Rock 'N Rally 2026

Rock ‘N Rally brings youth volleyball teams from across the Southeast to Rocky Top Sports World for a spring or early summer weekend of competition, with matches running Friday evening through Sunday afternoon.

Middle school and high school divisions compete in pool play starting Friday around 5 p.m., continuing through Saturday, before bracket rounds and finals wrap up Sunday by early afternoon.

Spectator admission runs about $10 per day or $25 for a weekend pass, charged at the door. Bleachers fill quickly by mid-morning Saturday, so arrive early to claim seats near your team’s court. Rocky Top Sports World offers free parking in its multi-level lot and on-site concessions, though many families drive 10 minutes down to Gatlinburg’s Parkway for sit-down meals between matches. Register your team several weeks ahead through the event organizer, as divisions close by the week before the tournament or when capacity is reached.

What to Expect

Rocky Top Sports World sits just off East Parkway near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it easy to pair tournament volleyball with mountain scenery. The facility stays climate-controlled year-round, so indoor courts remain comfortable even when spring or early summer temperatures outside reach the 70s and 80s. Occasional afternoon thunderstorms roll through the Smokies, but matches continue indoors without delay. Pack a light jacket or umbrella for walking to and from the parking lot if rain is forecast.

The Little Pigeon River flows through downtown Gatlinburg, just minutes from the sports complex. Several footbridges cross the water along the Parkway, offering quick photo stops between matches. The Gatlinburg Trail starts near the welcome center and follows the river into the national park on a flat, paved path that welcomes leashed dogs. The 1.9-mile roundtrip walk provides fresh air and a break from tournament intensity without taking you too far from the venue.

Between Matches

When you have longer gaps in the schedule, the Gatlinburg SkyLift and SkyBridge sit about 15 minutes from Rocky Top Sports World. The chairlift climbs 500 feet to the SkyBridge, a 680-foot suspension bridge spanning a valley with views of Mount LeConte and the surrounding peaks. Round-trip takes about 20 minutes if you’re moving quickly, or closer to an hour if you stop for photos. The Gatlinburg Space Needle offers similar mountain vistas from its 407-foot observation deck and sits right on the Parkway near pancake houses and barbecue restaurants that can handle team-sized groups.

The Arts and Crafts Community, established in 1937, follows an eight-mile loop along Glades Road and Buckhorn Road, where local artisans work in studios that line mountain creeks. You’ll find pottery, woodwork, leather goods, and candy shops in renovated log cabins and barns built by families who’ve worked this area for generations. The loop sits about 10 minutes from the tournament venue and offers indoor browsing when rain delays or early finishes leave you with unexpected free time. For more things to do in Gatlinburg beyond volleyball, the downtown strip offers arcades, mini-golf, and the Ripley’s attractions within walking distance of most restaurants.

Where to Stay

Quick Tips

• Book cabins by early spring before tournament weekends fill
• Glades Road and Upper Middle Creek Road keep you close to Rocky Top Sports World
• Properties sleeping 10 to 20 work well for team groups traveling together
• Look for cabins with game rooms, hot tubs, and multiple bathrooms

Teams typically rent multi-bedroom cabins in clusters so players and families can stay together. Properties near Glades Road or Upper Middle Creek Road put you within 10 minutes of the sports complex while keeping you close to river views and walking trails that follow tributaries into the national park. Cabins with outdoor fire pits, game rooms, and hot tubs let teams unwind after long tournament days. Lake.com lists rentals that accommodate larger groups without guest fees, and you can compare options in nearby Pigeon Forge if Gatlinburg inventory runs tight during peak tournament season. Read more about choosing between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge based on your weekend schedule and budget.

Good to Know Spring and early summer mark some of the best times to visit Gatlinburg before peak summer crowds arrive, but lodging books quickly around youth sports weekends. If cabins near Glades Road are sold out, check properties along Ski Mountain Road or in Pigeon Forge for easier access to I-40 and Rocky Top Sports World.

FAQ

What should I bring for a full tournament weekend?
Folding chairs or stadium seats for bleacher comfort, a cooler with snacks and drinks, layers in case indoor air conditioning runs cold, and portable phone chargers for sharing game updates. Some families bring small blankets for younger siblings who need floor space during long match days.

Is there food inside the venue?
Yes, Rocky Top Sports World has on-site concessions offering snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. For full meals, drive to Gatlinburg’s Parkway for pancake houses, barbecue spots, and pizza places that can seat team groups on short notice.

Can younger siblings come along?
Yes, the venue has open floor space and common areas where younger kids can play between matches. Bring a ball or tablet to keep them occupied during longer days. The nearby Gatlinburg Trail offers an easy walk when restless kids need a break from indoor courts.

Are there options if Great Smoky Mountains National Park activities are too far during short breaks?
The Parkway’s shops, candy stores, and arcades sit just 10 minutes from Rocky Top Sports World, making them easy to reach during hour-long gaps between matches. The Little Pigeon River footbridges offer quick outdoor stops without committing to longer park hikes.