Knoxville's iconic Sunsphere (Giant Disco Ball, as JHR calls it.) reopened to the public on July 5, 2007. Built as the symbol for this "Scruffy little city" symbol of the 1982 World's Fair it was last open in 1999.

The sunsphere has been a polarizing issue for many Knoxvillians. Many who just don't like having a "symbol" and those that don't like it for what ever reason and those that are indifferent. I have never really come across anyone who has "pride" in this city's symbol. Different from those in St.Louis with their Arch or Seattle's Space Needle or Roanoke, VA's Star even. Knoxville most noticable skyline structure just dosen't envoke the same emotion for local folks. But in retrospect I don't find many Knoxvillians to be "emotional" about anything that bonds them to the city, well other than the Vols.

I guess I am going to have to start a Sunsphere Gallery to get some pride going!

Ok here is the Sunsphere Gallery. http://www.pbase.com/lundy/knoxvilles_sunsphere