Record-breaking year in economic impact for Rocky Top Sports World
August 17, 2022, 8:10 p.m.

GATLINBURG, TN -- For the second consecutive year, Rocky Top Sports World has set a new economic impact record. During their 8th year in business, the 80-acre multisport facility welcomed more than 149,000 athletes, spectators, families, and friends to Gatlinburg. The award-winning complex contributed $55.6 million in economic impact during the 2021- 2022 fiscal year, surpassing the previous record of $46.9 million set in 2020-2021.

“The City is pleased with the strong economic impact and successful year that Rocky Top Sports World had, and those efforts are not achievable without the staff helping to make the facility one of the nation’s most attractive venues for travel sports,” Gatlinburg City Manager Cindy Cameron Ogle said.

The venue hosted more than 75 tournaments and camps this past year. One notable returning event was Kohl’s Kicking National Elite Camp and National Scholarship Camp. The partnership between Kohl’s Kicking and Rocky Top Sports World resulted in receiving a 2020-21 Champion of Economic Impact award from Sports Destination Magazine. Kohl’s Kicking returned to Rocky Top Sports World last month with record numbers of athletes in three camp divisions: professional, collegiate, and high school. Kohl’s Kicking Camps focus on skills training and will be coming back to Gatlinburg in July 2023.

“Rocky Top Sports World continues to help fuel our record-breaking tourism here in Sevier County,” said Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters. “From local tournaments to national events, Rocky Top Sports World attracts athletes and their families from nearly all 50 states and multiple countries. This is having a long-term effect on tourism by attracting new families to experience the Smoky Mountains.”