Sunsphere

We spent most of last week in Knoxville, Tennessee at the national tumbling competition. We went to watch our granddaughters Audrey and Johnnie compete. It always amazes me when we travel the unique things each place has to offer. We start our visit to Knoxville with the Sunsphere. 

The Sunshere stands 266 feet high. It was built as the centerpiece of the 1982 Worlds Fair held in Knoxville. The glass panels are layered glass cut in seven different shapes and coated in 24 karat gold. During the Worlds Fair it cost $2.00 to ride the elevator to the fourth level observation deck. After the fair, as with so many other special events, the city of Knoxville struggled with what to do with the Sunsphere. It has been underutilized and the ride to the observation deck is now free. There is one exception. If you choose to jump up and down in the elevator you are warned it may become inoperative. The wait to have the elevator repaired may be lengthy and when you are finally at your destination you will be fined and charged for the repairs. 

This is the view from the observation deck. 

Carol and Audrey are both adverse to heights and looking down. They are a couple of the tiny figures at the bottom.

If you look closely at the picture above you will notice what I did. Those windows are in serious need of a good cleaning. It seems unlikely that will happen anytime soon since the Sunsphere doesn't generate any income. The view from it is great. 

Finally there are informational panels around the inside of the Sunsphere.