Football fans, get ready to don your orange gear and chant your hearts out as the University of Tennessee prepares to roll out the turf carpet for the SEC showdown against the University of Oklahoma. Scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. EDT kickoff on Saturday, Nov. 1, the grand event will see the two storied teams clash for the sixth time in their history, according to an announcement from UT Knoxville.
True to tradition, game day will be dressed in spectacle, starting two and a half hours before the players take to the field with gates opening at 5 p.m., and the pregame light show courtesy of Coca-Cola igniting the stadium into a visual frenzy. The designated band, Pride of the Southland, is set to entertain at halftime with their acclaimed Circle Drill performance. Fans sensitive to strobe lights should take note, as the shows will incorporate such effects.
In an honorary celebration, former Head Coach Phillip Fulmer will be acknowledged for his monumental role in UT's athletic lore. The man, who orchestrated UT's sixth national championship and back-to-back SEC titles in the late 90s, will be commemorated in the hallowed grounds of Neyland Stadium’s Championship Corner next fall. To catch every play and each tactical move live, enthusiasts can turn to the Vol Network's official radio broadcast, available across several platforms, including SiriusXM and the Varsity app. Spanish commentary has also been made available, ensuring a wider reach among Vol fans, per the university's release.
The iconic Vol Walk is slated for a 5:30 p.m. start at the Torchbearer statue, which should draw a river of fans – a sight hardly surprising in the Vol nation. Meanwhile, the Pride of the Southland Band's march will set into motion at 6 p.m., carving its usual route prior to entering Neyland Stadium at Gate 2. Festivities also pour into the perimeters of the stadium, with Truly’s Tailgate and Volunteer Village throwing open their revelries to the public from 3:30 p.m. onward, game ticket or not.
The venue has embraced the digital age with digital-only ticketing and parking pass systems, so a friendly reminder: Screenshots won't cut it for entry. Should you prefer a fistful of dollars over digital transactions, brace yourself for disappointment because Neyland has gone cashless. Fans can get all the detailed logistics, including accessible parking and on-campus traffic information, on the website to plan their game day for a seamless experience.
Beyond the cheers and the touchdowns, safety is a paramount theme. The university is strict with its no-drone zone, clear bag policy, and prohibition on smoking, aiming to provide a secure and enjoyable environment for everyone. For a detailed list of permitted and prohibited items, fans can refer to the clear bag policy. Game updates, parking strategies, and the nitty-gritty of stadium policies can all be accessed through the university's site or by downloading the Tennessee Athletics app.
