Construction is set to roll out on the new Sunsphere Welcome Center, heralding a modern twist on this Knoxville landmark. Visit Knoxville announced the kickoff slated for the end of March, marking the second phase of the Sunsphere's facelift, WBIR reports. This follows last year's color reversal, where crews took the base back to the original blue, throwing it back to its 1982 World's Fair glory days.
The upgrade aims to seamlessly add convenience and comfort for the throngs that flock to this iconic sphere. "We are so excited to offer an elevated experience to visitors and locals alike with the new Sunsphere Welcome Center," Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville, told WVLT. The current ticketing process will get a makeover, to definitely make room for a more personal touch – walk-up tickets will replace the QR code system, and guests can chill in an air-conditioned area while waiting their turn to ascend.
Not just a room with a view, the Welcome Center will boast an array of windows offering sweeping views of World's Fair Park. A unique skylight feature is also on the docket, according to WBIR. Despite these enhancements, the Sunsphere will remain open to the public, ensuring that the attraction does not skip a beat in greeting visitors.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon hailed the project, confident in its ability to shine a spotlight on the city's cherished structure. "These renovations continue to highlight the status of Knoxville’s iconic structure, welcoming all to this standout attraction," she said. This comes on the heels of a financial boon for the Sunsphere, which started charging a $5 admission fee in February 2022 after a pandemic-induced hiatus, according to Knox News. The funds appear to have gone to good use, fueling the ongoing restoration and expansion of Knoxville's solar-inspired monolith.
