Dear Fans,

It's Time!

The start of the 2009 football season is finally here, and I can’t tell you how excited I am to play our first game inside Neyland Stadium. The excitement around the program is unbelievable! Our players and coaches have worked extremely hard this summer and in fall camp. As I said back in November, we will not be out-worked, and I still stand by that statement today.

Saturday’s season opener against Western Kentucky will be a landmark day for our entire program. I encourage everyone to come out early, enjoy the VolWalk and cheer loudly.

Part of what makes Tennessee so special is the fans. Your support, enthusiasm and excitement is contagious. Our coaches and players can feel it so join us for the Vol Walk at 10:35 beginning at the Torchbearer.

The weather forecast for sunny is 83 and partly sunny – perfect weather for football. If you don’t have tickets yet, check out www.uttix.com.

The Big Orange Nation is a team of one and I would like to ask each of you to help us show the rest of the college football world just how united we are. We are asking fans to create a "SEA OF ORANGE" in the stands of Neyland Stadium. The official 2009 Tennessee football t-shirt is on sale at your favorite Vol shop. Buy your shirt, wear it to the game and let’s create an event that none of us will soon forget.

If you are in town on Friday night, join the Pride of the Southland Band, the cheerleaders, and Smokey for the 3rd Annual Big Orange Blast pep rally and concert featuring country music star Sara Evans at World’s Fair Park.

Thanks for your support. I will see you at Neyland Stadium on Saturday!

Let’s Lock In. It’s Time!

Go Vols!

Lane Kiffin