Bass Pro Shop Opening Wildly Successful

It may have been the most anticipated business opening in Sevier County since Tanger Five Oaks. For months people driving the interstate saw this massive retail store go up across from Smokies baseball stadium. Not only did shoppers want to get inside, city of Sevierville officials couldn't wait either. The store is the cornerstone of the city's Central Business Improvement District (CBID), a state-backed commercial area that should mean millions for the city's coffers.

The store's opening day Nov. 29 attracted an estimated 12,000 people - record numbers for the chain. More than 23,000 visited the store on the ensuing Saturday. The store has a waterfall, a Starbucks and, soon, a seafood restaurant.