ESPN8 Bringing Slippery Stairs Competition to Knoxville

Chaotic contest coming to Open Streets Knoxville event in downtown

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:15am

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A dynamic, abstract painting in neon colors depicting the frenzied movement and energy of people navigating a slippery, obstacle-filled course on a city bridge.The high-energy chaos of ESPN8's Slippery Stairs competition comes to Knoxville, challenging participants to navigate a treacherous obstacle course on the city's newly opened Gay Street Bridge.Knoxville Today

ESPN8 is bringing its popular Slippery Stairs competition to Knoxville as part of the city's upcoming Open Streets event. The chaotic and slippery obstacle course challenge will take place on the newly opened Gay Street Bridge, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to participate in the high-energy contest.

Why it matters

The Slippery Stairs event is a signature program of ESPN8, the fictional sports network from the cult classic film 'Dodgeball.' Hosting this unique competition in Knoxville will draw attention to the city's growing reputation for hosting innovative public events and activations that bring the community together.

The details

The Slippery Stairs competition will task participants with navigating a treacherous obstacle course on the Gay Street Bridge, which was recently opened to pedestrians and cyclists. The course will feature slippery stairs, unexpected obstacles, and other challenges designed to test the agility and balance of contestants.

  • The Gay Street Bridge opened to the public on December 16, 2025.
  • The Open Streets Knoxville event, featuring the Slippery Stairs competition, is scheduled for April 15, 2026.

The players

Indya Kincannon

The mayor of Knoxville, who announced the opening of the Gay Street Bridge to pedestrians and cyclists.

ESPN8

The fictional sports network from the movie 'Dodgeball' that is bringing the Slippery Stairs competition to Knoxville.

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What’s next

The city of Knoxville is currently accepting applications from residents interested in participating in the Slippery Stairs competition at the Open Streets event.

The takeaway

Knoxville's embrace of innovative public events and activations, like hosting the ESPN8 Slippery Stairs competition, demonstrates the city's commitment to creating unique experiences that bring the community together and showcase its vibrant downtown.