UT welcomes fans to campus this Saturday for the year’s final home football game.
Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m. EST for the Volunteers’ game against the Vanderbilt University Commodores. Gates open at 2:00 p.m. The SEC Network will televise the game.
Fans are encouraged to follow @UTGameday on Twitter or visit utsports.com/gameday/football for the latest updates on traffic, weather, gate information, and game day events.
Stadium Security
In light of recent events, enhanced security will be in place for Saturday’s game. Although the university is not aware of any specific threats, officials will conduct additional security searches of vehicles, parcels, and persons near Neyland Stadium.
Because of the extra security, fans are encouraged to arrive at their designated gate at least thirty minutes prior to kickoff, and earlier if possible.
Also as part of the enhanced security measures, roads near the stadium will close earlier than usual: Phillip Fulmer Way in front of the stadium will close to traffic at noon, Peyton Manning Pass at Phillip Fulmer Way will close after the Vol Walk, and Middle Drive at Phillip Fulmer Way will close after the band march. Fans with parking permits for the Staff 9 lot across the street from the stadium will be able to access the lot from Peyton Manning Pass.
No backpacks of any kind or size are allowed inside the stadium. All items, including purses, will be searched at the gates. Purses or other bags larger than twelve inches by twelve inches by twelve inches cannot be brought into the stadium.
The following items are prohibited from the stadium:
- weapons of any kind, including pocket knives
- stadium seats with arms
- video cameras
- open umbrellas
No items can be left or stored at stadium gates. Fans can bring the following items inside the stadium, provided they meet the size requirement:
- cushions and seats without arms
- small diaper bags that accompany infants
- small cameras, pagers, cell phones and binoculars
The UT Police Department reminds fans that alcoholic beverages, cans, bottles, and coolers are prohibited in Neyland Stadium. Anyone attempting to enter the stadium under the influence of alcohol will be subject to ejection or arrest.
For a full list of permitted and prohibited items, visit utsports.com/gameday/football.
UT also reminds fans to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. All fans are asked to call 865-974-3111 or 911 to report suspicious activity inside and around the stadium.
A no-fly zone extends over the stadium from one hour before the game until one hour after it ends, prohibiting flights within a three-nautical-mile radius and lower than 3,000 feet except as authorized by air traffic control. This restriction includes unmanned aerial vehicles such as drone aircraft.
In accordance with state law, no smoking is allowed anywhere inside the stadium. If fans leave the stadium to smoke, they will not be readmitted.
Commercial solicitation in front of Neyland Stadium from Middle Drive to Gate 10 is prohibited starting four hours before kickoff and until the game ends.
Game Day Activities
Saturday is Senior Day, when seniors on the football team are honored for their contributions as student-athletes. The seniors will run through the “T” and join their families on the field for special recognition prior to kickoff. After the game, the senior players will be invited back to the field for a serenade of “Tennessee Waltz.”
The traditional Vol Walk will start at 1:45 p.m. on Volunteer Boulevard near Circle Park, as the members of the football team proceed down Volunteer Boulevard and then continue down Peyton Manning Pass to the stadium.
The Pride of the Southland Band will begin marching at 2:20 p.m. from the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center on Volunteer Boulevard to the Haslam Business Building, then make a right turn onto the new pedestrian bridge connecting Volunteer Boulevard to the Hill. The band will then circle down the slope to Phillip Fulmer Way, perform a musical salute to the Hill, and enter the stadium from the north.
The Toyota Volunteer Village offers pregame festivities for fans of all ages beginning at 12:30 p.m. Located in the Humanities Plaza, Toyota Volunteer Village features pregame appearances from Smokey, Junior Smokey, cheerleaders, and UT’s dance team.
Fans also can attend the College of Arts and Sciences Pregame Showcase. Held two hours before each home game kickoff in the auditorium of UT’s McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, the showcase is a free thirty-minute presentation by a UT faculty member. This week, at 2:00 p.m. Ralph Lydic, professor of psychology, will present “The Brain Basis of Sleep Health.” For more information, visit tntoday.utk.edu/2015/11/23/pregame-showcase-examines-sleep-disorders-november-28.
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CONTACT:
Amy Blakely (865-974-5034, amy.blakely@tennessee.edu)