The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) will bring approximately 37,000 athletes, coaches and family members to Knoxville this summer for the Junior Olympic (JO) Games from July 25 to August 4.

The JO Games is the largest national multi-sport event for youth in the United States, and this year's games will feature 22 sports at 29 venues around Knox County.
    
According to Sarah Malak from the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation, the visitors in Knoxville for the games are expected to bring about $30 million in revenue to local businesses.

"The JO Games will have a huge impact on local restaurants, hotels and shopping because families are coming to Knoxville not only for the games but for local attractions as well," Malak said.

The JO Games have taken place in 19 states and 29 cities across the country since 1967, and Knoxville previously has hosted the games four times.

Malak said the games will help to promote the city of Knoxville and will hopefully bring other conventions and business in the future.

"Having a big event in town makes the town more reputable, and it attracts other people to hold their events in Knoxville," Malak said.

"Having a big event in town makes the town more reputable, and it attracts other people to hold their events in Knoxville."-Sarah Malak, Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation

Knoxville residents should also be aware of inconveniences caused by the thousands of visitors in the city.

According to Malak, Knoxville will experience an increase in traffic, longer waits at restaurants, few vacancies in hotels and crowded shopping centers.

Although these inconveniences may be frustrating for Knoxville residents, local businesses are eagerly welcoming the crowds. Knoxville restaurants and hotels are expected to see a significant increase in business while the Junior Olympic Games are in town.

Tony Brown, manager at Calhoun's restaurant on Bearden Hill, said he is looking forward to the increase in sales for their restaurant during the games.

"Anytime an event as large as this comes to Knoxville, people are looking for local popular places to eat, so the local hot spots will be crowded," Brown said.

Brown is also preparing for the games by increasing his number of staff for the duration of the games.

Brent Scarbro, general manager for the Four Points by Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House hotel, said his hotel also is looking forward to increased room sales.

"There is a tremendous amount of demand during the Junior Olympic Games for rooms. We only have six rooms left out of the hotel's 130 total rooms for the duration of the games. I recommend securing reservations soon," Scarbro said.

According to the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation, Knoxville has been widely known for decades for its world-class sporting venues, which is why the Junior Olympic Games are being held in the city.

Knoxville has previously hosted the Junior Olympic Games in 1968, 1970, 1993 and 2002.