Table of Contents
What is the big gold ball in Knoxville?
The Sunsphere
Built for the 1982 World’s Fair (one of the last successful World’s Fairs), this iconic feature of the Knoxville skyline is the only structure of its kind. The Sunsphere stands 26 stories tall. Each pane of glass is made with 24-karat gold, giving the sphere its reflective gold color.
What is inside the Sunsphere in Knoxville Tennessee?
Rising 26 stories above the skyline, the Sunsphere is an iconic remnant of Knoxville’s 1982 World’s Fair. Inside its 75-foot gold-dusted ball, the Observation Deck sat dormant for much of its post-fair life, finally refurbished and reopened in 2014.
How much is the Sunsphere?
A: Yes, the Sunsphere reopened to the public in 2014. Admission is free to travel up to the Observation Deck on the 4th level. Visitors enjoy panoramic views of downtown Knoxville, World’s Fair Park, the Smoky Mountains, the Tennessee River and the University of Tennessee.
Can you go into the Sunsphere?
the Sunsphere Observation Deck, 4th Level is open to the public. It offers a 360-degree view of the original 1982 World’s Fair site (now World’s Fair Park), downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, the University of Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountains.
Why is the Sunsphere closed?
HISTORY OF THE SUNSPHERE The Sunsphere closed to the public with the Fair’s end and remained vacant or underutilized for most of its post-fair life. However, in 2005, Mayor Bill Haslam announced that the Sunsphere and Tennessee Amphitheater would be renovated for public use.
When was World’s Fair in Knoxville Tennessee?
May 1, 1982 – Oct 31, 19821982 World’s Fair / Dates
How tall is the Sunsphere?
266′Sunsphere / Height
The Sunsphere stands 266 feet tall in the middle of World’s Fair Park and boasts stunning 360 degree views of Knoxville, the University of Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Why was the Sunsphere built?
The Sunsphere was constructed for the 1982 World’s Fair and during that time, it served as the symbol to the Fair. It was also home to a full service restaurant and the Observation Deck, which used to cost $2.00 for the elevator ride up to visit.
Is the World’s Fair still a thing?
There hasn’t been a World’s Fair in North America since 1986 in Vancouver. Unlike the Olympics, which occasionally have made money for their host cities, there’s no profit from hosting a Fair.
What is the tallest building in Knoxville TN?
First Tennessee Plaza
Tallest buildings
| Rank | Name | Height in feet |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | First Tennessee Plaza | 327 |
| 2 | Riverview Tower | 312 |
| 3 | Tower at Morgan Hill (Kingston Apartments) | |
| 4 | Sunsphere | 265 |