Hundreds of eager merch-seekers lined up outside the Neyland-Thompson sports complex as early as 4:30 a.m. on Monday, April 20, awaiting the annual UT Athletics equipment sale.

The line for the merchandise sale, which began at 5:30 p.m., extended from the entrance of Doug Dickey Plaza and wrapped around Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Ethan Murray, a UT senior, camped outside of the entrance for over 12 hours, starting at 4:30 a.m.

“Everyone right here in this group has ranged from 4:30 to 7 o’clock in the morning,” Murray said.

Some customers, including Murray, were ready to spend thousands of dollars on Vol gear, especially in anticipation of the switch of UT Athletics partners from Nike to Adidas, effective in the 2026-2027 academic year.

“It’s one of my last few months on Rocky Top,” Murray said. “And so I’m a big Nike guy, they’re doing the equipment sale to get rid of all the Nike products, so what better way than to stock up right now?”

Some consumers largely considered the increase in Nike apparel prices.

“There’s not going to be any more Nike sold for a reasonable price for the next several years, I’m sure,” Jonah Walker, a UT sophomore, said.

Many UT fans crowded the sidewalks — among them were sneaker enthusiasts, football gear collectors and customers with a range of other motivations.

“I travel all over, and I just love to get collectibles,” John Williamson, a sneaker collector who had been waiting in line since 5 a.m., said.

The merchandise inside ranged from as little as $10 to as much as $700, with some of the more expensive items being helmets and sneakers.