Big Ticket 2025 Winners!

Big Ticket 2025 Winners!

June 4, 2025

UPDATE: Congratulations to our Big Ticket 2025 winners!

Colin Fadden- Vols Football

Ken Arledge- Vols Basketball

Luther Johnson- Baseball

Barry Munyon- Lady Vols Basketball

Pat Lakers- Lady Vols Softball

David Stump- Knoxville Smokies

Jabar Dragg- Knoxville Ice Bears

Big Ticket has returned for the 2025 season! You could win a Tennessee season ticket package from 99.1 The Sports Animal, Food City and Certified Angus Beef!

CONTEST DATES

  • MAY 27th – JULY 10th

GRAND PRIZE- You Could Win One of These Seven Great Season Ticket Packages!

-Season tickets to UT Football for 2025 season

-Season tickets to UT Men’s Basketball for 2025-2026 season

-Season tickets to Lady Vols Basketball for 2025-2026 season

-Season tickets to Tennessee Baseball for the 2026 season

-Season tickets to Lady Vols Softball for the 2026 season

-Season tickets to the Knoxville Ice Bears 2025-2026 season

-Season tickets to the Knoxville Smokies 2026 season

HOW TO ENTER

Attend a designated Big Ticket 2025 remote broadcast conducted by the 99.1 The Sports Animal, complete an entry form and place the form in the designated entry box at the location.

Limit one (1) entry per person per remote broadcast. All entries must be received by the deadline stated at the remote broadcast. At the conclusion of each remote broadcast, 99.1 The Sports Animal will randomly draw three (3) entries from among all entries to be qualified as finalists for Big Ticket 2025 and will need to be present at the Grand Prize Giveaway at TOP GOLF 11400 Outlet Dr., Knoxville for the drawing to determine the Grand Prize winners on July 10th.

BIG TICKET REMOTE SCHEDULE

Tuesday, May 27th:

Erik Ainge Show 9a-12p Food City 6710 Malone Creek Drive, Knoxville

Tyler & Will 3p-7p West Knoxville CDJR – 8544 Kingston Pike, Knoxville

Wednesday, May 28th:

Erik Ainge Show 9a-12p Ted Russell Ford – 9925 Parkside Dr, Knoxville

Thursday, May 29th:

Josh & Swain 12p-3p- Food City- 1388 Tesla Blvd, Alcoa, TN

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- Ted Russell Lincoln- 8551 Kingston Pike, Knoxville

Friday, May 30th:

SportsTalk w/ John & Vince 6a- 9a- Oak Ridge Nissan- 1549 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge

Erik Ainge Show 9a-12p- Rusty Wallace Honda- 109 Callahan Drive, Knoxville

Josh & Swain 12p-3p- Ted Russell Ford- 8551 Kingston Pike, Knoxville

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- Oak Ridge Nissan- 1549 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge

Monday, June 2nd:

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- Rusty Wallace Honda- 109 Callahan Drive, Knoxville

Tuesday, June 3rd:

SportsTalk w/ John & Vince 6a-9a- BKW Wings- 1904 W Broadway Ave D, Maryville

Erik Ainge Show 9a-12pm- Y12 Maryville 2901 Old Knoxville Hwy, Maryville

Josh & Swain 12p-3pm– BKW Wings- 1904 W Broadway Ave D, Maryville

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- BKW Wings- 1904 W Broadway Ave D, Maryville

Wednesday, June 4th:

Erik Ainge Show 9a-12p- The Greenway at Cherokee Farm (Josh Ward’s 40 for 40)- Accelerator Way, Knoxville

Josh & Swain 12p-3p- The Greenway at Cherokee Farm (Josh Ward’s 40 for 40)- Accelerator Way, Knoxville

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- Frazier’s Carpet One- 4501 Western Ave, Knoxville

Friday, June 6th:

SportsTalk w/ John & Vince 6a-9a- Oak Ridge Nissan- 1549 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge

Erik Ainge Show 9a-12p- Rusty Wallace Kia- 701 Callahan Dr., Knoxville

Josh & Swain 12p-3pm- Food City- 2712 Loves Creek, Knoxville

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- Oak Ridge Nissan- 1549 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge

Monday, June 9th:

Erik Ainge Show 9a-12p Bob and Bert Golf Tournament- Holston Hills CC- 5200 Holston Hills Rd., Knoxville

