After drawing a record crowd for the Savannah Bananas, Covenant Health Park will host another fan-first entertainment experience when Boom Ball brings its own twists on baseball to Knoxville next spring.
Boom Ball is a traveling co-ed baseball spectacle, with players ranging from American Ninja Warrior contestants to former minor league baseball players. The tour stops in Knoxville May 1, 2027, with festivities starting around the downtown stadium at 5:30 p.m. and a game between the Luck Llamas and Chaos Crew set for 7 p.m.
"We have been working hard to bring more special events to Covenant Health Park and Boom Ball is a perfect fit," Jeremy Boler, executive vice president of Boyd Sports, said in a news release. "We’re confident their fun style
of play is sure to entertain fans of all ages, so get your Boom Ball tickets early!"
Boom Ball is similar to Banana Ball. What are the rules?
Boom Ball is a six-inning game, with each frame featuring a different format:
- Speedball (first and fourth innings): This format features a pitcher, a running clock and no balls or strikes.
- Fanball (second and fifth innings): Everything in foul territory is live, and players can take the action into the stands.
- Softball (third inning): Softball pitchers step up to the mound and take over for a frame.
- Dueling Derby (sixth inning): Both teams stand in the batter's box and take simultaneous swings.
Fans can expect trick plays, a light show, fireworks and "many more memorable moments on the field and in the stands," according to the Boom Ball website. Each game lasts two hours from the first pitch to the final out.
Why is Boom Ball coming to Knoxville?
The multiuse Covenant Health Park has continued to expand beyond Knoxville Smokies baseball and One Knox soccer since opening in 2025. In addition to hosting a record crowd for the Savannah Bananas in May, the venue has hosted a variety of festivals and special events, including Nitro Circus 2.0.
In October, Covenant Health Park will host its first football game when Baylor School and Knoxville Catholic meet to close the high school regular season.
Boom Ball fits that growing lineup of nontraditional events. Knoxville is one of just three stops announced for the 2027 tour, joining Jacksonville, Florida, and Jackson, Mississippi.
The 2026 tour included 15 dates, including a July stop at AutoZone Park in Memphis.
Tickets for Boom Ball at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville
Like Banana Ball, Boom Ball tickets are available only through a lottery at boomballtour.com. Fans selected in the drawing will be notified by email and text message with instructions on how to purchase tickets.
Trevor McGee covers the Knoxville Smokies and One Knox SC for Knox News. Email: trevor.mcgee@knoxnews.com; X: @TrevorMcGee12
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Boom Ball bringing its spin on the Savannah Bananas formula to Knoxville
