Sunsphere Gets Color-Capable Lighting Upgrade
Knoxville's landmark tower will receive a modern exterior lighting system as part of its Phase III renovation, with installation slated for 2027.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Home Renovation
Live Poll
Should Knoxville spend public-linked funds on upgrading its landmarks like the Sunsphere?
The city of Knoxville approved an exterior lighting upgrade for the Sunsphere, the 26-story landmark built for the 1982 World's Fair. The project, part of the Phase III renovation, will give the tower a modern system capable of displaying a range of colors.
Why it matters
Lighting up the landmark has been of interest to the community for quite some time, according to Mayor Indya Kincannon. The renovation is funded through the Sunsphere Fund, which uses money from observation deck ticket sales rather than general tax dollars for this work.
The lighting system will be capable of displaying a variety of colors across the Sunsphere's exterior. Materials are slated to be ordered in November 2026, with installation taking place in 2027 and an unveiling planned for fall 2027.
The players
Visit Knoxville
The Knoxville tourism organization that established the Sunsphere Fund and is leading the renovation effort.
Indya Kincannon
The mayor of Knoxville, who commented on community interest in lighting up the landmark.
L+ARC Lighting Design
A Knoxville-based lighting design firm working on the Phase III Sunsphere renovation.
McCarty Holsaple McCarty
An architecture firm contributing to the Phase III Sunsphere renovation.
The details
The Phase III work is being carried out by Knoxville-based L+ARC Lighting Design and McCarty Holsaple McCarty. Earlier phases included repainting the base in PANTONE classic blue in 2023 and opening the Sunsphere Welcome Center on the third level in 2025.
Timeline
1982: Sunsphere constructed for the World's Fair.
2022: Sunsphere reopened to the public.
2023: Base repainted PANTONE classic blue in the first phase.
November 2026: Lighting materials to be ordered.
2027: Lighting system installed, with unveiling planned for fall 2027.
The Home Front
The Sunsphere's phased renovation follows the 2022 reopening to the public, with each stage funded by observation deck revenue rather than public money. Like other historic landmark restorations, the project shows how civic structures from the 1982 World's Fair are being updated for a new generation of visitors.
If you own a property near downtown Knoxville, a major landmark lighting project is a useful reminder to check local permit and exterior work rules before planning your own lighting changes. Anyone planning exterior electrical work should hire a licensed electrician rather than attempting it themselves.
The takeaway
Large public renovations like the Sunsphere lighting upgrade are often phased and funded through dedicated revenue streams, so project timelines can stretch across several years. Keep an eye on early 2027 for official updates from Visit Knoxville on the lighting system's design and schedule.
What happens next
Visit Knoxville plans to share additional project details in early 2027, and materials are slated to be ordered in November 2026.
Further reading
Explore more home renovation stories and local projects across the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Knoxville News Sentinel.
Live Poll
Should Knoxville spend public-linked funds on upgrading its landmarks like the Sunsphere?
