Fall means a fresh semester, colorful leaves, cooler weather and most importantly — “It’s football time in Tennessee.” There’s nothing quite like experiencing your first game day and seeing campus transform into a sea of orange.
While you count down the days, here are a few tips and tricks for your first Tennessee football game.
Check out the Vol Walk
One of UT’s biggest game day traditions is the Vol Walk — the football team’s march to Neyland Stadium. The Vol Walk always happens two hours and 15 minutes prior to kickoff and is led by the Pride of the Southland Marching Band followed by the football team. Beginning at the Torchbearer Statue in Circle Park, the band snakes down Peyton Manning Pass before turning onto Phillip Fulmer Way to cross the walking bridge to enter Neyland Stadium. Shortly following suit, the football team moves down Peyton Manning Pass to Phillip Fulmer Way in the opposite direction.
The Vol Walk can get quite crowded, especially for big games like the home opener and conference games. Spectators fill the designated blocked off areas on Phillip Fulmer Way and the walking bridge — although, if you choose to stand on the watching bridge, just know you will be asked to move so the band can cross.
If you’re worried about being unable to see, I recommend getting there at least an hour in advance of the posted time. Times are usually released a day before the game and can be found on utsports.com and social media accounts like the Volunteer Club, or even a quick Google search should do the trick.
And you better know the words to “Rocky Top.”
What do I wear?
Game days are a time to let your fashion creativity fly. We go to college in Tennessee, so cowboy boots are always a great investment — just make sure they’re comfortable for a full day of festivities and football. I’ve seen girls tie strands of the orange and white shakers to their boots for a fun pop of Tennessee orange.
For girls, a cute dress or top and skirt with boots never fails. For guys, a polo and shorts or pants is always a classic go-to.
Another staple is the famous checkerboard game day bibs sold in the VolShop. While you may think they’re corny now, they’re a great option for when it gets cold to layer a sweatshirt or extra pair of pants under. I’ll proudly admit I own a pair.
Tennessee orange isn’t the easiest color to find, and more often than not, once you order something orange, it’s the wrong shade. If you’re struggling to find Tennessee-themed outfits online, the VolShop, Alumni Hall and boutiques around Knoxville are sure to have that perfect shade of orange we all love. If you’re someone who likes to plan ahead, these stores are available online to order items ahead of time.
Of course, make sure you have some variation of game day outfits in orange and white. One game a year, Neyland Stadium does a stadium checkerboard and designates a color to each section of the stadium. You don’t want to be caught wearing white amid a sea of orange. You can check what color your section is at checkertn.com by simply entering your section and seat number.
What do I bring?
A portable charger is a must. Your phone battery likely will not make it for a full day of football festivities, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Sunscreen is another must. I don’t care how high or low the UV is, if you’re sitting in the heat of the sun for a four-plus hour game, you will get burnt.
Most importantly, Neyland Stadium has a clear bag policy, so be sure to bring one if you plan on bringing extra things. Freshmen typically get some form of clear bag in orientation events. However, if you want a specific one, they are sold in places like the VolShop, Amazon and even boutiques around Knoxville.
Be early and plan ahead
I recommend getting inside Neyland Stadium early to beat the crowd and partake in pregame activities inside. Gates open two hours before kickoff, so arriving early gives you ample time to find your seat, grab some food and get pumped.
If you’re planning on meeting friends inside the stadium, arrange a set meeting time and place before going into the stadium, as you likely won’t have service to call or text them. Once you get inside, people are moving in all directions, so I recommend waiting either at a gate outside the stadium or at your section.
Big Orange Fridays
Bonus points if you wear your Tennessee swag around campus the Friday before game day for Big Orange Friday. Some student clubs and organizations may even give you a prize on Ped Walkway. What college student doesn’t love free stuff?
How to get tickets
Ticket purchases are made in two separate claims. In the first claim, you request an individual tick, or you can form groups with your friends to reserve seats together. You will need to elect a group leader and create a group password. Make sure you know your group leader’s NetID and your group password. If you are selected for the first claim, you will be notified via email prior to the claim period notifying you of when you can purchase a ticket for $20. If you are not selected, you can still request a ticket in the second claim, although groups are disbanded, so you run the risk of not being seated with your friends. You will be notified via another email if you were selected for the second claim.
Tickets are rewarded based on a loyalty system — essentially, the more athletic events you attend, the more T-Credits you get and the better your chances are for getting tickets. If you’re worried about getting tickets, I encourage you to attend fall sports like volleyball to rack up your T-Credits.
There are so many activities and resources available to make the most of your game day experience whether you’re in Neyland Stadium or watching from a restaurant downtown or even your dorm. Try new things, have fun and soak up your freshman experience.