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- Rusty Wallace Kia- 701 Callahan Dr., Knoxville

Wednesday, June 11th:

Erik Ainge Show 9a-12p Food City- Morell Rd. Dr, Knoxville

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- Frazier’s Carpet One- 4501 Western Ave, Knoxville

Thursday, June 12th:

Josh & Swain 12p-3p- Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame- 700 S. Hall of Fame Dr., Knoxville

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- Whitehead Auto Sales- 7117 Chapman Highway, Knoxville

Friday, June 13th:

Erik Ainge Show 9a-12p- Rusty Wallace Honda- 109 Callahan Dr., Knoxville

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- Rusty Wallace Kia- 701 Callahan Drive., Knoxville

Monday, June 16th:

Tyler & Will 3p-7p-  Rusty Wallace Honda- 109 Callahan Dr., Knoxville

Tuesday, June 17th:

Tyler & Will 3p-7p– Back Nine Golf- 7812 Montvue Center Way, Knoxville

Wednesday, June 18th:

Josh & Swain 12p-3p- PCS, Inc.- 1720 Topside Rd., Louisville

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- The Bed Store- 7240 Kingston Pike #100, Knoxville

Thursday, June 19th:

Erik Ainge Show 9a-12p- West Knoxville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram- 8544 Kingston Pike

Josh & Swain 12p-3p- Food City- 9565 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville

Friday, June 20th:

SportsTalk w/ John & Vince 6a-9a- Oak Ridge Nissan- 1549 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge

Erik Ainge Show 9a-12p- Rusty Wallace Kia- 701 Callahan Drive., Knoxville

Josh & Swain 12p-3p- Food City- 1199 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- Oak Ridge Nissan- 1549 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge

Monday, June 23rd:

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- Rusty Wallace Kia- 701 Callahan Drive., Knoxville

Tuesday, June 24th:

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- Ted Russell Ford- 8551 Kingston Pike, Knoxville

Wednesday, June 25th:

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- The Bed Store- 7240 Kingston Pike #100, Knoxville

Thursday, June 26th:

 Erik Ainge Show 9a-12p- Waterworks- 866 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge

Josh & Swain 12p-3p- Food City- 180 Rutledge Pike, Blaine

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- Sports Treasures- 4819 N Broadway, Knoxville

Friday, June 27th:

Erik Ainge Show 9a-12p- Rusty Wallace Honda- 109 Callahan Dr., Knoxville

Josh & Swain- West Knoxville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram – 8544 Kingston Pike, Knoxville

Tyler & Will 3p- 7p- Vol Shop- 2517 University Commons, Knoxville

Saturday, June 28th

SportsFest!!!! 9a-4p- Knoxville Expo Center- 5441 Clinton Hwy, Knoxville

Monday, June 30th:

Tyler & Will 3p-7p-  Rusty Wallace Honda- 109 Callahan Dr., Knoxville

Tuesday, July 1st:

Erik Ainge Show 9a-12p Ted Russell Ford – 9925 Parkside Dr, Knoxville

Josh & Swain 12p-3p- Food City- 11501 Hardin Valley Rd., Knoxville

Wednesday, July 2nd:

SportsTalk w/ John & Vince 6a-9a- BKW Wings- 1904 W Broadway Ave, Maryville

Erik Ainge Show 9a-12p- Y12 Federal Credit Union- 2901 Old Knoxville Hwy, Maryville

Josh & Swain 12p-3p- BKW Wings- 1904 W Broadway Ave, Maryville

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- BKW Wings- 1904 W Broadway Ave, Maryville

Thursday, July 3rd:

Josh & Swain 12p-3p- Food City- 7350 Clinton Hwy, Powell

Monday, July 7th:

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- Rusty Wallace Kia- 701 Callahan Dr., Knoxville 

Tuesday, July 8th:

Erik Ainge Show 9a-12p Ted Russell Ford- 8551 Kingston Pike, Knoxville

Josh & Swain 12p-3p- Master Battery- 2217 Callahan Dr., Knoxville

Tyler & Will 3p-7p- Freedom Motors- 7675 Clinton Hwy, Knoxville

Wednesday, July 9th

Erik Ainge Show 9a-12pm- Food City- 300 Market Dr, Lenoir City

Josh & Swain 12p-3pm- Frazier’s Carpet One 4501 Western Ave, Knoxville

Thursday, July 10th

GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY- Top Golf- 11400 Outlet Dr., Knoxville (Grand Prize Giveaway- TOP GOLF- THURSDAY JULY 10th. Check in for those who are qualified is 5p-6p, qualifiers must be checked in by 6pm to be eligible for the drawing).

