Volunteer Boulevard will close in stages today for the University of Tennessee’s 2026 Homecoming parade. The procession starts at 4 p.m. in front of Fraternity Park, crosses campus and finishes at Neyland Stadium, according to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Former Lady Vol softball star Monica Abbott is grand marshal for the week’s All Roads Lead to Tennessee celebration.
Abbott graduated from UT in 2008 and recorded 23 no-hitters and six perfect games during her Tennessee softball career, according to University of Tennessee News. The university says the parade will move northeast toward Circle Park Drive. WATE 6 On Your Side plans to stream the event.
Road Closures Timeline for Parade Day
The first restriction begins at 2 p.m., when two eastbound lanes of Volunteer Boulevard between Todd Helton Drive and Pat Head Summitt Street close to let the parade line up, according to WATE 6 On Your Side. At 3:30 p.m., both directions will close from Pat Head Summitt Street to Peyton Manning Pass. That stretch is expected to remain closed until the parade ends.
Along the route, a judging booth will be at Circle Park in front of the Torchbearer statue, according to University of Tennessee News. The procession then turns onto Peyton Manning Pass and concludes in front of Neyland Stadium, where the Volunteers host Kentucky the following day.
Regular Transit Around Campus
Apart from parade-day arrangements, UT’s fare-free T transit system serves campus seven days a week, according to UT Parking and Transportation. The system includes 12 fixed routes and on-demand accessible transportation.
A Week of Orange-Tinted Traditions
The parade is part of a Homecoming week running November 1 through November 7, according to University of Tennessee, Knoxville Student Life. Earlier in the week, students dyed the Europa and Bull fountains orange on Monday; Wednesday’s Rocky Top Rally brought students, faculty and staff together to pick up spirit items and snacks.
Homecoming concludes Saturday when the Volunteers meet the Kentucky Wildcats at Neyland Stadium at 6:15 p.m., according to University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
