Smoky Mountain Cup: Spring Session, Boys Round 2

The Smoky Mountain Cup returns to Rocky Top Sports World for Boys Round 2, typically running March 27-30 each spring as part of The High School Cup series presented by BSN Sports.

This Southeast Regional tournament brings high school boys’ soccer teams from across the region to compete on the facility’s six outdoor synthetic turf fields at 1870 Sports World Blvd. Matches follow pool-play rounds on Friday evening and Saturday, before the bracket finals conclude on Sunday.

Tournament passes cost $20 per person and must be purchased online in advance; children 12 and under are admitted free.

Parking at Rocky Top Sports World is free with no additional fees. Families should arrive early Saturday morning to secure spots near their team’s field and bring folding chairs, as bleacher seating fills quickly by mid-morning. Contact tournament organizer Van Harper at 865-705-3105 with questions about registration or schedules.

What to Expect When You’re Here

Late March brings transitional spring weather to the Smoky Mountains, with daytime temperatures climbing from the mid-50s into the 70s by tournament weekend. Early spring in Gatlinburg can swing between sunny warmth and lingering cool snaps, so pack layers, sunscreen, and rain gear for afternoon showers that roll through without much warning. Nights still dip into the 40s, making warm jackets essential for evening matches under the lights. Rocky Top Sports World’s outdoor fields offer limited covered seating, so bring umbrellas and waterproof blankets if rain is forecast. The facility’s on-site Champ’s Grill serves meals and snacks, though downtown Gatlinburg sits just five minutes away when you need a sit-down lunch between games.

Between Games

The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, scheduled annually around mid-April, brings guided walks and educational programs to the park just a few weeks after the tournament. Late March visitors catch the earliest bloomers, though peak wildflower season arrives in mid-April when flame azaleas and blue phlox add vibrant orange and purple to the landscape. For panoramic mountain views without hiking, drive to Newfound Gap overlook, which sits 15 miles from Rocky Top Sports World at an elevation of 5,046 feet. The Sugarlands Valley overlook, just 10 minutes from the venue, offers similar vistas with less elevation gain. Both provide quick photo stops between bracket rounds.

This timing coincides with early wildflower season throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which surrounds the sports complex on three sides. Hepatica, spring beauty, and bloodroot begin blooming at lower elevations in late March, carpeting forest floors in white and purple before tree canopies fully leaf out.

The Gatlinburg Trail, a flat 1.9-mile paved path that welcomes leashed dogs, follows the Little Pigeon River from the welcome center into the park and offers easy access to early blooms between matches. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a 5.5-mile one-way scenic loop through old-growth forest and historic homesteads, typically reopens in early April after winter closure.

The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, established in 1937, follows an eight-mile loop along Glades Road about 10 minutes from the sports complex. Local artisans work in studios housed in log cabins and barns built by families who’ve crafted pottery, woodwork, and leather goods here for generations.

The Gatlinburg SkyLift operates year-round, carrying visitors 500 feet up to the SkyBridge, a 680-foot suspension bridge with views of Mount LeConte and surrounding peaks. The round-trip takes about 20 minutes when you’re moving quickly, or closer to an hour if you stop for photos along the 140-foot-tall bridge section. This ranks among the best national park experiences for families when combined with easy park trails accessible from tournament venues.

For additional things to do in Gatlinburg beyond soccer, downtown’s Parkway offers arcades, mini-golf, candy shops, and the Gatlinburg SkyLift, all within walking distance of pancake houses and barbecue restaurants that can seat team-sized groups.

Where the Team Can Stay

Quick Tips

• Book cabins by early March before late-spring tournament weekends fill
• Glades Road and Upper Middle Creek Road keep you within 10 minutes of Rocky Top Sports World
• Properties sleeping 8 to 20 accommodate team groups traveling together
• Look for cabins with hot tubs, game rooms, fire pits, and multiple bathrooms

Teams typically rent multi-bedroom cabins in clusters so players and families stay together during the four-day tournament. Properties near Glades Road or Upper Middle Creek Road provide quick access to the sports complex while keeping you close to the Arts & Crafts Community and walking trails that follow tributaries into the national park. Cabins with outdoor fire pits, fully equipped kitchens, and game rooms let teams spread out after long tournament days. Many properties feature hot tubs for muscle recovery, covered porches with mountain views, and easy access to the Little Pigeon River for streamside walks.

Browse vacation rentals near the tournament venue that sleep larger groups without guest fees, or compare properties in nearby Pigeon Forge if Gatlinburg inventory runs tight during peak spring visitation. Read about choosing between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge based on your tournament schedule, budget, and preferred proximity to the national park versus Dollywood and other Pigeon Forge attractions.

Good to Know Late March marks the transition from winter to spring visitation, making it one of the best times to secure lodging before peak summer crowds arrive. However, spring tournament weekends and early wildflower season can fill cabins quickly. If properties near Glades Road are sold out, check cabins along Ski Mountain Road or along the Spur (Highway 441) between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for easier access to I-40 and the sports complex.

FAQ

What should I bring for a four-day tournament weekend?
Folding chairs or stadium seats, a cooler with snacks and drinks, layers for temperature swings between morning and afternoon, rain gear, sunscreen, portable phone chargers, and a first-aid kit. Pack warm jackets for Friday and Sunday evening games when temperatures drop into the 40s.

Is there food at Rocky Top Sports World?
Yes, Champ’s Grill operates inside the facility, serving snacks, sandwiches, and full meals. For team dinners or larger groups, drive five minutes to Gatlinburg’s Parkway for pancake houses, barbecue spots, and pizza places.

Can younger siblings come along?
Yes, the facility has open spaces where younger kids can play between games. Bring a soccer ball or tablet to keep them occupied during long tournament days. The nearby Gatlinburg Trail offers an easy walk when restless kids need outdoor time away from field noise.

What if Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail isn’t open yet?
The scenic drive typically reopens in early April, which may or may not align with late March tournament dates. Check the National Park Service website before your trip. If closed, the Gatlinburg Trail and Sugarlands Valley areas offer easy wildflower viewing accessible from the welcome center.

Where can we park for games?
Rocky Top Sports World provides free multi-level parking at the venue. Arrive by 8 a.m. Saturday for spots closest to fields. No additional parking fees apply, unlike some other tournament venues in the region.