Knoxville sports teams give residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy live games throughout the year. From Tennessee Volunteers football at Neyland Stadium to professional hockey and minor league baseball, sports are a big part of life in East Tennessee.
Whether you’re a longtime fan, new to Knoxville, or visiting for the weekend, here are three teams and athletic programs worth following.
Knoxville Ice Bears Hockey
The Knoxville Ice Bears have been part of Knoxville’s sports community since 2002. The professional hockey team competes in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) and plays its home games at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum.
Ice Bears games offer fast-paced action, with fans seated close to the rink. The team also hosts promotional nights and special events throughout the hockey season.
League: Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL)
Home Venue: Knoxville Civic Coliseum
Address: 500 Howard Baker Jr. Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915
Knoxville Smokies Baseball
The Knoxville Smokies, formerly known as the Tennessee Smokies, returned to downtown Knoxville in 2025 with the opening of Covenant Health Park.
As the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, the Smokies bring professional minor league baseball to the city. Their new stadium is located near the Old City, within walking distance of downtown restaurants and entertainment.
The baseball season runs from spring through late summer, with home games, promotional events, and themed nights throughout the schedule.
League: Minor League Baseball, Double-A Southern League
Home Venue: Covenant Health Park
Location: Downtown Knoxville, near the Old City
University of Tennessee Volunteers
The University of Tennessee Volunteers are among the most recognized Knoxville sports teams. Competing in NCAA Division I and the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Tennessee athletics attract fans from across East Tennessee and beyond.
Tennessee Football
Tennessee football is one of Knoxville’s biggest sporting traditions. The Volunteers play at Neyland Stadium, one of the largest college football stadiums in the country.
Located along the Tennessee River, Neyland Stadium draws more than 100,000 fans for major home games. Football weekends also bring tailgating, downtown activity, and plenty of orange throughout the city.
Home Venue: Neyland Stadium
Tennessee Basketball
Tennessee’s men’s and women’s basketball programs play at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center.
The men’s basketball team competes in the SEC, while the Lady Vols have one of the most recognized histories in women’s college basketball.
Home Venue: Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
Tennessee Baseball
The Volunteers baseball team plays at Lindsey Nelson Stadium on the University of Tennessee campus. The program has developed a strong following, particularly following its 2024 College World Series national championship.
Home Venue: Lindsey Nelson Stadium
Other Tennessee Athletics
The University of Tennessee also offers opportunities to watch a variety of other collegiate sports, including:
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Softball
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Soccer
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Volleyball
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Track and field
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Swimming and diving
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Tennis
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Golf
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Rowing
Game schedules and venue information are available through the university’s official athletics website.
Watching Knoxville Sports Teams Throughout the Year
One advantage of Knoxville’s sports scene is the variety of events available across different seasons. Baseball fills the warmer months, Tennessee football takes center stage in the fall, and basketball and hockey provide entertainment during the cooler months.
For those considering a move to Knoxville, these teams are another part of the city’s community life. Whether attending a game at Neyland Stadium, watching the Smokies downtown, or spending an evening at an Ice Bears game, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy local sports.
Check each team’s official website for upcoming games, ticket information, and season schedules.