PYA’s Teknovation kicks off 2026 “Pitch” series with One Knox SC and Knoxville Smokies on March 14!
The series spotlighting local-area businesses plays on the jumbotron ahead of Knoxville Smokies baseball and One Knox soccer games in the Old City.
The Knoxville business scene is bustling with energy, and so is the Covenant Health Park in the Old City.
For the second year, the spotlight won’t just be on the city’s notable baseball and soccer teams. 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. Together, we present the “Pitch Before the Pitch” / “Pitch on the Pitch” series. This series will debut for the 2026 season at the first One Knox soccer game on March 14.
Before each home game, fans will get a front-row seat to video spotlights on Knoxville’s entrepreneurs, innovators, and small business owners. These are shown right on the Tennessee-shaped Jumbotron.
It’s storytelling with a local focus, playing before the first pitch or kickoff.
Some of last year’s features included tech-enabled startups such as Don DeRosa of Eonix, Patrick Hunt of Smartria, and Brandon Bruce of 121 Tech Hub and Uncat. Fans also met 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 with PYA’s Teknovation team.
The videos will play before every Knoxville Smokies and One Knox home game.
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 PYA Pitch Before the Pitch landing page, or in our daily reporting on Teknovation.
Want to be featured in an upcoming “Pitch Before the Pitch” segment?
Shoot our Managing Editor an email.
Like what you've read?
Forward to a friend!