Introducing the ‘Pitch Before the Pitch’ jumbotron series, featuring Knoxville’s entrepreneurs
Thanks to a collaborative effort, PYA and Teknovation present the "Pitch Before the Pitch."
The Knoxville business scene is bustling with energy, and so is the Covenant Health Park in the Old City.
This summer, the spotlight won’t just be on the baseball and soccer stars. It’s also shining on the founders, makers, movers, and shakers building Knoxville’s future.
In a true team effort, PYA, Teknovation, 121 Tech Hub, the Knoxville Smokies, One Knoxville SC, and Boyd Sports have joined forces to launch the “Pitch Before the Pitch” / “Pitch on the Pitch” series, debuting Tuesday, June 24.
Before each home game, fans will get a front-row seat to video spotlights on Knoxville’s entrepreneurs, innovators, and small business owners, shown right on the Tennessee-shaped Jumbotron.
It’s storytelling with a local focus, playing before the first pitch or kickoff.
Some of the first features include tech-enabled startups like Don DeRosa of Eonix, Patrick Hunt of Smartria, and Brandon Bruce of 121 Tech Hub and Uncat.
Fans will also meet Old City staples like Sarah Lutts of Awaken Coffee, Matt Weidenhamer of Curious Dog, and Spencer and Melody Ratliff of Able Trade.
The idea came straight from Brandon Bruce, who approached the teams with a bold question: “What if we used the Tennessee Jumbotron to showcase local founders before every game?”
One enthusiastic “Yes!” later, and the project was rounding the bases.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Knoxville Smokies baseball team and the One Knoxville soccer team to celebrate entrepreneurs building companies in our community. Big thanks to Chris Allen, President of Knoxville Smokies, and Drew McKenna, Managing Partner of One Knox, and the fantastic staff at both organizations for making The Pitch Before the Pitch possible. The energy in Covenant Health Park is a perfect match for the dedication of startup founders and small business owners,” Bruce said.
Bruce connected with PYA and Teknovation, and production for the founder features began shortly after.
“We are proud to pour our resources into such a meaningful initiative that brings visibility to Knoxville business owners,” said PYA President and Chief Executive Officer Marty Brown. “The series aligns perfectly with PYA’s HELP culture, and we believe the exposure will provide immense value to the small businesses in our community.”
The videos will play before every Knoxville Smokies and One Knox home game.
“We can’t wait to cheer for Knoxville entrepreneurs on the jumbotron,” Bruce said.
Whether you’re heading out for baseball or soccer, keep your eyes on the screen—Knoxville’s next big pitch might not be coming from the mound or midfield.
If you miss the pitch, don’t fret. You can find the entrepreneurs on the “Pitch Before the Pitch” landing page.
Want to be featured in an upcoming “Pitch Before the Pitch” segment? Shoot our team an email.
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