There’s nothing quite like a Saturday in Knoxville. The air smells like BBQ, the streets are a sea of orange, and Neyland Stadium is shaking. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, here is how to tackle gameday like a local pro. 

 

Wake up. 

Take a breath of fresh East Tennessee fall air. 

It’s a Football Gameday in Knoxville, TN, and the Tennessee Vols, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of their passionate fans, will soon meander their way into Neyland Stadium to sing Rocky Top until they lose their voices. 

First things first: Parking. Get downtown early, and I mean multiple hours before kickoff early, as some downtown garage parking is free, but the demand is high. Take your time to explore the downtown area. Grab a meal in Market Square, peruse the shops on Gay Street, or even make your way down to the Old City if you have time! Knoxville has no shortage of excellent places to eat, grab coffee, shop, or purchase some UT gear to don for the big game! If you haven’t explored other parts of campus and Cumberland, we’ve got a guide to help you get to know this part of town here. 

After filling your belly, having a beer, or doing whatever gets you in the mood for football, you absolutely must make your way down to campus at least 2-3 hours before kickoff. Tennessee is revered as one of the most tradition-based gameday experiences in the South, and it would be a travesty if you missed out on any of it.  As you head down Cumberland Avenue toward UT’s campus, take in the sights: a sea of tailgaters sporting orange and white, footballs and cornhole bags flying through the air, good music, people selling tickets, and a general sense of excitement knowing that in only a matter of hours, the Tennessee Volunteers will soon be taking the field.  

If you chose to walk from downtown, catch your breath. When they talk about “down in the East Tennessee hills” in the UT anthem “Rocky Top”, they are not kidding. But you made it to campus! There are three spots for tailgating & fun you need to see: 

 

G10 Parking Garage: Located directly in between Neyland Stadium and Thompson-Boling Arena, this garage is the life of the party on gameday. Head to the top floor and take in the views of beautiful East Tennessee scenery. Look toward downtown and notice the myriad of boats decked out in Tennessee flags. Here is the crown jewel of Tennessee Gameday: 

Circle Park: At the intersection of Peyton Manning Pass and Volunteer Boulevard lies perhaps the pinnacle of a Tennessee Gameday. Circle Park, a quiet escape on campus during the week, transforms into a tailgating scene of tents decked out with TVs, good eats, and a whole lot of orange and white apparel. Walk a lap around the park (it is a circle, literally) to see how Tennesseans tailgate, take your kiddos to Vol Village which has tons of family-friendly activities, or perhaps take a picture with UT’s beloved blue-tick coon hound mascot, Smokey!  

The Vol Navy: Not many schools throughout the country have a stadium located along the river, much less a tailgate party on boats (also called “sailgating”) within walking distance to the game. Even opposing fans have admitted how spectacular the Vol Navy is, and SEC competitors are not usually quick to dish out compliments if that tells you anything.  

You’ve seen the tailgating sights, you’ve probably been told “Go Vols!”, what’s left? Oh yeah, the football team themselves. Roughly 2 hours before kickoff in what is called the “Vol Walk”, Coach Josh Heupel and the UT Football Volunteers will hop off their bus, parade down Peyton Manning Pass to the soundtrack of fans shouting and the band playing, and make their way into Neyland Stadium for the game. Find a good spot on the team’s walking route, and just wait - the screaming fans will let you know when they are about to head your way. Let your kids stick out their hands and collect a few high fives from some players along the way! 

 

Neyland Stadium celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2021, and in 2022 it will feature a new-look. This offseason, our home for college football Saturdays underwent major renovations to include premium seating areas along the home sideline, a new state-of-the-art jumbotron on the north side of the stadium, as well as the return of the retro VOLS letters which were a staple of Neyland stadium from 1966 to 2009 (see below). Despite the changes, Neyland Stadium will still welcome 101,915 fans from around Big Orange Country within its walls each game this season, making it the sixth largest venue of its kind throughout the nation. And trust me, when it gets rocking and the fans get to singing “Rocky Top”, you’ll understand what the hype is all about.

So head on in, grab a Petro’s Hint-of-Orange tea or a cold beer, and find your spot amidst the crowd. It has been a long day of walking, eating, tailgating, and you have earned the priceless view from your seat. 

Take a look around. Thousands of Tennessee fans surround you, some who have been here every year of their lives, some experiencing the awe and wonder of their first time in this beloved house of football, and some who never thought they would step foot in a crowded stadium ever again.  

The energy is palpable, and Neyland Stadium is clad in Big Orange for as far as the eye can see. As the band marches on the field, and the players storm through that Power T, one thing is certain:

 

It’s Football Time in Tennessee! 

 

FAQs

Where should I park? 

Your best bet is a downtown garage (like State Street or Locust Street). From there, it’s a scenic 15-20 minute walk to the gates or a quick, cheap ride on the KAT Gameday Shuttle. 

  • Pro Tip: Downtown garages fill up fast. Aim to arrive at least 4 hours before kickoff. 

  • The "Lazy" Route: Pay $10–$20 for the shuttle at the Civic Coliseum. Your feet will thank you later. 

  • Ride Share: Traffic near the stadium is a nightmare. Have your Uber drop you on Cumberland Avenue and walk the last few blocks. 

What on earth is the "Vol Navy"? 

It’s exactly what it sounds like—a massive fleet of over 200 boats! Fans "sailgate" on the Tennessee River right outside the stadium. It’s one of the coolest traditions in sports. Just walk the Neyland Greenway (the riverfront path) to see the floating party for yourself. 

  • Unique Factor: Only three stadiums in the country allow you to boat to the game. We do it best. 

  • The View: Even if you don't have a boat, the river walk is the best place for a pre-game photo. 

When can I see the Vol Walk?

Set your watch for 2 hours and 15 minutes before kickoff. That’s when the players and coaches march down Peyton Manning Pass. It’s loud, it’s high-energy, and it’s the best way to get hyped for the game. 

  • The Music: Stick around for the Pride of the Southland Band. Their march starts 1 hour and 40 minutes before kickoff. 

  • Don't Be Late: You must be in your seat 20 minutes before the game starts. Missing the team "Run Through the T" is a gameday sin! 

What’s the bag policy at Neyland Stadium? 

Keep it clear! To get through security quickly, you need a clear plastic bag no bigger than 12" x 6" x 12". If your bag is solid or oversized, the stadium staff will send you back to your car. 

  • Phone Check: Your ticket is on your phone. Make sure your battery is charged—paper tickets won't work! 

  • Rain Plan: Umbrellas are allowed, but don't open them in the stands. A cheap poncho in your clear bag might be easier to deal with.

Where is the best gameday grub? 

For the full experience, head to Market Square for a sit-down meal or hit Cumberland Avenue ("The Strip") for classic student hangouts. If you’re already inside the stadium, you have to try a Petro’s. It’s a Knoxville legend: chili and toppings served right in a chip bag. 

  • The Local Staple: Grab a "Hint-of-Orange" iced tea at Petro's. It's refreshing and on-brand. 

  • The After-Party: Win or lose, the Old City is the place to be after the game for celebrating with a local craft beer.