Need Neyland Stadium advice

When I still lived in Georgia I took both routes out of Ellijay and later Cartersville. I didn’t really see any major advantages either way. 75 is obviously a higher speed limit, but I would also take Highway 411 to Maryville and cut over. The 411 route gives you a lot more scenery, and I took it more often than not due to that reason (and because it put me closer to Sevierville where some of my family resides.)

Parking is a nightmare. My parking advice? At the corner of State St and Church Ave is a Presbyterian Church. They usually have pay parking thats reasonable (I think it was 5 or 6 bucks last game I was at) and its only a couple of blocks from the Stadium. There’s a short cut through an apartment complex with a small trail under the train tracks that will speed up your walk, but take a flash light if its a evening game as climbing back can be treacherous in the darl but I haven’t had any problems. Otherwise? if you have to ask: don’t park. They will tow you. (This happened to me heh)

Personally I hit Cumberland. Get there early, or be prepared to stand in line at some of the establishments and pay cover. If you get there early enough however you can slide in without the cover charge and without a line. Most placed shut down around 3 to 4 am so bring your game face

Save for meeting people I know, I have never just wandered in to any tailgates. I have heard it done, and have witnessed it but it always seemed inappropriate to me and a good way to get shot under the right circumstances. otherwise again renting a parking spot usually will get you carte blanche to tailgate there. Just be sure to use a foozy if you get my drift

As for Ducks clothing I wouldn’t sweat it. We usually have representation of the other guys at most every game although you may get an occasional cat call or shouts for Duck season to be open :)

Hope this helps!

If you’re not acting like a jerk, odds are that nobody will give you any problems.

… the Vols fans have class.
You are travelling to Knoxville, not Gainesville.

Parking is horrific. I’m a cheap-o and I park right off the 17th street exit off of I75, and it is a pretty good hike to the stadium, but there are no lines to wait in to get back on the interstate or Middlebrook Pike. Taking 411 up is a gorgeous drive in the foothills.

The Stadium opens 2 hours prior to kickoff. Stick around outside for the VOL walk, watch the Pride of the Southland band march in.

As far as your attire, you’ll be just fine. I’d like to think we, vol fans, have class, minus the occasional crazy or two (we all have ’em).
Cumberland Avenue is probably your best bet for the bars, but like BloodSpite said, be prepared to wait and pay cover.

Parking can be horrendous. Outside of the parking garages next to the stadium (which require a pass) the parking situation is totally random. There isn’t a giant quad or large field where the tailgating takes place, its more scattered about in smaller lots or parks. There are a ton of tailgaters, its just we’re all spread out. People will improvise and find some pretty creative places to tailgate. My advice would be to get here early in order to find a place to park so you don’t end up driving in circles wasting valuable drinking time. I’d say an average price to park would be around $20 for a spot within a 15 minute walk of the stadium. Of course the farther you are willing to walk the less you will pay.

I think 2:15 hours before kickoff is the Vol Walk which is something worth watching. As is the Band’s salute to the Hill. Ask around an I’m sure someone will point you in the right direction. The Vol Navy is also worth a walk down to the river to snap a picture of.

As far as bars just go to Cumberland Ave. (aka the Strip). Obviously with 100,000 clogging the bars lines will be longer then usual. I myself have never had to pay a cover in order to drink. Bars I recommend Cool Beans (cheap beer, pool tables), the Roaming Gnome (good drink deals and a cool patio), Half Barrel (biggest beer selection), Tin Roof (typically has live music). Also get yourself a burger at Old College Inn.

The tailgating atmosphere is amazing. 99% of the people you meet will be friendly. They may give you a ribbing but all in good fun. Of course every fanbase has its obnoxious zealot fans, just ignore them. Bottom line, don’t be a jackass and Tennessee fans will treat you well. Same goes with wearing your Oregon colors. You might get some “duck is in season” cat calls, but that is to be expected. I’m proud of the hospitality and class Tennessee fans generally exhibit. A UCLA fan I met at our match up in Knoxville last season summed it up pretty well, I don’t remember his exact words but it was something like this “My day has been good. Tennessee people are almost too nice, its got me a little uneasy.”