Homeschool Classic National Championship

The Homeschool Classic National Championship brings hundreds of homeschool basketball teams to Rocky Top Sports World each spring in Gatlinburg, typically the last week of March.

Boys’ and girls’ divisions span elementary through high school, with teams competing in brackets determined by grade level and skill. Games start Monday morning at 8:00 a.m., with pool play running through Wednesday, followed by bracket rounds on Thursday and Friday, and championship games on Saturday afternoon. Spectator admission runs about $10 per day or $50 for a week-long pass. Seating is general admission on bleachers, and Saturday finals fill quickly by mid-morning.

What Makes This Tournament Different

This isn’t a weekend sprint. The week-long format lets families turn tournament basketball into a full Smokies trip, with mornings or afternoons free to hike Cades Cove, raft the Pigeon River, or walk the flat, paved Gatlinburg Trail that follows the Little Pigeon River into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rocky Top Sports World sits about five minutes from downtown Gatlinburg’s main Parkway, close enough for quick food runs but far enough to avoid peak tourist traffic.

Who Should Go: Homeschool families with elementary through high school athletes. The week-long schedule works well for multi-generational groups or families traveling with multiple teams, allowing time to balance games with national park visits.

Logistics That Matter

Tickets & Entry

• Spectator passes sold at the door: $10 per day or $50 for the week
• Teams register months in advance through the event organizer; rosters are due by early March
• No advance ticket sales for spectators; pay cash or card on-site

Parking & Accessibility

• Free parking at Rocky Top Sports World
• Climate-controlled venue with on-site concessions
• Bleacher seating only; bring a stadium cushion for long game days

Timing Tips

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early for Saturday championship games to secure seating
• Morning pool play games (8:00–11:00 a.m.) tend to have lighter crowds
• Evening bracket games (6:00–9:00 p.m.) on Thursday and Friday draw the biggest crowds

Weather Check

Spring in Gatlinburg brings daytime highs in the 60s and 70s with cooler mornings in the 50s. Afternoon showers are common, especially mid-week. The venue stays climate-controlled, but pack layers and an umbrella for outdoor activities between games. Check the best time to visit Gatlinburg for seasonal planning around tournament week.