KNOXVILLE — University of Tennessee officials were pleased with fan reaction to new security measures at Neyland Stadium, and it was announced Tuesday the new measures will remain in effect for the Georgia game.
Philip Scheurer, UT vice president for operations, said the UT-LSU game and the events surrounding it were practically incident free.
“Tennessee fans responded positively to the security, traffic and parking changes that were made for the LSU game, just as we knew they would,” Scheurer said. “We offer the fans and law enforcement officers who implemented our enhanced security plan our thanks. These folks made it happen.
“We are asking fans to come to the Georgia game with the same spirit of cooperation.”
As was the case last Saturday, UT officials say fans should arrive early, not bring large parcels to the stadium, remember that items not permitted in the stadium cannot be stored at the gate, and all parcels of any size are subject to search.
Permitted in the stadium but subject to inspection are: stadium seats without arms, cushions, binoculars, small cameras, pagers, cell phones, radio headsets and diaper bags that accompany an infant, Scheurer said.
Solicitation around stadium gates will be prohibited before and during the game, but the Knoxville Fire Department and Rural Metro personnel will be collecting money for the “Freedom Engine.” This fire truck will replace one of the New York Fire Department engines lost in the collapse of the World Trade Center towers.
The Federal Aviation Administration is continuing the same airspace restrictions — three miles away and 3,000 feet altitude — that have been in effect for the last two weeks.
Streets adjacent to the stadium, including Phillip Fulmer Way from Middle Drive to Tee Martin Drive, Peyton Manning Pass, Middle and Lower drives and Estabrook Drive, will be closed at 11:30 a.m. — 30 minutes before kickoff.
Last week, the streets were closed 15 minutes before kickoff, but Scheurer said the earlier closing time was requested by traffic control personnel and will improve stadium security. Directional parking again will be used in Area 9, the G-10 garage and Lots 1, 2, 4, 5A and 5B.
Stadium gates will open and the band will march at 10 a.m. The Vol Walk begins at 9:45 a.m.
“We really appreciate the positive response from the fans, and ask them to again come early, enjoy the pre-game festivities and ‘think small’ about the items they want to bring to the stadium,” Scheurer said.
“The fans were great. They understood the need for the changes and many volunteered their purses and small parcels for inspection by gate personnel. We thank them all.”