Senior Staff Writer/Editor/Host
Today’s average college gameday experience is a spectacle compared to the more modest beginnings of college football. If the typical experience is a circus, then Neyland Stadium is the Disneyland of college sports—a place where traditions meet innovation in a celebration of Volunteer pride. But this wasn’t always the case, even at Neyland. The journey from humble beginnings to the grand spectacle we see today is as captivating as the game itself.
The Volunteers first took the field at Neyland Stadium in 1921, triumphing over Emory & Henry with a 27-0 victory. That day, 3,200 spectators filled the stadium to its then-full capacity. The atmosphere was already electric, with parades and speeches marking the opening of the iconic venue.
One of Neyland’s most cherished traditions, the Vol Navy, began in 1962 when radio broadcaster George Mooney, the voice of the Vols from 1952 to 1967, took a boat to Neyland to avoid the notorious game day traffic. Word spread, and soon more fans were docking their boats along the Tennessee River, just a short walk from the stadium. Today, up to 350 boats can be seen lining the riverbanks, creating a unique, festive atmosphere.
While informal tailgating likely existed before, it wasn’t until the 1960s and 1970s that organized tailgating with tents, grills, and designated spaces became a widespread tradition, further enriching the gameday experience.
On September 18, 1965, the tradition of "Running Through the T" was born when the team ran through a 'T' formed by the Pride of the Southland Marching Band before a game against Army. This spectacle quickly became a key part of the Volunteer experience, setting the stage for the energy to come.
In 1990, another beloved tradition took root: the “Vol Walk.” On October 20 of that year, Head Coach Johnny Majors led the Volunteers on a march from Bill Gibbs Hall down Yale Avenue (now Peyton Manning Pass) and Stadium Drive (Phillip Fulmer Way) into the stadium, two hours before kickoff against Alabama. Today, the Vol Walk begins at the Torchbearer statue in Circle Park, following a similar path to the stadium, and remains a cherished part of gameday.
The late 1990s marked a significant expansion for Neyland Stadium. Starting in 1996 and completed in 1999, the stadium’s capacity was increased to 100,000 fans, solidifying its reputation as one of the premier venues in college football.
As these traditions became firmly established, new additions like the Vol Village in 2001, with its inflatable bounce houses, face painting, and food vendors, further enhanced the fan experience, making gameday at Neyland a family affair.
Under Athletic Director Danny White, the gameday experience has continued to evolve, with innovations such as the “Vol Village Music Festival,” Blackhawk helicopter flyovers, drone light shows, and fireworks. These additions have elevated Neyland Stadium’s reputation as a must-see event in college football.
Looking ahead, the Neyland Stadium Entertainment District is set to usher in a new era of gameday experiences. This innovative project will feature a hybrid condo/hotel building with a rooftop restaurant and bar overlooking the stadium, along with 240 rooms, 60 luxury condos, conference centers, lounges, and spas. Tailgating opportunities and retail stores will also be part of this exciting development.
From its modest beginnings to its current status as a beacon of college football excitement, Neyland Stadium has evolved into much more than just a place to watch a game—it’s an experience, a tradition, and a spectacle that even opposing fans will not want to miss.
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