Eighth of August Jubilee

Negro League Night with the Smokies

New Date!

Saturday, August 1

Join Us ... 2026 Eighth of August Jubilee

Celebrating on

*SATURDAY, AUGUST 1ST

Tickets on Sale NOW!

VIP Tickets: $55 (includes access to the exclusive VIP reception and game).

General Admission Tickets: $15 (Special Beck rate).

Group Admission Tickets: $10 (25+ Call Beck at 865-524-8461)




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Eighth of August Jubilee 2026

Negro League Baseball and Libation Ceremony

Make plans to join us on Saturday, August 1, at Covenant Health Park for Negro League Night as the Knoxville Smokies take the field as the Knoxville Giants. Then, on Saturday, August 8, join us at the Historic Knoxville College Cemetery for the annual Libation Ceremony.

Negro League Night

Event Details

Saturday, August 1

Beck Cultural Exchange Center's 12th Annual Eighth of August Jubilee

Featuring Negro League Night with the Knoxville Smokies


Honoring Freedom and Celebrating Legacy

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026

Location: Covenant Health Park, Home of the Knoxville Smokies

Hosted by: Beck Cultural Exchange Center


Join the Beck Cultural Exchange Center for one of East Tennessee's premier celebrations of African American history and culture as the Knoxville Smokies once again become the Knoxville Giants in tribute to Negro League baseball. This annual celebration honors Tennessee's historic Eighth of August Emancipation Day while celebrating the perseverance, excellence, and enduring legacy of African Americans in East Tennessee.


Schedule of Events

4:00 p.m.
VIP Reception
ORNL Federal Credit Union Luxury Level Club (Third Level)

5:30 p.m.
Gates Open
Pregame Entertainment & Concourse Activities Begin

6:00 p.m.
Pregame Program
Music, Special Guests, Community Recognition, Cultural Reflection, and On-Field Ceremony

7:00 p.m.
First Pitch
Knoxville Smokies (Knoxville Giants)
vs.
Pensacola Blue Wahoos


VIP Experience


$55 Per Person

Your VIP Ticket Includes:


Exclusive VIP Reception

  • Access to the ORNL Federal Credit Union Luxury Level Club
  • Delicious buffet and refreshments
  • Meet and greet with special guests
  • Live entertainment
  • One complimentary drink ticket
  • Limited reserved parking
  • Exclusive Beck commemorative keepsake
  • Premier reserved game seating


VIP Ticket Information

VIP Tickets may be purchased online using Beck's secure ticket link.


VIP ticket holders should check in at the VIP entrance upon arrival on game day to receive their tickets. If guests will arrive at different times for the 4:00 p.m. VIP Reception, purchasers should provide each guest’s name in advance.

VIP Ticket

Beck Special General Admission Ticket

$15 Per Person

Your Beck Special General Admission  Ticket Includes:


  • Admission to Covenant Health Park
  • Entry beginning at 5:30 p.m.
  • Access to all pregame entertainment
  • Concourse activities
  • Knoxville Smokies / Knoxville Giants Negro League Night game


General Admission Tickets

Beck Special discounted tickets are available online through Beck's ticket link.


For added convenience, individual tickets may also be delivered digitally. Simply provide:

  • Purchaser's name
  • Phone number
  • Number of tickets purchased
General Admission

Beck Special Group Rate

$10 Per Person

Groups purchasing 25 or more tickets qualify for Beck's Special Group Rate.

To reserve group seating, please contact Beck directly.


Phone: 865-524-8461

Email: KBullard@BeckCenter.net


  • Please include:
  • Organization or Group Name
  • Contact Person
  • Phone Number
  • Number of Tickets Requested

Advance purchases are encouraged to ensure availability.

Contact Us

EIGHTH OF AUGUST

LIBATION SERVICE

SATURDAY

AUGUST 8 at 8AM

SATURDAY. AUGUST 8 at 8 AM 

KNOXVILLE COLLEGE

EIGHTH ANNUAL LIBATION CEREMONY

Make plans to join us at the Freemen's Mission Historic Cemetery adjacent to Knoxville College for our Annual Libation Tribute Ceremony. This special service is a tribute to enslaved descendants freed on August 8, 1863. Our special guest is Ned Arter, great-great-grandson of Sam Johnson, emancipated on August 8, 1863, and considered the father of the Emancipation Day Celebrations.


This event is free and open to the public. Your donations and your support make this possible. Thank you.
We look forward to seeing you.

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