Knoxville, Tenn. — Security measures at Neyland Stadium will remain largely the same for 2004 as in past seasons, but University of Tennessee football fans will see some game-day changes for UNLV.
Tennessee will play its first-ever Sunday game Sept. 5 against the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Kick-off for the nationally televised contest is set for 8 p.m.
A major change for the Sunday game is that university parking lots will not open until 1 p.m. Normally they open at 7 a.m.
“Because of the Boomsday fireworks show on Saturday evening, we will need until 1 p.m. to clean university grounds and parking lots,” Philip Scheurer, UT vice president for operations, said. “Fans will still have plenty of time to get to the stadium.”
When they arrive at the stadium, fans can expect the same procedures as the last three seasons, Scheurer said.
“We have met with UT Police and local, state and federal law enforcement officials. Everyone agrees that no major changes in what we have done in the past are needed,” he said.
Large parcels such as backpacks will not be permitted inside the stadium. No items or parcels can be stored or left at any stadium gate.
Fans may bring through the gates stadium seats (without armrests), cushions, binoculars, small cameras, pagers, cell phones, radio headsets and diaper bags that accompany an infant. All items, including purses, are subject to being searched at the gates.
Fans are urged to arrive early and not wait until the last minute before kickoff to enter the stadium. Scheurer said this will help alleviate lines at stadium gates.
Solicitation near stadium gates and along Phillip Fulmer Way will be prohibited.
Fulmer Way from Middle Drive to Tee Martin Drive, Peyton Manning Pass, Middle and Lower drives and Estabrook Drive will be closed 30 minutes before kickoff. Directional parking will be used in Area 9 and Lot 5.
The university will again maintain a no-flyover zone over the stadium.
For one hour before and until one hour after conclusion of the game, aircraft are prohibited within a three-nautical-mile radius and 3,000 feet above Neyland Stadium, except as authorized by air traffic control.