KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Free parking at Knoxville Civic Coliseum will be available for the Feb. 17 University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball game against Vanderbilt, UT traffic officials said Thursday.
Dr. Steve Richards, head of UT’s Transportation Center, said the UT Athletics Department is promoting the game as an attempt to set a national record for average attendance at women’s basketball games.
Ron Goch of the UT Women’s Athletics Department said the Lady Vols average about 10,200 fans per game, and need about 20,000 fans Monday to set a single-season attendance record.
Richards said because of the expected large crowd and 4 p.m. tipoff, no public parking will be available on campus lots or streets.
“Monday is observed as Presidents’ Day and some local schools will be closed, but classes will be in session at UT,” Richards said. “Campus parking lots will be occupied by faculty, staff and students at gametime. Special ar- rangements have been made for fans to park at the Civic Coliseum and ride a shuttle to campus.”
UT Athletics Department will provide free parking at the Coliseum beginning at 2:30 p.m. and free bus rides to and from Thompson-Boling Arena, Richards said.
Fans riding the buses may board on Hill Avenue to be dropped off at the Arena before the game. Pick-up after the game will be on Stadium Drive.
Donor permit parking normally reserved for campus parking garages G3, G4 and G5 and Lot 30 will be honored in the G10 garage and other lots selected by UT Police.
Arena doors will open at 3 p.m. The arena ticket office opens at 8:30 a.m. Monday and will remain open until halftime.
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Contact: Dr. Steve Richards (423-974-5255)