UT welcomes fans and visitors to campus Thursday, September 1, for the first home football game of the 2016 season.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EDT for the Volunteers’ game against the Mountaineers of Appalachian State University. Gates open at 5:30. The SEC Network will televise the game. The SEC Nation program will broadcast live from midfield from noon until shortly before kickoff.
Stadium Security
To enhance safety and expedite fan entry to Neyland Stadium and other athletic events, UT has implemented new safety policies for fans bringing bags into athletic venues.
Only one clear plastic bag no larger than twelve inches by six inches by twelve inches or a one-gallon clear resealable plastic storage bag per person will be permitted. Fans also will be allowed a small clutch purse not to exceed 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches.
Fans interested in purchasing an approved clear bag may visit the Official Team Store at Neyland Stadium; VolShop locations in the Student Union, at Seventeenth Street and Cumberland Avenue, and in University Commons; and other area retailers.
No other bags will be allowed inside athletic venues, including Neyland Stadium. All items, including clear bags and clutch purses, are subject to search at the gates.
Other prohibited items:
- Alcoholic beverages, cans, bottles, and coolers
- Outside food, snacks, and beverages
- Radios without headphones
- Open umbrellas
- Video cameras, professional cameras, or cameras with detachable lenses
- Stadium seats with arms or pockets
- Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives
- Selfie sticks
- Artificial noisemakers
No items can be left or stored at the gates. Fans can bring the following items inside athletic venues, provided they meet the size requirement:
- Cushions or seats without arms or pockets
- Small bags with medically necessary items, subject to search (Note: Diapers and non-medically necessary items for babies and young children must be carried in a clear bag.)
- Small cameras, cell phones, and binoculars
For more information, see the clear bag and prohibited items policy.
Parking and Traffic
The weekday start means fans should leave early and expect traffic to be heavier than normal. Only fans with permits can park on campus. A reduced number of shuttles will run between Neyland Stadium, the Knoxville Civic Coliseum parking garage, and parking lots in the Old City Thursday afternoon and evening. Knoxville Area Transit trolleys will not operate after 3:00 p.m. that day. More information on bus service is available on the KAT website.
Ongoing work on the Cumberland Avenue Corridor project has reduced traffic on the street to one lane in each direction in various spots. Left turns on Cumberland Avenue are prohibited until construction has finished, which may result in slowdowns both before and after the game. For more information on the Cumberland Avenue Corridor project, visit the Cumberland Connect website.
Phillip Fulmer Way will close to through traffic from Middle Drive to Tee Martin Drive three hours before kickoff.
Peyton Manning Pass will close to vehicles two and a half hours before kickoff. Once the road closes, fans with parking permits in Lots 9 and 9B must enter from Phillip Fulmer Way. Permit holders for Lot 30A near the stadium still will be able to access their lot from the west end of Peyton Manning Pass.
Thirty minutes before kickoff, the remainder of Phillip Fulmer Way, Middle Drive, Lower Drive, and Estabrook Drive will close to vehicles.
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 from four hours before kickoff until the game ends.
Federal and state law prohibit UT from participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for federal, state, or local office. Use of UT’s name, image, logos, nicknames, or other UT trademarks in conjunction with a political campaign implies association with the university and is prohibited.
Fans are encouraged to follow @UTGameday on Twitter or visit UTSports.com/gameday for the latest updates on traffic, weather, gate information, and game day events.
Game Day Activities
The traditional Vol Walk will start at 5:15 p.m. at Torchbearer Plaza on Volunteer Boulevard as the members of the football team proceed down Peyton Manning Pass to the stadium. The Pride of the Southland Band will begin marching at 5:50 p.m. from the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center on Volunteer Boulevard to the Haslam Business Building, then make a right turn onto the 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 Volunteer Village offers pregame festivities for fans of all ages beginning at 4:00 p.m. Located in the Humanities Plaza, Volunteer Village features pregame appearances from Smokey, Junior Smokey, cheerleaders, and UT’s dance team.
—
CONTACT:
Charles Primm (865-974-5180, charles.primm@tennessee.edu)