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Neyland Stadium - home of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN
NCAA FBS

Neyland StadiumKnoxville, Tennessee

Tennessee

👥
Capacity
101,915
🏆
Conference
SEC
📅
Opened
1921
🌱
Surface
Grass

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📖About Neyland Stadium

Neyland Stadium is the sixth-largest stadium in the United States with a capacity of 101,915. Named for legendary coach Robert Neyland (173-31-12, four national titles), it sits on the banks of the Tennessee River and is home to the famous "Checker Neyland" tradition and the Vol Navy tailgating fleet.

🏛️History

Origins

Originally opened in 1921 as Shields-Watkins Field with just 3,200 seats, funded by UT trustee W.S. Shields and named for him and his wife Alice Watkins. Renamed Neyland Stadium in 1962 to honor the coaching legend who transformed Tennessee football.

Major Renovations

1962Stadium renamed for Robert Neyland
2010$136.4M renovation completed with club seats and plaza updates
2022Lower-west club and upper-north social deck added (101,915 capacity)
2024Stadium kitchen and skybox upgrades; Pilot partnership preserves Neyland name

Notable Moments

Sep 18, 2004Record crowd of 109,061 for Tennessee vs Florida
Oct 15, 2022#6 Tennessee upset #3 Alabama 52-49, fans stormed field and tore down goalposts
Oct 12, 2024Checker Neyland vs Florida—8th edition of the fan-driven checkerboard tradition

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Sections S, T, U, V are on the Tennessee sideline. Tennessee Terrace Club (T1-T7) offers chairbacks, AC lounges, and shade. Rows 52+ in Sections A, H, J and rows 16+ in XX1, YY6 are covered. Visitor sections are scattered in A-B, GG-OO, and Z13-Z15.

Parking Tips

90% of campus parking goes to season donors. Free parking downtown at Market Square and State Street garages. Look for yard signs near campus ($20-$60 depending on opponent). Locust Street Garage ($20) is a popular option. Rideshare pickup is on Volunteer Blvd East.

Game Day

Arrive 2 hours early for the Vol Walk on Peyton Manning Pass. The Pride of the Southland Band marches 90 min before kickoff. Don't miss the Vol Navy—200+ boats anchor on the Tennessee River for "sailgating." Vol Village has food, music, and ESPN GameDay on the big screen.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Old City Sports Bar

$$

Go-to spot with 25+ TVs and high-energy atmosphere. Free Coors Light until the first score.

📍 1.1 miles110 E Jackson Ave

💡 Great specials during Vols games.

Preservation Pub

$$

Lively atmosphere with a speakeasy inside. Radius Rooftop Bar offers great views.

📍 0.8 miles28 Market Square

💡 Check out the rooftop on nice gamedays.

Downtown Grill & Brewery

$$

Housed in a historic hardware store, offering in-house brews and hearty pub fare in a spirited environment.

📍 0.9 miles424 S Gay St

💡 Try the Nut Brown Ale. Great spot for pre- or post-game celebrations.

Balter Beerworks

$$

A former service station turned into a modern brewery and kitchen with a great outdoor space.

📍 1 mile100 Broadway SW

💡 Excellent craft beer and upscale pub food. The patio is a gameday favorite.

🍽️Restaurants

Calhoun's on the River

$$

Breathtaking views of Neyland Stadium and Tennessee River. Famous for smoked ribs and Rocky Top Potato Skins.

📍 0.8 miles400 Neyland Dr

💡 Must-visit for BBQ lovers. Make reservations.

Stock and Barrel

$$

Gourmet burgers and extensive whiskey selection in downtown Knoxville.

📍 0.9 miles35 Market Square

💡 The burgers are creative and delicious.

Tommy Trent's Bar & Grill

$$

Closest to stadium with Tennessee-themed menu. Volun-Tenders and Peyton Smash Burger.

📍 0.5 miles1706 Lake Ave

💡 Large patio perfect for gameday crowds.

🏨Hotels

Graduate Knoxville

$$$

Tennessee-themed boutique hotel on the edge of campus.

📍 0.8 miles1706 Cumberland Ave

💡 Book months in advance for Alabama or Georgia games.

The Tennessean Personal Luxury Hotel

$$$$

Upscale, boutique hotel centrally located near World's Fair Park and the university.

📍 0.6 miles531 Henley St

💡 The premier luxury option in Knoxville. Offers a refined gameday stay.

🎭Attractions

The Vol Navy

$

Unique "sailgating" experience - 200+ boats anchor on the Tennessee River before games.

📍 0 milesTennessee River

💡 Arrive by water for an unforgettable experience.

The Vol Walk

$

Longstanding tradition where the team walks down Peyton Manning Pass to the stadium.

📍 0.1 milesPeyton Manning Pass

💡 Starts ~2 hours before kickoff. Fans line the street to cheer on the players.

The Hill and Ayres Hall

$

The historic heart of the UT campus, featuring the iconic Gothic Revival Ayres Hall.

📍 0.3 milesThe Hill

💡 Iconic photo spot. Ayres Hall was the inspiration for the stadium's checkerboard endzones.

🅿️Parking Options

🏢

Locust Street Garage

$20
Garage📍 0.5 miles

💡 Popular option. Easier exit than campus lots.

🎉

Vol Village

Free
Tailgate📍 0.3 miles

💡 Food, music, and big screen TVs. Great atmosphere.

🏢

Market Square Garage

Free
Garage📍 0.8 miles

💡 Free on gamedays! A bit further, but saves $20-40.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Neyland Stadium? Share it with us.

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🔥Rivals

→

Saban Field at Bryant–Denny Stadium

Alabama

Third Saturday in October

Tuscaloosa, AL

→

Steve Spurrier-Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Florida

Third Saturday in September

Gainesville, FL

→

Sanford Stadium

Georgia

Athens, GA

→

Kroger Field at C.M. Newton Grounds

Kentucky

Lexington, KY

→

FirstBank Stadium

Vanderbilt

Nashville, TN

Stadiums Near Neyland Stadium

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Tucker Stadium

Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles

Cookeville, Tennessee90 mi
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William B. Greene Jr. Stadium

East Tennessee State Buccaneers

Johnson City, Tennessee90 mi
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Finley Stadium

Chattanooga Mocs

Chattanooga, Tennessee101 mi
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Frank Howard Field at Clemson Memorial Stadium

Clemson

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Paladin Stadium

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References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.