Neyland Stadium: Tennessee Football Gameday Guide and Tips

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Neyland Stadium Seating Chart

Neyland Stadium, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, has a seating capacity of approximately 101,915 and a record crowd of over 109,000 in 2004 vs Florida, making it one of the largest stadiums in the United States. Here is an updated seating chart.

Remember, demand for Tennessee football tickets can be high, especially for marquee matchups and rivalry games. It’s advisable to plan ahead, be flexible with your game choices, and explore multiple ticket sources to increase your chances of securing tickets to the games you want to attend.

Tennessee Football Tickets

Getting tickets to Tennessee football games is very doable, however big SEC games require a little planning. Here are a few ways you can secure your spot in the stands and witness the action-packed games firsthand:

1. Get Tennessee Football Tickets Here. With our partnership you can get links to Tennessee games or any event on the planet.
2. Official University Channels: The University of Tennessee offers various channels to purchase tickets directly. Visit the official athletics website or ticket office for information on upcoming games and ticket availability. You can purchase tickets online, by phone, or in person at the ticket office. You can visit the official ticket office here: 
3. Ticket Exchanges and Fan Forums: Engage with fellow fans on online ticket exchanges or dedicated fan forums. These platforms often have community members who may have spare tickets or are looking to sell their seats. Be sure to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any transactions made through such channels.
4. Ticket Resale Websites: Check out verified ticket resale websites like Ticketmaster’s resale platform, where fans can sell their extra tickets at face value or below face value. These platforms offer a secure and reliable way to purchase tickets from fellow fans.
5. Season Ticket Holders: Reach out to season ticket holders who may be willing to sell individual game tickets. Many season ticket holders can’t attend every game and may be open to transferring or selling their tickets for specific matchups.
6. Alumni Associations and Fan Clubs: Connect with Tennessee alumni associations or local fan clubs in your area. They may have access to exclusive ticket offers, group packages, or pre-sale opportunities.

Best Seats At Neyland Stadium

Neyland Stadium is the home of the Tennessee Volunteers and seats 102,455 fans, making it one of the largest college football stadiums in the country. The vast majority of seats at the stadium are bleacher seating, with seats with chairbacks found in the Tennessee Terrace (sections T1-T7) and other premium areas. Unlike most large stadiums, the second deck hangs over the lower level and brings the cheap seats closer to the field.

Best Seats (Non-Premium)

Lower Level Endzone (Sections Y6-Y10, M-N): Endzone seating in the lower level is the cheapest way to get close to the field. Sections YY6-YY10 are some of the best cheap seats at Neyland Stadium. Most seats in these sections have backs on them (instead of bleachers), and all seats have a wonderful view of the scoreboard. However, don’t sit too high, as Rows 20 and higher often struggle to see all of the action in the nearest endzone due to the angle.

Upper Deck Front Rows: The view is great from the first row of the upper deck. The bottom of the upper deck is a favorite area, and the slope of the upper deck gives you a great view no matter how far back. Fan reviews consistently praise these seats for their excellent sightlines.

Upper Level Sideline (Sections AA-FF): Sections AA-FF are the only upper level seats on the sideline that are not club seats. Sitting in these sections is the cheapest way to get a midfield view. Sections CC and HH hug the 50 yardline and have a great view of the Vol sideline.

Best Value Options

Sections YY6-YY10: These offer chairback seats with excellent scoreboard views at reasonable prices – often considered the sweet spot for value.

Upper Deck Sideline: For fans wanting a midfield perspective without premium pricing, the upper sideline sections provide comprehensive field views.

Corner Sections (North Side): The XX and ZZ seats on the North side of the stadium have a good view of the videoboard and Rows 1-2 and 13 and higher are stadium chairs with backs.

Budget Seats

Sections to Target: Upper level corner and endzone sections offer the most affordable entry.

Sections to Avoid: Sections JJ-NN are among the worst seats at Neyland, given their exposure to the sun, lack of chairbacks and proximity to visiting fan seating.

Pro Tips for Neyland Stadium

Seating Strategy:

• Target Row 30+ in lower level sections – Rows 30 and higher will give you a better view of the field than being down close and you’ll avoid tunnel traffic
• Choose the West Side when possible – Sit in Sections R-W to have the sun at your back and Row 50 or higher to be under cover
• Avoid the South Endzone if you’re not a visiting fan – sections are often allocated to opposing team supporters
• Advice for Parents: If you are bringing little kids to the game, it is best to stay clear of sections adjacent to the student sections (D-K)

Premium Seating Options At Neyland Stadium

Neyland Stadium features several premium club areas including the East Club, West Club, Tennessee Terrace, and Transcard Premier Club, all offering luxury amenities like climate-controlled indoor spaces, all-inclusive food and beverages, and premium chairback seating. Premium seating options may involve a philanthropic capital commitment, with one-time capital gifts increasing donor rank and priority.

