First comes the world’s largest buce-ee, followed by an amusement circuit that transports visitors back to the early 20th century. The next chapter of 407 has begun: Gateway to Adventure, the newest attraction in the Smoky Mountains.
Development began April 11 at Smoky Gap, a recreation area off Interstate 40 exit 407 in Sevierville’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Smoky Gap will be American themed and lined with rides, restaurants, retail stores and even a large clock tower along Main Street. Then, as-yet-unknown attractions form the entertainment hub.
“The 407: Gateway to Adventure and the Smoky Gap District elevates the entire Smoky Mountain tourism market,” said Chris McCoy, president of marketing for Kituah, in a press release.
The $250 million diving experience is owned by Kituah LLC, part of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Knoxville-based OE Practices is the development partner, Johnson is the architectural designer, and Joseph Construction oversees construction.
“We understand that we as Cherokees have a unique story to tell,” Cherokee Indians Executive Director Richard Snead said at a press conference on April 11.
“Since the 1940s, the Eastern Cherokee band has understood the power of tourism and the power of telling our stories, they’ve understood the power of family and traveling together,” he said.
The 200-acre facility is located near the highway exit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the country.
Smoky Gap, the first chapter of 407: Gateway to Adventure, opens in 2025.
Things to do in Smoky Gap
The 20-acre Smoke Gap District is part of the first phase of the 407 project and will include entertainment, dining and retail spaces. The first phase of the world’s largest BU-E construction has begun and the inauguration was announced on June 5.
The 407 attractions in the next phase include:
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The Marriott Courtyard Hotel will open in 2025.
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The Smoke Gap entertainment, dining and shopping district will open in 2025.
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A diving experience developed by the European entertainment company Puy Du Fu
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Smoky Gap’s unannounced headline attraction is slated to open in 2025.
“This is really unlike anything we’ve seen in this market,” Matthew Cross, CEO of OE Experiences, told reporters. “Experiences and moments are emphasized.”
Focused on storytelling rather than walking, Pui Du Fu adds to the unique smoke gap diving experience.
“Live Street View” lights and projections, 30-minute ticket options, speakers and organized events create a unique experience. The immersive look changes throughout the year and 407 tenants create their own shows.
When does the entrance to the adventure open?
Destination 407: Adventure Entry The first move opens the Buc-ee Travel Center. The grand opening is scheduled for June 5, a spokesperson told Knox News.
The 74,000-square-foot Sevierville location will be Buc-ee’s largest until a smaller location opens in Texas. The travel center will be open 24 hours a day and will have 120 gas stations and a 250 meter long car wash.
What brings the second stage?
The second phase of the 407-dive project includes an “overnight destination with a world-class resort.” Since Kituah is the largest shareholder in Sports Illustrated Resorts, Kituah CEO Mark Hubble hinted at the possibility of a sports-themed resort at Area 407.
“To all sports fans…don’t be amazed by the scope, size and magnificence of these 200+ acres…when (former NFL player) Emmitt Smith joins us in this unique sports complex and community,” he said. He is saying.
The second phase of the massive 407 project “will begin as soon as possible,” Crooks told Knox News.
Down the freeway, a new 408 exit is planned to ease traffic congestion when the 407: Gateway to Adventure is completed.
Devarik Turner is a trends reporter. email [email protected] . Twitter @dturner1208 .
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This article originally appeared in the Knoxville News Sentinel: Smoke Gap to 407: Gateway to Adventure Near Pigeon Forge
