes before the first pitch and includes mouthwatering dishes like hickory-smoked pork barbecue, grilled barbecue chicken breast, baked beans, cole slaw, a hot dog bar, and chocolate chip cookies. This is a perfect way to entertain your group with a night on the town and a delicious Southern meal. Each person will also get to take home an authentic Smokies baseball cap!
Another group event that will take your Smoky Mountain visit to the height of luxury is booking The Copper Cellar Clubhouse for a game day event you’ll always remember. In the clubhouse, you and at least 49 other guests will not only have the best seats in the stadium, but also access to a full bar, a high-definition flatscreen, plenty of tables and chairs, and a private, air-conditioned setting—perfect for those warm summer nights. You can also add a customized food or drink buffet.