East Club Features luxurious 22-inch leather chairback seats with armrests, an adjoining indoor private club area, all-inclusive food and refreshments, and flat screen televisions. The primary benefit is access to the climate-controlled club room, especially welcome during early-season games as an escape from the heat. A football parking pass in Priority I is included per pair of club seats.

West Club The West Club opened in 2009 and features luxurious 22-inch cushioned chair back seats with armrests and all-inclusive food and refreshment with flat-screen televisions. The private club room features an outdoor balcony and faces the University of Tennessee campus, providing seat holders with a unique view of the Vol Walk down Peyton Manning Pass before kickoff.

Transcard Premier Club (Lower West Club) Located along the west sideline, featuring extra-wide, padded 22″ chairback seats with expanded leg room, an adjoining climate-controlled club amenity level, private restrooms, enhanced food and beverage offerings. These seats are close to the action, providing the best views of the game, with each pair of tickets including a parking pass.

Tennessee Terrace Located along the west upper deck, featuring chairback seats and cup holders, with a sideline view of all the action. The adjoining indoor concourse offers an expanded concession menu, private restrooms, and televisions in a climate-controlled setting overlooking campus, with a football parking pass included per pair of Terrace seats. Currently sold out.

Unique Features:

• West Club: Outdoor balcony overlooking Vol Walk
• Transcard Premier Club: Closest premium seats to field action
• Tennessee Terrace: Most affordable premium option with upper deck location
• East/West Clubs: 22-inch luxury seats with all-inclusive premium amenities

The Tennessee Terrace offers the best entry point into premium seating, while the Transcard Premier Club provides excellent field-level value for those wanting to be closest to the action.

For an overview of all options including Suites check out the Tennessee website.

Neyland Stadium Bag Policy

The bag policy at Neyland Stadium requires that all bags brought into the stadium must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and cannot exceed a size of 12″ x 6″ x 12″. Each person is allowed one clear bag and a small clutch purse no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″. All items, including clear bags and clutch purses, are subject to search at the gates by the University of Tennessee security team.

.Prohibited items include non-clear bags of any size, diaper bags, backpacks, alcoholic beverages, cans, bottles, coolers, outside food, snacks, beverages (unless needed for medical purposes), radios without headsets, open umbrellas, selfie sticks, video cameras, professional cameras or cameras with detachable lenses, and unmanned aircraft.

Neyland Stadium Gameday Guide

Get ready for a great time at Neyland Stadium! Learn about the important rules and policies, like the clear bag policy and guidelines for parking and rideshare. These rules help keep everything running smooth and make sure you have a fantastic game-day experience.

Additional Policies

In addition to the bag policy, there are several other policies that fans should be aware of when attending games at Neyland Stadium:

1. Cashless Venue: Neyland Stadium is a cashless venue and accepts all major credit cards as payment. This means that you must use credit or debit cards to make purchases at the stadium.
2. Permitted items: Fans are allowed to bring small clutch purses no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″, mobile phones, binoculars (without case), seat cushions without arms or pockets, and radios with headsets.
3. Stadium seats: Stadium seats with arms or pockets are not allowed inside the stadium.
4. Strollers and hoverboards: Strollers, hoverboards, and Segways are not permitted inside Neyland Stadium.
5. Medically necessary items: Medically necessary items, including outside food, snacks, or beverages, must be carried in a clear bag and are subject to search.
6. Diaper bags: Diaper bags are not considered medically necessary items; all diapers must be in clear bag.

Please note that these policies are subject to change without notice, and it’s always a good idea to check the University of Tennessee’s official website for the most up-to-date information before attending a game.

Neyland Stadium Parking

Free Parking (Get There Early!) State Street and Market Square garages in downtown Knoxville offer free parking on game days. They’re about a mile from the stadium, but you’ll walk through the scenic Farmer’s Market and World’s Fair Park. These fill up fast, so arrive early in the morning.

Affordable Parking ($10-$25)

• Civic Coliseum Garage – $10 parking, about a mile from stadium
• Blackstock Avenue Lot – $10 for cars, $50 for RVs
• City Garages – Main Street, City County Building, and Locust Street garages all charge $20
• Dwight Kessel Garage – $15
• Street Metered Parking – $25 (credit card only)

Shuttle Service – Great Option! For just $10 round-trip, you can take KAT shuttles from:

• Market Square (with free parking)
• Civic Coliseum ($10 parking + $10 shuttle = $20 total)
• Old City locations

Alternative: Farragut High School Free parking with a $20 round-trip shuttle. Total cost is $20, and it’s often less crowded.