 BIG TICKET 2025 OFFICIAL RULES HERE
Loudon County Tornado Injures Five People, National Weather Service Says

Loudon County Tornado Injures Five People, National Weather Service Says

May 30, 2025

Philadelphia, TN (WOKI) UPDATE: The National Weather Service confirming that a tornado touched down Friday morning in Loudon County.

NWS officials say the storm, which blew through the Philadelphia area near Holt Road at Stockton Valley Road, involved an EF-0 tornado, two miles long and 200 yards wide.

Officials report five people were injured during the storm; there is no word on the extent of their injuries.

Monroe County Emergency Management says five structures have been damaged and no fatalities have been reported.

A tornado warning was issued this morning for Loudon and Blount Counties.

ORIGINAL STORY: A tornado warning for Loudon and Blount County issued around 9 a.m. Friday morning has expired.

The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office is monitoring reports of a possible tornado touchdown in the Philadelphia area near Holt Road at Stockton Valley Road.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, four people were taken to the hospital for evaluation. There’s no word on the extent of their injuries.

The sheriff’s office asking people to avoid the area, as multiple trees and power lines are down.

Monroe County Emergency Management says five structures have been damaged and no fatalities have been reported.

Storm injures people, damages buildings in Loudon County, sheriff’s office says. (Courtesy: LCSO)
Discover the Smokies with New Summer and Fall Public Programs

Discover the Smokies with New Summer and Fall Public Programs

May 30, 2025

GATLINBURG, TN — Join us this summer and fall for a series of exciting, family-friendly programs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, starting June 7. Visitors are invited to take a hike with a ranger, learn about mountain life, meet some of the creatures that call the Smokies’ home, trek into the dark and much more.  

The full schedule of programs, with details about locations, topics and how to arrive prepared can be found on the park’s online event calendar and will be published in the summer edition of the Smokies Guide newspaper. 

Additionally, one day each month, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and students from the University of Tennessee and Maryville College will collaborate with park staff to present programs. Funding for these programs was provided by the National Park Foundation.  

ASL-interpreted programs will include: 

  • Saturday, June 28: Portraits from the Past (9 a.m. at John Oliver parking area in Cades Cove); Drop-In History (10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Cable Mill Historic Area). 
  • Sunday, July 20: Kuwohi Guided Hike (9 a.m. at Kuwohi parking area); Mingus Mill program (2 p.m. at Mingus Mill). 
  • Sunday, August 17: Walker Sisters Hike (11 a.m. at Little Greenbrier School); Stream Splashers (2 p.m. at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area). 
  • Friday, September 12: Bear Aware Drop In (1-3 p.m. at Cades Cove Orientation Shelter); Cove After Dark Walk (8 p.m. at the Cades Cove Orientation Shelter). 
  • Tuesday, October 7: History of Daisytown (11 a.m. at Jakes Creek parking area); Hiking 101 (1 p.m. at Little River Trailhead). 
  • Friday, November 7: Down on the Farm drop-in (10 a.m.-noon at the Mountain Farm Museum, Oconaluftee); Wild About the Smokies (3 p.m. at Oconaluftee Visitor Center). 

Programs are family-friendly and are open to all park visitors. Visitors are welcome to participate on as many days as they choose and may opt to attend one or both programs on each day. No reservations are required.

Knoxville City Council Passes Over $477 Million Budget Prioritizing Public Safety and Affordable Housing

Knoxville City Council Passes Over $477 Million Budget Prioritizing Public Safety and Affordable Housing

May 28, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (story courtesy of WVLT) – The Knoxville City Council met Tuesday night and passed a $477.3 million budget proposed by Mayor Indya Kincannon.

The 2025-26 budget prioritizes public safety, core city services and affordable housing, including allocating the following:

  • $101.2 million – Fund police officers and firefighters
  • $8.2 million – Affordable housing
  • $7 million – Makeover of World’s Fair Park Amphitheater
  • $1 million – Prevent homelessness and aid those experiencing housing insecurity

Additionally, the city’s property tax rate remains unchanged at $2.1556 per $100 of assessed value.

