There’s something magical about fall weekends in Knoxville, Tennessee, especially when they revolve around the University of Tennessee (UT) football. The entire city buzzes with excitement as students, alumni, and fans flood into town to cheer on the Volunteers. A gameday weekend at UT is more than just attending a football game—it’s an immersive experience filled with tradition, local charm, and the vibrant energy of a city that’s deeply intertwined with the university.
Friday: Arriving in Knoxville
Your gameday weekend kicks off the moment you arrive in Knoxville. Nestled along the Tennessee River and surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville is a dynamic city with a rich history and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Once you get settled, the energy of the city is palpable as you explore downtown.
Start your Friday evening with a stroll along Market Square. This lively area is the heart of Knoxville’s downtown, filled with restaurants, bars, and boutique shops. You can feel the anticipation building as fans decked out in orange begin to gather. Grab a bite at one of the local favorites like Stock & Barrel for a classic burger, or treat yourself to Southern comfort food at Tupelo Honey. As the evening progresses, the camaraderie among Vols fans becomes infectious, with everyone eagerly awaiting Saturday’s big game.
Saturday: Game day in Big Orange Country
Saturday is the main event. A gameday at the University of Tennessee is an unforgettable experience, and the day is filled with traditions that make it special. Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at one of Knoxville’s iconic spots, like Pete’s Coffee Shop. Then, make your way to campus, where the energy is already building.
As you approach Neyland Stadium, the sprawling UT campus comes alive. One of the largest and most iconic stadiums in college football, Neyland holds over 101,000 fans and is the heart of the Volunteer experience. But before you head inside, there are a few must-see traditions to take part in.
First up is tailgating. Whether it’s on the expansive lawns around campus or along the Tennessee River, where the unique “Vol Navy” docks their boats, tailgating in Knoxville is a communal event. Fans gather hours before the game to enjoy food, drinks, and camaraderie. You’ll see grills fired up, orange tents lined up as far as the eye can see, and people sharing in their love for the Vols. If you’re lucky enough to be invited to a tailgate, you’ll experience firsthand the Southern hospitality that makes Knoxville so special.
Before heading into the stadium, be sure to catch the “Vol Walk,” where fans line the streets to cheer on the players and coaches as they make their way into Neyland. This is a cherished tradition that showcases the connection between the team and its supporters. The Pride of the Southland Band, one of the nation’s oldest marching bands, also plays a huge role in the gameday experience. Their pregame show, including the iconic formation of the Power T, is something every fan needs to see.
Once inside Neyland Stadium, the atmosphere is electric. As you look out over the checkerboard end zones and hear the roar of over 100,000 fans, it’s easy to see why gameday in Knoxville is unlike any other. The Pride of the Southland Band leads the charge, and the stadium erupts as the Vols take the field. For the next few hours, you’ll be part of one of the most passionate fan bases in college football, cheering on the team in a sea of orange.
Sunday: Exploring the city and campus
After an exhilarating Saturday, Sunday offers a chance to unwind and explore more of what Knoxville has to offer. The city is deeply connected to the university, and that bond can be seen in everything from local businesses to the art and music scene.
Start your day with a peaceful walk through the University of Tennessee’s beautiful campus. As one of the oldest campuses in the nation, UT is steeped in history and tradition. The historic buildings and lush green spaces are perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. Be sure to visit Ayres Hall, the university’s most iconic building, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Just off campus, Knoxville offers plenty of ways to spend your Sunday. For nature lovers, the Ijams Nature Center, located just minutes from downtown, offers hiking trails, riverfront views, and opportunities to explore Knoxville’s natural beauty. Or, if you’re in the mood for some culture, visit the Knoxville Museum of Art or the historic Tennessee Theatre.
Knoxville is a city that blends the energy of a college town with the charm of Southern hospitality. You’ll find that the university and the city are intertwined in a way that makes Knoxville feel like home, even if you’re just visiting for the weekend.
Knoxville and UT: A community like no other
What makes Knoxville so special is the way the city and the University of Tennessee coexist and thrive together. The city’s economy, culture, and spirit are deeply connected to the university, and this relationship creates a unique and welcoming environment for both residents and visitors.
Throughout Knoxville, you’ll find local businesses proudly displaying orange and white, restaurants and bars catering to UT fans, and a strong sense of community that revolves around the university. Whether it’s the excitement of gameday or the buzz of student life, Knoxville and UT are truly intertwined in a way that makes both stronger. Check out how ParkMobile launching at the University of Tennessee can benefit students, visitors, and Knoxville residents.
A gameday weekend you won’t forget
A weekend in Knoxville during football season is an experience that every Vols fan—and every college football fan—should have at least once. From the traditions of Neyland Stadium to the charm of downtown Knoxville, there’s something truly special about spending a weekend in Big Orange Country. Whether you’re here for the game, the food, the atmosphere, or all of the above, one thing is certain: a gameday weekend at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is an experience you’ll never forget.
Get it on Google Play