PIGEON FORGE, TN – The LeConte Event Center in Pigeon Forge has become quite popular for sports events. On April 2-3, a two-day tournament will be held at the Center. The event, known as Smoky Mountain Blast, is expected to draw as many as 120 girls’ volleyball teams from at least four states.

“My goal is to establish an annual event. The first year could bring from 50 to as many as 120 teams. The potential is there because the LeConte Event Center is such a great place and because of Pigeon Forge’s appeal,” said Valerie Pozczasy, co-founder and co-owner of Dynamic Eventz, tournament organizer.

The tournament is for club volleyball teams and is sanctioned by USA Volleyball. Club volleyball is for girls ages 10-18. Smoky Mountain Blast will be for teams with girls 13 to 18 years old.

The LeConte Event Center’s 100,500-square-foot main space has previously attracted gymnastics, cheer, and basketball competitions. A 96-team basketball tournament in 2015 filled the space with 12 regulation-sized courts. The Smoky Mountain Blast will install 20 volleyball courts.

“The LeConte Event Center is ideal. I saw that huge space with a 30-foot ceiling and no support columns and was immediately taken,” Pozczasy said.

Pozczasy said an average team has 12 players, two coaches along with several parents and siblings who travel with the team.

“We expect this new event will bring between 2,000 and 4,000 people to Pigeon Forge in its first year,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, which operates the LeConte Event Center. “We are excited about the long-term opportunities this relationship holds for both Pigeon Forge and Dynamic Eventz.”

Pozczasy expects most of the tournament’s teams will be from Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and Alabama.

The LeConte Event Center opened in late 2013.

Pigeon Forge visitor information is available online at MyPigeonForge.com or by calling 800-251-9600.