The budget did not included a proposed half-cent sales tax increase. The first reading for that will come next month. City council will host a workshop to discuss it more on Thursday.

City council also authorized Mayor Kincannon to enter into an agreement with Blue Line Solutions to expand the use of traffic-enforcement cameras to reduce speeding in school zones. Cameras will be enforced at 41 public schools in addition to up to 30 cameras to monitor drivers running red lights and two cameras used to enforce noise violations.

A redevelopment plan for Magnolia Avenue and Chilhowee Park was also adopted, focusing on commercial properties between the Magnolia Avenue Warehouse District and Burlington. It encourages multi-story mixed-use development, restoration and reuse of historic structures and safer connections to schools, parks and public spaces.

Mayor Kincannon was also authorized to enter into an agreement with UT’s Social Work Office of Research and Public Service to conduct a comprehensive assessment of how and why violence is down in the Project TLC zones (East Knoxville, Montgomery Village and Western Heights) after receiving focused attention from City departments and community social service providers.

McGhee Tyson Airport Adding Direct Flights to Memphis, Key West

McGhee Tyson Airport Adding Direct Flights to Memphis, Key West

May 21, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Visiting Memphis or Key West, Florida from Knoxville just got easy!

Officials with McGhee Tyson Airport announcing Wednesday that nonstop service to Memphis and Key West is slated to begin in the fall.

Allegiant Airlines will be taking passengers to the two new stops. According to the airline’s website, a ticket to Memphis sits at around $63 and a ticket to Key West hovers around $66.

Flights to Memphis begin September 4 and flights to Key West start October 3.

Airport representatives made the announcement Wednesday, saying nonstop service would head to Memphis and Key West. (McGhee Tyson Airport / Source: Google Earth)

TBI: Morgan Co. Deputy who Shot, Killed Man Charging Him with a Rock Facing Charges

May 20, 2025

Morgan County, TN (WOKI / WVLT) A Morgan County deputy has been charged in connection to a deadly officer-involved shooting.

Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation say deputies with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office went to a burglary call at a home on Ray Cross Road in Harriman on May 2 wherein Deputy Charles Faircloth shot John A. Cox, who later died at the hospital.

According to the District Attorney’s office, Cox was shot multiple times after picking up a large rock and coming at the deputy.

“The first deputy on scene was already on his way to the sheriff’s office in his sheriff’s department marked vehicle when the call was dispatched. He arrived at the scene and was confronted by the subject who was the reason for the 911 call,” District Attorney General Russell Johnson said. “The adult male subject picked up a large rock and came after the deputy who shot multiple times.”

A Morgan County Grand Jury Monday returned indictments charging Faircloth with one count of criminally negligent homicide and one count of official misconduct.

Faircloth surrendered to authorities at the Loudon County Jail Tuesday and was booked on a $5,000 bond.

District Attorney General Johnson sent WOKI’s news partner, WVLT News, the following statement after Faircloth was indicted:

“When a law enforcement officer responds to a scene of unknown threat, we expect them to do so with the courage of Daniel and the strength of Samson. Once there, we expect them to assess the situation with the wisdom of Solomon and to exercise the patience of Job to remedy the threat without the loss of a life, especially their own, but also that of the person causing the disturbance.

In essence, we expect the impossible from them. Sometimes death of the threatening individual occurs.

We, as the district attorney’s office, turn to the grand jury whose membership consists of constitutionally appointed citizens of the community to weigh the actions of law enforcement and the outcome of these deadly encounters against the standards that they as citizen grand jurors expect in their community as they balance those expectations against the applicable law as set forth by the Legislature .

In this case, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation presented the results of their investigation to the Morgan County Grand Jury, including interviews, 911 and dispatch transmissions, as well as a 3-D rendition of the scene and the toxicology and autopsy results.

After the presentation, the grand jury members deliberated and returned an indictment for criminally negligent homicide and official misconduct against the responding officer, Morgan County Sheriff’s Deputy Ray Faircloth.

Deputy Faircloth was the first officer to arrive at Ray Cross Road and confronted John Anthony Cox, the subject of the 911 call. Faircloth ultimately shot four times killing Cox who was brandishing a rock at Deputy Fairfield’s approach. 

Faircloth’s bond was set by Morgan County Criminal Court Judge Jeff Wicks at $5,000.  His arraignment is set for next Tuesday at the Morgan County Courthouse, as are all other cases indicted during this term of the grand jury.” – 9th District Attorney General Russell Johnson

Additional information was not released.

