KODAK, Tenn. – Sevier County has entered into an agreement with The Outlet Resource Group (TORG) to explore potential redevelopment plans for the long-vacant Smokies Stadium, the former home of the Tennessee Smokies baseball team. The stadium, located in Kodak, has been sitting unused since the team moved to Knoxville, leaving the property ripe for new development.
As part of the agreement, TORG has been given 120 days, beginning April 22, to present a detailed plan for the stadium’s future. During this time, the county will prioritize TORG’s proposal, effectively excluding other prospective developers unless the deal with TORG falls through.
According to Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters, TORG stood out from the other developers due to their commitment to preserving Smokies Stadium. “Out of the three submissions, TORG was the only developer to include a plan that keeps and reuses Smokies Stadium,” Waters explained. “The review board saw this as a positive approach because it could help preserve a staple of the community and allow public enjoyment of the stadium for years to come.”
While TORG’s initial bid, submitted to the county in November, did not provide specific details on the stadium’s future, it did highlight a vision that combines various commercial and residential components. The proposal suggests the addition of workforce housing, a hotel, retail outlets, and food and beverage offerings, all integrated into the existing structure of Smokies Stadium.
TORG emphasized its strong ties to East Tennessee in the bid, suggesting that their local roots could facilitate a redevelopment project that benefits both the community and the region at large. The potential reuse of the stadium itself remains a key component of their vision, which could provide a unique space for public events and activities, blending the area’s history with future economic growth.
Sevier County officials remain optimistic about the project’s potential, though they are awaiting TORG’s more detailed proposal before fully committing to the plan. If successful, the redevelopment could breathe new life into the long-empty stadium, creating new jobs, housing opportunities, and public spaces for the Kodak area.
As the clock ticks down on TORG’s 120-day timeline, the community and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how the proposal takes shape and whether the vision for Smokies Stadium can move forward.
