The Knoxville Civic Center's primary and largest venue, the Knoxville Civic Coliseum, holds approximately 6,500 people for its most common events, such as hockey games and basketball. This makes it a central hub for major events and entertainment in East Tennessee.
Understanding the Knoxville Civic Center's Venues
The Knoxville Civic Center is a versatile complex comprising multiple venues, each designed for different types of gatherings and performances. While the Coliseum is the largest, the center also features an Auditorium and various other spaces that contribute to its overall functionality.
Knoxville Civic Coliseum Capacity
The Coliseum is the main arena within the Knoxville Civic Center, known for hosting a wide array of large-scale events. Its seating capacity is adaptable depending on the event type:
- Sports Events (Hockey, Basketball): Typically accommodates around 6,500 spectators, providing excellent sightlines for thrilling competitions.
- Concerts and Live Performances: For these events, the capacity can sometimes be expanded, reaching over 7,000 depending on the stage configuration and seating layout.
- Trade Shows and Exhibitions: When set up for these events, the floor space allows for a high volume of attendees to circulate, though seating capacity is less relevant here.
The flexibility of the Coliseum's seating arrangements allows it to cater to diverse event needs, from sporting championships to major musical tours.
Knoxville Civic Auditorium Capacity
Complementing the Coliseum, the Knoxville Civic Auditorium offers a different experience, primarily designed for theatrical productions, concerts, and speaking engagements. The Auditorium typically holds around 2,500 people. Its intimate setting and excellent acoustics make it ideal for:
- Broadway shows and touring musicals
- Symphony concerts and classical performances
- Comedian acts and lecture series
- Local community events and graduations
Other Facilities
Beyond its main venues, the Knoxville Civic Center complex also includes additional spaces such as the Exhibition Hall and various meeting rooms. These areas are crucial for conventions, trade shows, banquets, and smaller corporate or community gatherings, offering flexible layouts to suit specific event requirements.
Versatility and Event Hosting
The Knoxville Civic Center, with its combined facilities, is a cornerstone of entertainment and community gathering in Knoxville. It has historically served as a vital venue for numerous significant events:
- Sporting Events: Home to professional and collegiate sports teams, including hockey and basketball.
- Concerts: Attracting a wide range of musical artists across various genres, from rock and pop to country and classical.
- Family Shows: Hosting popular touring productions like circuses, ice shows, and children's entertainment.
- Conventions and Expos: Providing ample space for large-scale industry conventions, consumer expos, and public trade shows.
- Community and Cultural Events: Serving as a venue for local festivals, high school graduations, and other community celebrations.
Overview of Knoxville Civic Center Venues
To help visualize the capacities, here's a quick overview of the main public venues within the Knoxville Civic Center:
| Venue | Primary Use | Seating Capacity (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Knoxville Civic Coliseum | Sports, Major Concerts | 6,500 - 7,000+ |
| Knoxville Civic Auditorium | Theater, Concerts, Lectures | 2,500 |
| Exhibition Hall | Trade Shows, Banquets | Flexible (Standing/Table Seating) |
Planning Your Visit or Event
When planning to attend an event or host one at the Knoxville Civic Center, it's always advisable to check the specific event details as seating configurations can vary. For the most up-to-date information on event schedules, ticketing, and venue specifics, you can visit the official Knoxville Civic Auditorium & Coliseum website at knoxvillecoliseum.com.
The Knoxville Civic Center continues to be a pivotal venue, offering diverse entertainment and event hosting capabilities to the community and beyond.
