The 1982 World’s Fair, formally known as the Knoxville International Energy Exposition, was held in Knoxville, TN. It opened on May 1, 1982, and closed on October 31, 1982, after receiving over eleven million visitors. Participating nations included Australia, Belgium, Canada, The People’s Republic of China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, and West Germany.
“The fair was constructed on a 70-acre site between Downtown Knoxville and the University of TN campus. The core of the site primarily consisted of a deteriorating railroad yard and depot. The railroad yard was demolished, with the exception of a single rail line, and the depot was renovated for use as a restaurant during the fair. The Sunsphere, a 266-foot steel tower topped with a five-story gold globe, was built as the main structure and symbol for the exposition. Today, the Sunsphere stands as a symbol for the city of Knoxville.” ~Wikipedia
