Blog: City Blog

Stadium Update: Concrete Poured for Plazas, First Trees Planted, Streetscapes Improvements Under Way

The opening of Covenant Health Park is just a few months away - and work is underway both inside and outside the stadium.

Concrete is being poured for the four plazas surrounding the stadium. Together, they create a new public space that's larger than Market Square downtown.

The first street trees were planted last Friday in front of the stadium, in deep root boxes alongside Jackson Avenue.

And work has started on the Central Street and Willow Avenue Streetscape Project.

Here's a video showing what's new at the stadium:

According to Denark Construction, the stadium project will be completed comfortably ahead of schedule.

"The team at Denark is proud to be able to turn over the keys to the stadium to the Knoxville Smokies several months ahead of schedule to give them the opportunity to install their furniture, branding signage, and other elements that wrap up the stadium work in time for the April 15 Opening Day," Denark Vice President Will Rothermel said.

Meanwhile, as part of the streetscape project, new ADA flat and wide sidewalks are being built on the east side of Central Street between Willow and Summit Hill Drive, as well as along the south side of Willow Avenue.

New street lights are being installed, and 12 trees, including lacebark elms, will be planted.

Unsightly utility lines are being relocated below ground.

Due to construction - and, long term, the need for more room to accommodate pedestrians walking to and from the stadium - there is no longer any on-street parking on Willow Avenue.

Here's a gallery, showing some of the February work happening in and around the stadium:

View from behind home plate, looking out toward the field

View from behind home plate, looking out toward the field

Crews plant one of the first trees along Jackson Avenue in front of the stadium

Concrete is being poured for the west plaza

View from the home dugout to the grandstand

Posted by evreeland On 11 February, 2025 at 12:31 PM