DA Russell Johnson said Deputy Faircloth shot a man who was charging at him with a rock four times. He later died at the hospital. (Courtesy: Morgan County Sheriff’s Office)
Flo Rida to Perform at Tennessee Valley Fair

Flo Rida to Perform at Tennessee Valley Fair

May 20, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) An iconic American rapper and singer-songwriter is coming to the Tennessee Valley Fair.

Fair representatives announcing Tuesday that Flo Rida will be performing at this year’s upcoming fair on Thursday, September 11 at 8:00 p.m.

“From ‘My House’ to ‘Right Round’—this is a show guaranteed to get the party started,” the Tennessee Valley Fair wrote on social media.

Known for his breakout single “Low,” Flo Rida had multiple radio hits between the late 2000s and 2010s.

Tickets go on sale Friday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m., however, members of the Tennessee Valley Fair Foundation get early access to presale tickets.

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Flo Rida takes to the stage at the Tennessee Valley Fair on Sept. 11. (Courtesy: Tennessee Valley Fair)
Cades Cove Vehicle-Free Days to begin Next Month

Cades Cove Vehicle-Free Days to begin Next Month

May 8, 2025

GATLINBURG, TN (WOKI) Great Smoky Mountains National Park will offer the first Cades Cove Vehicle-Free Day of the year on June 18. Vehicle-free days provide opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists to experience the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road without motor vehicles. 

Vehicle-free days will continue every Wednesday through September 24.  

Reminders for vehicle-free day: 

  • Safety first: Always wear a helmet when cycling and adhere to the posted speed limit of 20 miles per hour. Wearing a helmet could save your life.  
  • Park smart: Vehicle-free days are popular and parking is limited. Please park only in designated spots to keep roads safer and to protect roadside ecosystems. Don’t forget to grab your parking tag before heading out! 
  • Timing is everything: Avoid the morning rush! Arriving in the afternoon could give you a much more relaxed experience. If there is no parking available, you will be asked to return later in the day. 
  • Pack wisely: Due to the terrain of the Cades Cove Loop Road, it often takes people longer than they expect to bike or hike the road. Bring essentials like food, water and a first aid kit to be prepared. Remember, there is no cell service here, so plan accordingly! 
  • ‍Know the rules: Only non-motorized bicycles, as well as Class 1 and Class 2 E-bikes, are permitted (Class 3 E-bikes are prohibited). All other motorized and non-motorized vehicles, such as scooters, skateboards and hoverboards, are not allowed. 

Learn more about vehicle-free days.

Concerts on the Square Returning to Downtown Knoxville
WVLT

Concerts on the Square Returning to Downtown Knoxville

May 6, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The City of Knoxville has announced free live music will soon return to downtown Knoxville.

Concerts on the Square will be held on Tuesdays in May, June and September, and on Third Thursdays from May through September, all from 7-9 p.m.

The festivities kick off on May 6 with the first Jazz Tuesday, which will feature Margherita Fava and the Knoxville Jazz Workshop. Third Thursdays will begin May 15 with the WIMZ Garage Band and feature a variety of musical styles each month.

Below are just some of the performers slated to be in Market Square throughout the summer into the fall:

  • Jazz Tuesdays
    • May 6: Margherita Fava and the Knoxville Jazz Workshop
    • May 13: Greg Tardy Quintet with Karns High School Jazz Band at 5:30 p.m.
    • May 20: Denin Slage-Koch
    • May 27: Mimi Terry Quartet
    • June 3: Donald Brown & Friends
    • June 10: Vance Thompson Quartet
    • June 17: Taber Gable
    • June 24: Ken Brown Quartet
  • Third Thursdays
    • May 15: WIMZ Garage Band
    • June 19: Brian Clay’s GRUUV Xperiencein collaboration with Beck Cultural Exchange Center for Juneteenth
    • July 17: Teen Spirit
    • Aug. 21: 7 Bridges: The Ultimate EAGLES Experience
    • Sept. 18: Square on the Square

City officials said attendees should bring their own chairs for first-come, first-served seating. While no food or beer will be sold on Market Square, food will be available from restaurants for take-out. However, alcohol can only be consumed inside establishments or on their patios.

Click here https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=109562&pageId=190029 for a full calendar of events and information on parking.

Story courtesy of WVLT

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