RV Parking

• Civic Coliseum: $40-$160 depending on the game
• Blackstock Lot: $50 per day

Key Changes to Know

• No public parking on campus anymore – UT reserves all campus lots for season ticket holders and workers only
• Shuttle tickets are now cashless – must purchase through the Transit app
• Shuttles start 3 hours before kickoff and run for about an hour after the game

Pro Tips

• Arrive early, especially for free downtown parking
• Consider the shuttle option – it’s affordable and avoids traffic headaches
• Download the Transit app in advance if using shuttles
• Check the weather and dress accordingly for any walking

The shuttle service is honestly your best bet for convenience and cost. Park downtown for free or at the Civic Coliseum for $10, then ride the shuttle stress-free!

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Strict Rules Apply:

• Drop-off: Must use designated area in front of Claxton Education Building on Volunteer Boulevard
• Pickup: Circle Drive on The Hill after games (opens during 4th quarter)
• Cannot get close to campus due to road closures
• Expect higher prices and longer wait times on game days
• Plan for delays – traffic and demand make this pricier and slower

Insider Tips for Games at Neyland Stadium

Getting There & Parking:

• Arrive early! Traffic and parking are notoriously challenging on game days. Plan to be there 2-3 hours before kickoff
• Consider parking at the World’s Fair Park and walking across the Henley Street Bridge – it’s often easier than trying to park near campus
• The Vol Navy (boats on the Tennessee River) creates a unique pre-game atmosphere worth checking out even if you’re not arriving by boat

Stadium Experience:

• The student section gets incredibly loud – sit near sections A-F if you want the full energy experience
• Bring ear protection, especially for night games. Neyland can hit 100+ decibels
• The east side gets afternoon sun, while the west side gets shade later in the day during fall games
• Upper deck seats actually offer great views since the stadium is built into a hill

Food & Drinks:

• Eat on the Strip (Cumberland Avenue) before the game for better food options and prices
• Inside the stadium, the BBQ nachos are a fan favorite
• You can bring one sealed water bottle per person
• The concession lines move faster at halftime than right before the game

Traditions & Timing:

• Stay for the “Rocky Top” celebration after wins – the whole stadium sings along
• The Vol Walk happens about 2 hours before kickoff if you want to see the team arrive
• “Third Down for What” and the checker Neyland pattern in the stands are recent traditions worth experiencing

Weather Prep:

• Tennessee weather can be unpredictable in fall – layers are key
• The stadium can get windy, especially in the upper levels
• Afternoon games in September can still be quite hot
• Here is the latest forecast for Knoxville from the National Weather Service

Restaurant Options in Knoxville

Looking for great dining options and lively spots to enjoy a game day in Knoxville? Look no further! Here are some top recommendations for both mouthwatering meals and spirited game weekend atmospheres:

The Stock & Barrel combines premium quality beef with creative toppings in a relaxed gastropub setting. From classic cheeseburgers to unique combinations like the “Elvis” burger with peanut butter and fried bananas, this trendy spot delivers a mouthwatering experience for burger enthusiasts.

Connors Steak & Seafood stands out as one of Knoxville’s premier steakhouses, serving perfectly cooked steaks and fresh seafood in an elegant atmosphere. From tender filet mignon to succulent crab legs, each dish demonstrates their commitment to exceptional quality and will satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Calhoun’s offers authentic Tennessee barbecue with scenic views of the Tennessee River. This beloved local institution specializes in tender, slow-smoked ribs, juicy pulled pork, and mouthwatering barbecue chicken, all served in a warm, inviting atmosphere that embodies Southern comfort food at its finest.

Kaizen brings modern Asian fusion to Knoxville with an impressive selection of sushi rolls, creative small plates, and flavorful ramen bowls. The sleek interior and attention to detail create a memorable dining experience that expertly blends traditional Japanese flavors with contemporary flair.

Tupelo Honey showcases Southern hospitality through scratch-made, farm-to-table cuisine. Known for dishes like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and buttermilk biscuits, this restaurant transports diners to culinary bliss. Their famous sweet potato pancakes offer a delightful twist on breakfast classics.

