Legends of the Smokies Invitational 2027
- Registration opensJune 11
- Registration closesNovember 1
- Schedule postsDecember 1
- Meet weekendJan 29–31
- ResultsJanuary 31
15 daysuntil entries close on November 1
In 2026, 1,739 athletes from 57 clubs and 9 states competed.
What comes with the meet
Last year, by the numbers
The 2026 edition, as it actually ran: where the teams came from and how the levels broke down.
Athletes by level
Clubs that keep coming back
- Everest GymnasticsNC · 4 of 4 yearsup to 89
- East Tennessee Cheer and GymnasticsTN · 4 of 4 yearsup to 73
- Easley Gymnastics Training CenterSC · 4 of 4 yearsup to 64
- Stanly County GymnasticsNC · 4 of 4 yearsup to 57
- Palmetto Gymnastics AcademySC · 4 of 4 yearsup to 53
Plan the weekend
Where to stay, how to get there, and what to do with the hours between sessions, from the host.
Host hotel room blocks
- Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort (on-site
- details on Hotels page)
Getting here
Driving From Asheville/Piedmont: Take I-40 West to Exit 27 - US 19/74, follow 74 West approximately 27 miles, then take Exit #74, Hwy 441 North to Cherokee.
Driving From Knoxville/Nashville: two options - 441 South over the Great Smoky Mountains Park (call 865-436-1200 to verify the road is open).
Driving From Atlanta: take 85 North to 985 until you run into 441 North, then follow 441 North to Cherokee.
Driving From South Carolina: take I-26 W toward Asheville, merging onto I-40 westbound.
Driving Estimated drive times range from 2 hours (Spartanburg) to 6 hours (Nashville, Raleigh, Myrtle Beach).
Parking Go straight through the traffic light and follow the signs for self-park or valet.
777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719
Open in MapsBetween sessions
- Gordon Ramsay's food courtHouses a pizza station, burger station, bakery, salads, a la carte items, and seating for 700.on-site
- BrioMake reservations.on-site
- Guy Fieri'sMake reservations. Friday 12pm-11pm; Saturday-Sunday 9am-11pm.on-site
- Ruth's ChrisMake reservations.on-site
- Wicked Weed BreweryMake reservations. Friday 2pm-1am; Saturday 11am-1am; Sunday 11am-10pm.on-site
- Selu GardenA good option on the far side of the facility.on-site
- StarbucksThere is a Starbucks at each end by the hotel towers.on-site
- UltraStar arcade at Harrah'sAll athletes will receive a 2-hr play card to the arcade; full bowling alley, as well as food and drink options.on-site
- Great Smoky MountainsMany activities including hiking, skiing, train tours, golfing, fishing, and exploring Cherokee history.10 min drive
Registration details
Everything a coach needs before saying yes, in one place.
| Entry fee | $130 per athlete through November 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Team fee | $55 per team |
| Deadline | November 1, 2026. Refund/cancellation requests accepted only through Nov 20, 2026; no refunds after. Late entries after Nov 1 at Meet Director's discretion. |
| Scratches | Last scratch November 20, 2026 |
| Level changes | Through January 3, 2027 |
| Sanction | USA Gymnastics · Women's · Invitational · #96604 |
| Levels | Levels 1–10 · Xcel Bronze–Sapphire · HUGS |
| Also included | competition, hotel, restaurants, shops, and entertainment all under one roof |
| Contact | Gary Knisley, Meet Director, (864) 320-8602, legendsofthesmokies@gmail.com · legendsofthesmokies.com |
RegisterEntries are made in the USA Gymnastics member portal.
Questions coaches ask
Short answers. Anything else, ask the host directly.
When do session assignments come out?
The host posts the schedule on December 1, 2026. It appears on this page as soon as it is published.
Is there a hotel room block?
Yes, 2 host hotels: Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort (on-site, details on Hotels page).
What if we need to scratch an athlete?
Refund/cancellation requests accepted only through Nov 20, 2026; no refunds after. Late entries after Nov 1 at Meet Director's discretion. USAG's last scratch date for this sanction is November 20, 2026.
Can an athlete move levels after we enter?
Level changes are accepted through January 3, 2027 on this sanction. After that, ask the host.
Past editions
Results and field numbers from every year already on Vault.
Also in January
Other sanctioned invitationals in North Carolina within a month of Legends of the Smokies Invitational.