Rocky Top Sports World is an expansive 80-acre sports complex located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It hosts more than 30 tournaments annually, making it a key destination for athletes and fans across multiple sports. The facility features The Rock, an 86,000-square-foot indoor arena with six basketball courts, twelve volleyball courts, and multi-sport flooring. Outdoors, there are six synthetic turf fields, one natural turf field, and a 1,500-seat championship stadium.
Since its opening, Rocky Top Sports World has become an integral part of the local sports culture in the Smoky Mountains region. The campus was designed to attract regional and national tournaments, bringing visitors to Gatlinburg beyond the traditional tourist season. Events like the Thanksgiving Bowl and the Black Bear Brawl wrestling tournament have become annual highlights, contributing to the area's growing reputation in amateur sports. Its location near Kuwohi and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a balance of competitive play and scenic beauty.
Visitors to Rocky Top Sports World can expect a lively yet organized atmosphere with plenty of amenities for both players and spectators. The indoor arena allows year-round play regardless of weather, while the outdoor fields provide a natural setting for soccer, lacrosse, and football. Many tournaments draw families and teams from across the Southeast, creating a community feel. Nearby Gatlinburg offers dining, lodging, and entertainment options to complement the sporting events, making it easy to combine competition with leisure.
You can watch and participate in basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, football, wrestling, and indoor soccer at Rocky Top Sports World.
Yes, Rocky Top Sports World offers ample parking spaces for visitors, players, and spectators.
Yes, the facility typically provides concession stands during events, and Gatlinburg offers many nearby dining options.
Yes, Rocky Top Sports World offers facility rentals for private events, team practices, and local leagues. Contact their management for availability and rates.
Gatlinburg and nearby Pigeon Forge have numerous lodging options including hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals. Vantage Stays offers luxury cabins within a short drive.
Branded LocaleTrips sticker set arriving soon. Use the trail cam Bigfoot sticker, the heritage benchmark, and the editorial portrait on your water bottle, laptop, or Instagram story.
Field Notes
Last reported Bigfoot sighting near Rocky Top Sports World: On March 14, 2025, several tournament spectators reported spotting a large, shadowy figure near the edge of the synthetic turf fields at dusk. Described as tall and covered in dark hair, the figure disappeared into the nearby wooded area close to Kuwohi. While no concrete evidence was found, the story added a bit of local folklore to the Rocky Top Sports World experience.