Knoxville, Tennessee - The Sunsphere

The Sunsphere reopened to the public on July 5th. Earlier today, my wife packed some salads in the cooler and we took our son downtown for a picnic in World's Fair Park and a ride up to the observation deck of the Sunsphere. I was happy to see it all cleaned up and looking nice. They had the air-conditioning cranked up, which was great on a hot day. Afterward we got a dark chocolate-covered pretzel rod for dessert at The South's Finest Chocolate Factory. [Frank Murphy, www.frankmurphy.com, 07/12/2007]

Mayor Bill Haslam announced that the city would open the fourth floor observation deck of the Sunsphere to the public beginning Thursday, July 5, 2007. There is no admission charge and the observation deck can be accessed from elevators at the base of the Sunsphere and at the convention center level. It's open daily from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. [Tammy, 07/12/2007]

The Sunsphere looks like it will be reopened to the public! The city council recently voted to renovate the big gold ball and the amphitheater, another hold over from the 1982 World's Fair. It could be finished as soon as the Fall of 2007 (although that's not likely). [Dan, 02/03/2007]

The Sunsphere was constructed for the 1982 World's Fair. Fans of "The Simpsons" will probably recall an episode where Bart and his friends go to Knoxville, and the Sunsphere falls over onto their car. Some Knoxvillians wish that had really happened, but I love the Sunsphere. It's a continually changing work of art because of the way it catches light.

Access to the top of the Sunsphere is prohibited. There is no climate control system up there (yet another '82 World's Fair disaster!). However, it's worth a turn off the interstate, because our brand-new convention center is right next door. Waterfalls, comfy chairs, and contemporary art, all in the shadow of the sphere! [Joyce Harrison, 01/21/2003]