Tennessee Smokies Reach Ownership Milestone
June 30th marked the 5-year anniversary of Randy Boyd's acquisition of the Tennessee Smokies. Major League baseball and the Smokies, AA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, have both been a long-standing passion for Randy. In his travels, he has enjoyed games at 45 major league stadiums. The opportunity to own
June 30th marked the 5-year anniversary of Randy Boyd's acquisition of the Tennessee Smokies. Major League baseball and the Smokies, AA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, have both been a long-standing passion for Randy. In his travels, he has enjoyed games at 45 major league stadiums. The opportunity to own the local team was a thrilling development for the Boyd family. It was also a chance to put into practice his belief that a baseball stadium is about community and bringing communities together.
The past 5 years have seen successes on the field by Smokies players as well as significant enhancements at Smokies Stadium to improve the facility for both fans and the Cubs players and staff.
The 2016 World Series Championship by the Cubs concluded an exciting season in which former Smokies played a prominent role. During the Play-Offs and World Series, the Cubs starting line-up was frequently dominated by former Smokies including
Continual effort to improve the stadium and the "fan experience" is a commitment Randy Boyd made when he bought the Smokies 5 years ago. Construction crews have been a fixture at Smokies Stadium with new projects taking place every year. Examples of the improvements are -
- Group outing areas have been constructed in both left field and right field. These 2-level decks add seating for up 1,000 to the stadium and accommodate fans for pre-game Calhoun's BBQ picnics and outstanding views during the game. The left field deck, known as Calhoun's At The Yard, also includes a covered pavilion and bar area. The Pioneer Porch in right field, sponsored by Pioneer Heating & Air, is partially covered by 3 giant "umbrellas".
- The stadium restaurant has been redesigned and renovated to connect it to the stadium concourse. The improved restaurant is branded as the Smoky Mountain Brewery Bullpen and is operated by the Copper Cellar Family of Restaurants, the Smokies official caterer. The restaurant is open on game nights for fans and is available for group events year-round.
- The Smokies Stadium suite level (now known as the Sensible Concrete Luxury Level) has undergone a complete remodel with a face lift and new furniture for 15 sky boxes, remodeled press box and creation of a premier "club" area for groups and members. The "club", known as the Garza Law Terrace at Smokies Stadium, provides indoor and outdoor space for up to 100 fans.
- The concourse concession stands have been redesigned and updated to improve the speed of service and allow for expanded options of ball park fare. The concession stands have been supplemented by numerous, new portable sales locations further adding to menu options and reduced wait times.
Most recently, the Smokies are completing an expansion and renovation of the team's clubhouse. The project will benefit the Chicago Cubs' AA players and speed their progress to the "next level". The development of the new training facility, known as the Performance Center, includes a 6,800 sq. foot building addition containing 3 batting cages. The moveable cages and removeable turf will allow the addition to be available for special events in the off-season.
The Smokies are already planning and prioritizing future projects. The next 5 years will be marked by the same continual improvement because of Randy Boyd's commitment and vison.
Click here to view a photo gallery of the renovations made over the past 5 years.