News
September 3, 2025
BaseballParks.com Taps Populous-Designed Covenant Health Park as 2025 Ballpark of the Year
Covenant Health Park, home of the Knoxville Smokies, won BaseballParks.com’s coveted Ballpark of the Year recognition.
The annual tradition began in 2000 with San Francisco’s Oracle Park as the first honoree (previously known as Pac Bell Park). Each year, BaseballParks.com — led by founder and webmaster, Joe Mock, also a sports facilities beat writer for USA Today publications — recognizes the best new stadium in pro baseball.
“We were hoping we’d win this prestigious award because so many people put so much into the creation of this special park,” says Chris Allen, President of Boyd Sports, which owns the Knoxville Smokies. “We’re thrilled that it’s official that the friendliest ballpark is now also the best ballpark.”
"I want to emphasize that this is a merit-based award. A park wins because it deserves to, with exceptional design, amenities for fans and players, a first-rate gameday experience, all in a setting in which it fits perfectly. Covenant Health Park delivers on these characteristics beautifully."
Early in the 2026 season, Mock will present the plaque representing the recognition to Boyd Sports officials and the architecture firms responsible for the innovative design — Populous, BMA and DIA.
“We’re honored that Covenant Health Park has been named Ballpark of the Year,” says Jason Michael Ford, Populous project manager. “More importantly, we’re excited that this vision of our client, Boyd Sports, is being recognized. The decision to bring baseball back to Knoxville is not only forward-looking; it also pays respect to the history of baseball in the area and will connect Downtown, the Old City and East Knoxville.”
Visit BaseballParks.com to read the full press release, as well as Mock’s in-depth review of Covenant Health Park.
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