Yesterday, Visit Knoxville and the City of Knoxville unveiled the new Sunsphere Welcome Center, which continues the evolution of the Knoxville icon. Guests (of which there are many) will now be able to walk up and purchase a ticket for a ride to the top where a curated experience introduces them to the history of the World’s Fair which produced the structure. The center allows guests to wait for their tour out of the elements and offers them the opportunity to buy related merchandize while there.
It’s amazing to consider that the Sunsphere was constructed by the Christman Company (then Rentenbach) in just five months as they rushed to meet the opening date of the 1982 World’s Fair. The structure is a “196 hexagonal steel frame tower topped with a 74-foot diameter sphere with 360 panes of one-inch thick reflective glass initially coated with 24 karat gold dust.” The interior measures 14,000 square feet. Christman managed the current construction of the new Welcome Center.
The Sunsphere Observation Deck is open after closing for a couple of weeks for continuation of the improvements there and, as of yesterday’s ribbon cutting, the Welcome Center is open and functioning. The event was celebrated with the presence the Clydesdale’s who have become closely associated with the 1982 World’s Fair where they graced the opening. Sprinkles yesterday morning threatened their appearance, but the sun came out in time for them to join the festivities.
The opening of the Welcome Center represents a continuation of the modernization efforts related to the Sunsphere. In 2022 the observation deck reopened after a major re-vamp that included installation of an exhibition detailing the World’s Fair. A ticketing program began as a way to raise money for its maintenance and improvement and a way to collect information about who visits the structure. A year ago it was re-painted its original blue. Going forward, the center will be staffed during business hours.
Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville, spoke of the latest effort, saying:
We’re thrilled this day is finally here to be able to offer this enhanced experience for our community and beyond. The Welcome Center expansion shows our passion and dedication to this iconic structure, and we can’t wait to welcome our visitors to the Sunsphere!
Mayor Kincannon spoke and lauded the fact that the maintenance and upgrades ensures future generations will be able to enjoy the Sunsphere. Also on hand was a representative of the Department of Tourism who pointed out there are few cities with a single structure which serves as a known symbol of that city. Also on hand, Bo Roberts, President of the 1982 World’s Fair told of how a simple idea evolved into an event that drew over 11 million people.
Reflecting the original theme of the 1982 World’s Fair, Energy Turns the World, the entrance canopy to the new center is topped with an array of solar panels installed thy the Chroma Energy Group. The center has views of the park and a unique skylight that peers directly into the ball at the top.
If you’ve tuned in to the previous ticketing process, you know that it involved a QR code at the base and then a return at the appointed time to be guided up to the observation deck. Now tickets are available and the self-guided tours can commence without delay, accounting for capacity limits. Ticket prices are $10 per person, and $5 per child (12 and under), $1 off for veterans with ID. Group rates (minimum 40 attendees) are available for private tours and field trips, which can be arranged by calling 865.314.0660.
The increase in ticket price continues to support the Sunsphere Fund which pays for the renovations, maintenance, and staffing of the structure. The pricing plan includes “Free Days” for Knox County residents which will “occur regularly throughout the year” and will be announced at sunspheretickets.com.
The Sunsphere is owned by the City of Knoxville and promoted like other attractions by Visit Knoxville. The East Tennessee Community Design Center (ETCDC) participated in development of the vision for the Welcome Center, with McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects (MHM) serving as architect in partnership with Haines Structural Group and Engineering Services Group, Inc.
Follow the Sunsphere on Facebook and Instagram. Purchase tickets at sunspheretickets.com.