Rooting for the underdog, cheering for your favorite athlete, or winning first prize yourself…sound familiar? Sporting events run rampant in the Great Smoky Mountains, from fighting, fishing, and swishing to homeruns, dance numbers, and finish lines! Whatever your sport fever, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have something for you to enjoy, whether you’re playing or watching. No matter the time of year, sporting events are always being held and supported in the Smokies. When you next visit the area with family, friends, coworkers, or teammates, be sure to check out the sport scene and plan to attend or participate in exciting events — upcoming favs listed below!
June 20-23 | US Amateur Girls National Championship
Dribble, bounce, shoot — this intense basketball championship will have everyone cheering and the players sweating for the win! Be sure to make it to the opening ceremony to hear a special guest speaker.
June 29 | Good Fight Gatlinburg Invitational
If martial arts are an interest at heart, this jiu-jitsu competition will be exciting to say the least. Watch as the pros go head to head in heated combat. Spectator tickets are only $15 for adults, $10 for kids, and free to those 7 years of age and under.
July 9-13 | Rainbow National Dance Competition
Attend the Pigeon Forge, TN National Finals at the LeConte Center. This amazing dance event showcases talented youthful athletes performing routines sure to amaze! Parents, teachers, and choreographers are also recognized for their efforts in bringing this competition to life.
July 20 | Titanic Color Run 5K
Doused in rainbow powder, run for autism awareness at this colorful and fun event! There will be live entertainment before the race begins, and if you pre-register the day before at the Titanic Museum, you’ll receive a FREE ticket to the attraction.
July 28 – Aug 2 | Ripken: LeConte Week-long Experience
With access to loads of Ripken amenities plus no gate, parking, or hidden fees, submit your team to knock ‘em out of the park at this baseball event. Or simply enjoy the show at the picnic tables or on the bleachers — you can even bring blankets and lawn chairs for extra comfort.
Aug 3 | Midnight 8K Road Race
Starting promptly at midnight, be sure to stretch and prep before taking on this flat and fast 8K course! Pre-register for T-shirts and be sure to put your best foot (literally) forward to win cash prizes on this cool and exciting night run.
Aug 10 | Attack at the Rock!
Jump for joy (or the winning spike) at this playful volleyball pre-season practice event at Rocky Top Sports World, where high school and middle school teams give it their all before the real games begin! There will even be an athletic trainer on-site plus FREE Gatorade for players and coaches.
Aug 22-25 & Sep 12-15 | Smoky Mountain Cup
Soccer buffs get ready for exceptional talent brought straight to you at this 2-part tournament that will have you cheering with glee and roaring for the win! The high school team that ranks highest in the end from this and 2 other tournaments will be crowned the champion!
Aug 31 – Sep 1 | Paddle Battle in the Smokies
Ready your best paddles for battle in this exciting pickleball tournament, with players as young as 8 and as mature as 60+! Root for your bestie or enter the competition yourself for a chance to mark off a qualification for acceptance into the 2020 Arnold Sports Festival “Pickleball Championships.”
Oct 6-7 | Smoky Mountain Fall Trout Tournament
Bring your favorite fishing gear and reel in the biggest or smallest rainbow trout from the Little Pigeon River across this 2-day tournament for a cash prize. Plus, there will be trophies, gift certificates, new tackle, accommodations, amusement passes, and more to win!
Lodging
Refresh and unwind after thrilling days playing and cheering at sporting events in the Smokies at your cabin rental in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, TN. Featuring top-notch amenities, including private pools, game rooms, home theaters, and steamy hot tubs, Cabins for YOU has the perfect cabin for your sport-filled trip. Ranging from 1-16 bedrooms and budget-friendly to luxury, your options are endless. Breathe in fresh mountain air from the back deck, relax with a cup of joe in the rocking chairs, cast a line in the river, whip up feasts in the fully equipped kitchen, sip wine by the fireplace, and enjoy spa baths every evening in the indoor jetted tub. Call 1.800.684.7865 now or book online today…before someone else steals your top choice!
Root for your favorite athletes or showcase your own skills at sporting events year-round in the Smokies before returning to your relaxing cabin rental tucked away in the soul-soothing mountains.