Is there anything in the Sunsphere in Knoxville?

The Sunsphere closed to the public with the Fair’s end and remained vacant or underutilized for most of its post-fair life. The Sunsphere and the Tennessee Amphitheater are the only structures that remain from the 1982 World’s Fair.

How much did the Sunsphere cost?

History. During the fair it cost $2 to take the elevator to the tower’s observation deck. The tower served as a restaurant and featured food items such as the Sunburger and a rum and fruit juice cocktail called the Sunburst.

Where was the 1982 World’s Fair?

Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
1982 World’s Fair/Location

When was the World’s Fair at Knoxville TN?

1982
In 1982, the “scruffy little city” of Knoxville, Tennessee welcomed the world to its back yard via the way of the 1982 World’s Fair.

Does Knoxville have a downtown?

Downtown Knoxville CBID Find out who and how to apply. Downtown is the place to be for outdoor dining. Plan your next vacation, business trip, or staycation. Visit for a day, plan a weekend, or stay for a lifetime.

What is Knoxville known for?

Knoxville has been known as the Marble City. Rock quarried from this area has been used in buildings in Knoxville like the Knoxville Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the Grand Central station in New York City, and buildings in other locations.

Can you go in the Sunsphere?

Yes, to get inside it is free and the observation deck is also free. There is no admission charge to visit the Observation Deck and access is limited to the double elevators facing the lake at the base of the Sunsphere and at the Convention Center level.

Is there still a world’s fair every year?

World’s Fair every year? There isn’t, and there never was. Before the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) was established in 1928 — it still exists today — there were “world fairs” or “world expositions,” but they were unregulated and could pop up just about anywhere.

When and where was the last world’s fair held?

The last World’s Fair on US soil took place in New Orleans in 1984 and proved to be financially ruinous for the organizers. There was an attempt to bring the fair to Chicago in 1992 but the plan was cancelled before it ever came to fruition.

Is downtown Knoxville safe?

According to the website niche.com, Knoxville gets good grades in every category except crime. According to their stats, we have roughly twice as much crime in most categories as other cities.

Is Knoxville TN worth visiting?

Knoxville is your gateway to visiting notable landmarks like the Great Smoky Mountains and the University of Tennessee. Although Knoxville doesn’t have the same hustle and bustle as Tennessee’s capital city of Nashville, there are still plenty of opportunities to have fun or relax.

Why is Knoxville called Scruffy?

Knoxville is widely known for its many attractions. The beautiful Great Smoky Mountains, its great sports scene, and amazing food are among the most popular. Knoxville was referred to as a “scruffy little city,” in 1980 by the Wall Street Journal in reference to its bid to host the World’s Fair.

Where is the Sunsphere Event Center in Knoxville TN?

It’s a 266′ high hexagonal steel truss structure with a 75′ gold colored glass sphere that has a 360 degree view of Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains. Parking is conveniently located 1 block away in the Locust Street garage. Our Sunsphere Events team is here to help make your special day just that…EXTRAORDINARY!

Is the Sunsphere still at the Knoxville World’s Fair?

The Sunsphere and the Amphitheatre are the only two remaining structures from the historic 1982 World’s Fair. The 4th Floor Observation Deck features a gallery of Knoxville images, as well as information on Knoxville and the World’s Fair, and offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Knoxville.

When did the Knoxville Smokies get the Sunsphere?

The Sunsphere has been used as a symbol for Knoxville, appearing in postcards and logos. Between 1993 and 1999, the Sunsphere was featured in part on the logo for the Knoxville Smokies minor league baseball club.

Where to see the World’s Fair in Knoxville?

It offers a 360-degree view of the original 1982 World’s Fair site (now World’s Fair Park), downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, the University of Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountains.