UCLA Fan Seeks Advice for Trip to K-Town for 9/12 Game

by 78Bruin on Aug 21, 2009 8:05 PM EDT Comment 16 comments

I'm a UCLA alum (Class of '78) who is eagerly anticipating the trip to Knoxville for the Vols-Bruins game. I have been longing to attend the game since last year's game at the Rose Bowl. During the pre-game tailgating last year, I met so many UT fans who made the trip from TN and elsewhere. By far, they were the nicest out-of-town fans I have encountered in the 20+ years I've been attending games at the RB. I promised myself then I would make every effort to make to this year's game.

I have discovered that UT football is steeped in tradition and I'm sure I'll be singing "Rocky Top" before I leave town. Neyland Stadium itself is a classic and has always been on my list of college stadiums to visit. Win or lose, this should be a great weekend.

I will be joined by 2 friends and we will be arriving in Knoxville Friday afternoon. I would like some recommendations on the following:

1) Are there any activities on Friday night that are worth attending?;

2) Where is the prime tailgating spot? (We'll want to witness the Vols walking into the stadium);

3) How early should we arrive on Satuday to get into the prime tailgating area?;

4) Where can we find the best BBQ in K-Town?;

5) What is the best sports bar in town?

Any and all responses will be greatly appreciated. Based on last year's experience, I expect to find the Vols fans to be very hospitable and classy. I hope you can say the same about those Bruin fans who will be attending.

Thank you very much.

p.s. Please do not make the mistake of comparing us to the fans of that school across town. The words "classy" and "Trojan fans" are never found in the same sentence.

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Hey, '78

I’m not the best expert on a lot of your questions, other than show up early and hang around Circle Park if you want to see the Vol Walk.

Now, BBQ I can help you with. Most people prefer Calhoun’s, and there’s one right by the river near campus. Click on pinpoint “A” on that map.

And others will be far more qualified to answer the other questions.

by Hooper on Aug 21, 2009 8:46 PM EDT reply actions

I tend to agree

as far as Calhoun’s. If you want good BBQ, just about anywhere in the state can take care of you, but for a gameday, definitely Calhoun’s on the river followed by a tour of the Vol Navy tailgating. Most people will invite you aboard for a drink or more, especially with a Bruins shirt/jersey on. As long as it’s not BamaFloridaGeorgia, you’ll pretty much be welcome everywhere….

Tennessee WILL beat Georgia on the way to 9+ wins in '09!!!
Eric Berry For Heisman!!!

by VolBrian on Aug 21, 2009 10:03 PM EDT reply actions

Some friendly advice.

There are a lot of building in close to the stadium, but none of them will be available for restroom stops. CAmpus security actually goes through and changes out all the locks on any buildings that are at least partially withing a certain perimeter of Neyland stadium. My department is in one of those buildings, and we’re not able to go in to study or do research starting at about 5 PM on the Friday before a game.

So when you’re planning any walking around close in to Neyland, don’t expect the building to be as inviting as the people.

by Hooper on Aug 21, 2009 11:19 PM EDT reply actions

Yes, absolutely Calhoun's

If you want to catch the Vol Walk, that’ll happen sometime around 215-230 for the 400 kickoff…it ends at Gate 21, and as Hooper mentioned above Circle Park is a good place to gather as well.

Will - Rocky Top Talk

by Will on Aug 22, 2009 12:56 AM EDT reply actions

Would agree with Calhouns....but...

You also mentioned a Sports Bar. In my opinion, the Half Barrel is quite nice. It has a bunch of TVs and a projector. However, keep in mind it is 21 and up. If you don’t mind people smoking it can be a really fun time! It is on the strip (Cumberland Avenue) and is about 2 blocks from the Copper Cellar (also a great restaurant to visit).

To Strive, To Seek, To Find, and Not to Yield.

by mike2ray on Aug 22, 2009 1:05 AM EDT reply actions

For what I know of the subject, I think those are the 2 best places near campus. But if you aren’t worried about being within walking distance to campus, the options do open up. ’Ray’s ESG’, for one. Barley’s is cool, though it’s not really a sports bar.

But I’ll need some help beyond that.

by Hooper on Aug 22, 2009 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Barley’s two dollar pint night, monday and tuesday, is awesome. I slummed through that place more than my share of time when I was in school. However, two dollar pints will not apply to the outrageous prices they charge during the weekend. That said, it almost always has quality live music on the weekends. If thats not your thing you can always go upstairs for some billards and darts.

by go_vols_go on Aug 23, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions

That place is still open?

Wow. It opened my senior year and I just assume it went under.

Eric Berry for sending the guy who wins the Heisman spinning 720 degrees in the air at the podium - or for intercepting it and returning it to where it rightfully belongs

by Graysnail on Aug 22, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh, FYI,

Knoxville is the city on a thousand hills. Be prepared for some vertical walking.

by Hooper on Aug 22, 2009 8:51 AM EDT reply actions

Bars

Roosters in the Rocky Hill area is a great sports bar. During and after the game, (especially after a big win). The only downside is it is a little out of the way from campus.

by go_vols_go on Aug 23, 2009 3:29 PM EDT reply actions

We were at the Rose Bowl last year

and the UCLA fans were awesome! Had such a great time (despite the heartbreaking loss….) When we were on campus in the 90’s we would always hit the Old College Inn at Cumberland on the Friday night before the game. Great TN atmosphere, and you gotta try the mixed cheese bings!

by ChicagoVolGirl on Aug 23, 2009 4:16 PM EDT reply actions

Welcome to Big Orange Country

I hope you enjoy your visit to Knoxville. Someone mentioned the Vol Navy. ESPN did a feature on the best college game day experiences in 2004. Number one was the University of Tennessee. And the number one thing to experience on game day in Knoxville was the Vol Navy. Don’t miss it! Well over 200 boats often dock on game day. It is between Calhoun’s on the River and Neyland Stadium. Look for the best party on Rocky Top!

by VolNavy on Sep 4, 2009 1:33 PM EDT reply actions

Please do not make the mistake of comparing us to the fans of that school across town. The words “classy” and “Trojan fans” are never found in the same sentence.

So true.

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Sep 4, 2009 6:17 PM EDT reply actions