Tennessee Smokies Announce Second Annual 'Smoky Mountain Rivalry' and Emerald Youth Middle School Jamboree

SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies have announced the team will host the second annual ‘Smoky Mountain Rivalry’ baseball game between Austin-East Magnet High School and Fulton High School at Smokies Stadium on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 7:15pm. The game will be preceded with the Emerald Youth Middle School Jamboree beginning at 2:00pm featuring middle school baseball teams from around Knoxville.

“We are thrilled to again be part of this second annual Smoky Mountain Rivalry game,” said Emerald Youth Foundation’s Director of Sports Ministry and FCA Urban Outreach Sanford Miller. “The Fulton and Austin-East high school teams are incredibly dedicated to the sport of baseball, and we are honored to work with the Tennessee Smokies to make this a special experience for the players. Through baseball and other sports, we are able to connect with city middle and high school youth and help them grow into promising, young adults who are the next generation of leaders in our city.”

This is a free event, with gates opening at 1:00pm. Middle School games will begin at 2:00pm, 3:30pm, and 5:00pm. Austin-East Magnet High School vs Fulton High School has a first pitch time slated for 7:15pm. The contest will resemble a Tennessee Smokies game with team headshots, walk-up music, and in-between inning entertainment. Concession stands will be open selling all ballpark classics. The GoTeez Locker Room and Homer Hound’s Playland presented by Shoney’s will also be open for this event.

“The Emerald Youth Jamboree is an excellent example of how baseball brings our community together,” said Smokies Owner Randy Boyd. “We hope the Smoky Mountain Rivalry continues to grow for years to come.”

“Emerald Youth Foundation’s mission to bring baseball and other youth sports to more Knoxville communities is so important, and we are so honored to support and partner with them on this event,” said Tennessee Smokies Director of Outside Events Morgan Messick. “It means so much to us here at the stadium to know that we get to bring in kids of all ages to experience the excitement of playing on a professional baseball field. We are looking forward to having the community come out to cheer on these middle school teams and Austin-East and Fulton in what is sure to be an incredible rivalry game!”

ABOUT EMERALD YOUTH FOUNDATION

Since 1991, Emerald Youth Foundation has worked to support Knoxville’s youth and prepare generations of Godly community leaders. Emerald Youth has engaged more than 30,000 children and young adults in a variety of community programs over nearly three decades. Every year, Emerald Youth serves 3,000 children, teens and young adults in the heart of Knoxville through faith, learning and health programs. Learn more at emeraldyouth.org.

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the eight-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com.