The SCRUFFYs: Best downtown moments and businesses from 2023

No tuxedos, trophies or acceptance speeches required. These are the SCRUFFYs – similar to the Grammys, with a lot less music and a lot more Knoxville. 

As the downtown reporter for Knox News, host Ryan Wilusz has seen plenty of exciting (and sometimes crazy) things happen in the center of our city over the years. But a Sunsphere paint job, Old City street fight, plant vandalism and pirate bar were not on his 2023 Bingo card.

Obscure events deserve obscure categories, though we've included some more traditional honors as well. Listen as Ryan and guest host Keenan Thomas share their picks for the best of 2023.

"The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by Knox News. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.