Sunsphere Welcome Center paves way for new era of tourism in Knoxville
The new solar array is a nod to the theme of the 1982 World’s Fair: “Energy Turns the World.”
Knoxville looks a bit brighter this week, thanks to the addition of a new welcome center at the iconic Sunsphere.
On Wednesday, the City of Knoxville was accompanied by Visit Knoxville, East Tennessee Community Design Center, McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects, CertaPro Painters, Chroma Energy Group, and The Christman Company for a community ribbon cutting on the new center. Hundreds of people showed up to celebrate.
“We’re thrilled this day is finally here to be able to offer this enhanced experience for our community and beyond,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. “The Welcome Center expansion shows our passion and dedication to this iconic structure, and we can’t wait to welcome our visitors to the Sunsphere!”
The Welcome Center will enhance the visitor experience by providing staffed ticketing, expanded retail, as well as brochures and information in an enclosed space overlooking World’s Fair Park.
“I am so excited to share these renovations with all of Knoxville and the thousands of visitors who come here every year,” said City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon. “Thank you Visit Knoxville for having the vision to bring this new visitor’s center to life, and for ensuring this landmark will be here for generations to come!”
The Welcome Center’s new entrance canopy is topped with a solar array facing the Knoxville Convention Center on the east side of the Sunsphere. This establishes a formal entry to the attraction, while the solar array is a nod to the theme of the 1982 World’s Fair: “Energy Turns the World.” Chroma Energy Group, led by Ed Rottmann made the 7.7-kilowatt AC solar system that will power the new Welcome Center possible (see teknovation.biz story here).
Chroma Energy’s installation will generate approximately 10,124 kilowatt-hours annually, providing clean energy to the Welcome Center. This prominent location serves as an educational tool, demonstrating how renewable energy can integrate seamlessly into the Knoxville community.
“As Knoxville continues to position itself as a clean energy hub for businesses and residents, Chroma is honored to take part in this pivotal project for downtown Knoxville,” Rottmann said. “Incorporating solar into the World’s Fair Park and the Welcome Center will educate visitors on the benefits of carbon-free electricity and how it will enable our community for generations to come.”
The interior of the Welcome Center features a panorama of windows facing west, overlooking World’s Fair Park. The interior also includes a unique skylight feature, where visitors will be able to look up directly to view the outline of the sphere.
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