The Sunsphere's New Skybox Offers a Unique Venue for Lunch and Drinks
You probably know that Knoxville's Sunsphere was constructed for the 1982 World's Fair, but have you ever visited? While the observation floor was opened to the public in the fall of 2007, the Sunsphere didn't have more to offer than its fantastic view - no bars, restaurants, or cafes to draw new crowds. That changed on August 28 with the opening of Southern Graces' Skybox at the Sunsphere.
Photo by Josh Flory.
With the Skybox, Southern Graces' "owner... Bob Sukenik has taken the hip look of bars in the big city and combined it with a fantastic view of the Knoxville skyline, and what you get is an experience unlike any other in East Tennessee." Meant to draw guests for after work wind-down drinks and gourmet hors d'oeuvres, the Skybox honors Knoxville's unique landmark while offering a fun alternative to the after work crowd's downtown favorites, such as Sapphire, Regas, and Club LeConte.
The Skybox, located on the Sunsphere's fifth floor (Southern Graces operates an event floor on the sixth level), has the capacity to seat around fifty people. Renovations began nearly a year ago to create a modern space that spotlights the amazing 360-degree view of Knoxville's skyline: "The bar itself is one-of-a-kind, hand-poured by artisan Alex Baumann.... Stained wine racks run down between the windows and wood cabinets surround the area above the bar, inconspicuously housing televisions for watching the big game. Everything from the color on the walls to the light fixtures above the bar has warmth unique to such a modern design."
In addition to serving drinks, the Skybox offers gourmet lunch boxes - great for enjoying a leisurely lunch by the water, 266 feet below, at the World's Fair Park! The opening of the Skybox is great news - a great addition to Knoxville's lively downtown. Want to know more about Knoxville's downtown? Contact us.
