GATLINBURG, TN -- After a nationwide talent search, Rocky Top Sports World, along with Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), has chosen Doug Grote to be the new General Manager of the 80-acre multi sports facility in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Grote has extensive experience managing sports facilities and programs. He holds both a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cumberland College and a master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Grote, a former resident of Sevier County, served as the Recreation Minister for Cool Spring Recreation Center in Virginia for seven years and spent the last 14 years working for Upward Sports and was the General Manager for the Upward Star Center in Spartanburg, SC.

“I have been in sports and recreation for over 20 years, and Rocky Top Sports World is known in the industry as a top-tier facility,” Grote said. “I am excited to join this amazing team and community.”

“The Sports Facilities Companies welcomes Doug to Gatlinburg and Sevier County,” said Lori Moore, Account Executive for Sports Facilities Companies. “He brings extensive sports management experience to the team and will continue to build on the economic success of the facility.”

Grote is officially scheduled to start at Rocky Top Sports World Monday, January 23, 2023.

Rocky Top Sports World is an 80-acre sports complex located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains offering seven outdoor fields and an 86,000-square-foot indoor venue equipped with six basketball courts. For more information on the facility, please visit rockytopsportsworld.com.