Nov 4, 2025
·Mary Callahan
Few venues in college football embody tradition, pride, and passion quite like Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. Home to the Tennessee Volunteers, this iconic arena sits along the banks of the Tennessee River and has been a centerpiece of college football since the 1920s. With its massive seating capacity, storied history and traditions like the Vol Walk and the Pride of the Southland Band’s “Power T” entrance, Neyland Stadium is one of the most celebrated and intimidating venues in the sport.
Whether you’re a lifelong Vols fan or a first-time visitor, a game at Neyland is an unforgettable experience steeped in orange and white.
About Neyland Stadium
Address: 1300 Phillip Fulmer Way, Knoxville, TN 37916
Neyland Stadium is the home of the Tennessee Volunteers football team, one of the flagship programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). With an official seating capacity of 101,915, it ranks as the fifth-largest stadium in the United States and the seventh-largest in the world.
The stadium is named after General Robert Neyland, a legendary Tennessee coach who guided the Vols to four national championships and helped shape the program into a powerhouse. His influence lives on not only in the stadium’s name but also in the Volunteer spirit that permeates every game day.
History of Neyland Stadium
1921: Originally opened as Shields–Watkins Field, with just 3,200 seats.
1930s–1970s: Expanded multiple times as Tennessee football’s popularity soared, eventually passing 80,000 seats.
1980s–2000s: Major renovations pushed capacity over 100,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in the country.
2004–2019: Ongoing modernization projects added new club levels, improved concourses, updated seating, and enhanced amenities while preserving the classic stadium atmosphere.
Today, Neyland remains a premier venue in college football, blending tradition with modern fan experiences.
Getting to Neyland Stadium
By Car: Neyland is located in downtown Knoxville, easily accessible via I-40 and I-75. Traffic on game days can be heavy, so early arrival is strongly recommended.
Parking: On-campus parking is extremely limited on game days. Many fans use downtown garages, private lots or park-and-ride shuttles. Purchasing parking in advance is the best option.
Shuttles & Transit: Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) offers shuttles from downtown and surrounding areas to the stadium.
Boat to the Game: One of Neyland’s most unique traditions is sailgating. Fans arrive by boat along the Tennessee River, docking at the Vol Navy, one of the most famous floating tailgates in the nation.
What to Expect on Game Day
Game day in Knoxville is nothing short of electric. Key traditions include:
The Vol Walk: Two hours before kickoff, players and coaches walk down Peyton Manning Pass to the stadium, greeted by thousands of cheering fans.
Pride of the Southland Band: The band’s iconic “Power T” formation opens the way for the team to run onto the field, one of the most recognizable entrances in college football.
Checker Neyland: Fans in alternating orange and white create a massive checkerboard pattern in the stands, matching the famous end zones.
Rocky Top: This Tennessee anthem is played throughout the game, uniting fans in song and spirit.
The Vol Navy: Tailgating on the Tennessee River adds a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, unmatched in college football.
The energy inside Neyland is deafening, making it one of the toughest places for opponents to play.
Seating at Neyland Stadium
With over 100,000 seats, Neyland offers a variety of experiences:
Lower Bowl: Closest to the field, filled with die-hard Vols fans and an electric atmosphere.
Upper Decks: Provide sweeping views of the field and Knoxville skyline.
Student Section: Located in the north end zone, where the energy never stops.
Club & Premium Seating: Areas like the Tennessee Terrace and East & West Clubs offer upgraded amenities, wider seats and exclusive concessions.
Skyboxes: Luxury suites with private seating, climate control and catering.
Stadium Policies
Bag Policy: Clear bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” are permitted.
Cashless Venue: Concessions and merchandise stands accept cards and mobile payments only.
Prohibited Items: Outside food and drink, umbrellas, coolers, noisemakers, drones and oversized signs.
Accessibility: ADA seating, elevators, ramps, and shuttle services are available for guests with disabilities.
Food & Drink at Neyland Stadium
Neyland offers a mix of traditional stadium food and regional favorites:
Tennessee BBQ: Pulled pork sandwiches, smoked brisket and BBQ nachos.
Classic Fare: Hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn and burgers.
Sweet Treats: Funnel cakes, cotton candy and ice cream.
Local Brews & Drinks: Domestic beers and local craft beer options are available in certain sections.
Premium seating areas feature more upscale dining options, including specialty cocktails and chef-inspired menus.
Notable Games & Moments
Neyland has hosted countless unforgettable moments in college football history:
1998: Tennessee’s perfect season capped by a national championship under coach Phillip Fulmer.
1995: Peyton Manning leads the Vols in one of his signature seasons before becoming an NFL legend.
2016: The Vols’ dramatic Hail Mary win over Georgia remains one of the stadium’s loudest moments.
Annual Rivalries: Games against Alabama, Florida, and Georgia are some of the most anticipated matchups of the season.
Nearby Attractions
Knoxville offers plenty to explore around game day:
Market Square: A lively downtown area with restaurants, bars and shops.
World’s Fair Park: A scenic area with the iconic Sunsphere observation tower.
Knoxville Museum of Art: Free admission and a great pregame activity.
Great Smoky Mountains: Just an hour away, perfect for fans combining football with outdoor adventure.
Neyland Stadium’s Legacy
More than just a football venue, Neyland Stadium is the heartbeat of Tennessee football. It represents decades of tradition, legendary players and unforgettable Saturdays in the fall. From the checkerboard end zones to the roar of over 100,000 fans singing “Rocky Top,” there’s nothing quite like it.
For Tennessee fans, Neyland is home. For visitors, it’s a bucket-list stop that showcases the best of college football tradition and SEC passion.
Plan Your Visit with SeatGeek
Whether you’re joining the Vol Navy, walking with the team during the Vol Walk, or witnessing the Pride of the Southland Band form the Power T, SeatGeek makes it easy to find the best tickets for your Neyland Stadium experience. Don your orange and white, and get ready for one of the most iconic atmospheres in all of college football.