PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Events Center) — If you’re heading to an event at the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge over the next two years, expect to see construction crews alongside one of the city’s busiest venues.
A $31.4 million expansion project is now underway that will add 58,000 square feet to the facility, including 33,000 square feet of new exhibit space, while enhancing the overall guest experience.
The good news: The LeConte Center will remain open and continue hosting all scheduled events throughout construction.
Returning guests, however, should be prepared for temporary changes to parking access, pedestrian routes and the main entrance as work progresses. Event organizers recommend allowing a little extra time to arrive and following on-site directional signage.
The expansion will feature:
- A larger, redesigned main entrance
- A wider pedestrian walkway from the parking lots
- A dedicated tram pickup area
- A covered passenger drop-off zone
- Additional restrooms
- A new grab-and-go concession market
LeConte Center Executive Director Phil Campbell said the expansion is being driven by demand.
“About 30% of our groups are looking for more space,” Campbell said. “Many are already using back-of-house areas to make their events work.”
Since opening in 2013, the city-owned convention center has welcomed more than 4 million guests and generates more than 200,000 hotel room nights each year, making it one of Pigeon Forge’s largest tourism drivers.
Campbell says the additional exhibit hall will allow the center to host larger events while separating simultaneous events to reduce noise and improve the guest experience.
Construction is expected to take 18 months to two years, with completion anticipated in 2028.
Smokies.LIVE will continue providing updates on any traffic pattern, entrance or parking changes that could affect guests attending events at the LeConte Center.
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