Great Places for Drinks in Knoxville

If you’re in town for gameday, here are some fun bars and pubs near Neyland Stadium to check out just before or after the game:

The Strip (Cumberland Avenue) – Walking Distance:

• Copper Cellar – Upscale option with a great bar and Tennessee whiskey selection
• Cool Beans – Casual spot with strong drinks and a college atmosphere
• The Library – Dive bar with cheap drinks and a fun, no-frills vibe
• Tin Roof – Live music venue with good drinks and often has bands on game days

Downtown Knoxville (Short Drive/Uber):

• The Original Frozen Daiquiri – Unique Knoxville institution with creative frozen cocktails
• Preservation Pub – Multi-level venue with different vibes on each floor, great for groups
• Pretentious Beer Co. – Craft beer focus with excellent selection
• The Vault – Upscale cocktail lounge in a converted bank vault
• Crafty Bastard Brewery – Local brewery with great atmosphere

Market Square Area:

• Barley’s Taproom – Huge beer selection in a historic building
• Sapphire – Rooftop bar with great city views
• The Crown & Goose – British pub atmosphere

Pre-Game Strategy:

• Start on The Strip for convenience and college atmosphere
• Downtown spots tend to be less crowded pre-game but better for post-game celebrations

Post-Game Tips:

• Downtown bars stay open later and have more diverse crowds
• Market Square is great for continuing the party with fellow fans
• Many places offer game day specials on drinks

Hotels Near Neyland Stadium

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Knoxville, Tennessee, you’ll discover a range of accommodations that cater to every traveler’s preferences and needs. For gameday weekends try your best to plan and book in advance. Here are some top recommendations that offer comfort, convenience, and a delightful stay:

1. The Oliver Hotel: This boutique hotel nestled in downtown Knoxville offers a charming and luxurious experience. With its elegant rooms, personalized service, and proximity to local attractions, The Oliver Hotel is an ideal choice for those seeking a refined stay.
2. The Tennessean Hotel: Located just steps away from Neyland Stadium, The Tennessean Hotel offers stunning views of the Tennessee River and a prime location for game-day enthusiasts. This upscale hotel combines modern sophistication with Southern hospitality, ensuring a memorable stay.
3. Cumberland House Knoxville Tapestry Collection by Hilton: Strategically located near the stadium, offering a range of services for guests.
4. Graduate Knoxville: A popular hotel in proximity to Neyland Stadium, providing a comfortable stay and diverse amenities.
5. Hilton Knoxville: Situated in the heart of downtown, the Hilton Knoxville provides contemporary comfort and easy access to the city’s vibrant dining, shopping, and entertainment scene. Enjoy spacious rooms, excellent amenities, and warm hospitality during your visit.
6. Cook Loft: For a unique and luxurious experience, consider the Cook Loft. This upscale loft-style accommodation in the historic Old City district offers spacious, beautifully appointed suites with a touch of elegance and a homely atmosphere.
7. Courtyard by Marriott Knoxville Downtown: A mid-range hotel with a convenient location and a variety of amenities.
8. Hampton Inn & Suites Knoxville-Downtown: Offering a convenient location and affordable comfort, the Hampton Inn & Suites Knoxville-Downtown is a great choice for budget-conscious travelers. Enjoy comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to Knoxville’s downtown attractions.
9. Americas Best Value Inn – Knoxville East: A budget-friendly option in close proximity to Neyland Stadium.
10. Mainstay Suites Knoxville Airport: Another budget-friendly choice located near the airport, providing comfortable accommodations.

Please note that prices and availability may vary, so it’s advisable to check hotel websites or booking platforms for the latest information before making a reservation. Also book way in advance for big games. Rooms can fill up fast.

Fun Things to Do in Knoxville

If you’re head to Knoxville on a game weekend, here are a few things to check out:

1. Experience the Vol Navy: Head down to the Tennessee River and witness the unique tradition of the Vol Navy. Watch as boats decked out in orange and white gather for pre-game festivities, creating a lively and spirited atmosphere.
2. Explore Market Square: Take a stroll through the vibrant Market Square, located in the heart of downtown Knoxville. Enjoy a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat, shop for souvenirs, or simply soak up the local atmosphere.
3. Visit the Sunsphere: Get a bird’s-eye view of the city from the iconic Sunsphere, a structure left from the 1982 World’s Fair. Take an elevator ride to the observation deck and enjoy panoramic views of Knoxville. It’s a unique way to appreciate the cityscape.
4. Check out the Knoxville Museum of Art: If you’re looking for a cultural experience, visit the Knoxville Museum of Art. Explore the diverse range of exhibits, featuring contemporary art, regional artists, and rotating collections. It’s a great way to appreciate the local arts scene.
5. Enjoy the Tailgating Scene: Join in the pre-game festivities with the passionate Tennessee fans. Engage in tailgating traditions, including cookouts, games, and spirited conversations. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the game day atmosphere and connect with fellow fans.
6. Take a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains: If you’re up for an outdoor adventure, venture just outside of Knoxville to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoy scenic hikes, breathtaking views, and the tranquility of nature. It’s a perfect escape from the game day frenzy.

The recent expansion of the SEC and college football playoff will provide exciting new destinations to visit. Here is a link to our college football section to explore other venues in the country, as well as some common Vol opponents. We hope you enjoyed the guide! Let us know if we missed anything.

Alabama

Georgia

Florida

Oklahoma

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