RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesKNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 12: A Checkered Neyland Stadium for the college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Florida Gators on October 12, 2024, at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Rejoice, football fans! It’s almost the best time of the year, when Tennessee football is back on our TV screens. The Vols are set to play their first home game in just under a month, and 100,000-plus Tennessee fans will once again be able to pack Neyland Stadium.
The Vols’ first home game of the season is against FCS Furman on September 5. The other home games on the 2026 slate are against Kennesaw State, Texas, Auburn, Alabama, Kentucky, and LSU.
Whether you’re a season ticket holder, go to a game or two a season, or you’re preparing for your first-ever visit this season, there are some things you should know about attending a game at Neyland Stadium. Today, we’re going to talk about what those things are for 2026.
Get to campus early
Tennessee games are not the type of games you get to 10 minutes before kickoff. If you’re heading to a Vols’ game , you need to make sure you get to campus plenty early.
You’ll most likely have to park a good bit away and walk as well, so give yourself plenty of time. Even if you’re parking situation is figured out and you know where you’re going, you should still try to get to campus a few hours before kickoff. There are always plenty of parties and tailgates to check out, plus some great scenery and places to eat. Make sure to check out all the campus bookstores, too.
Plan on making it an all-day experience. Knoxville is one of the most beautiful towns in the country and there’s so much to do and see that maximizes the experience.
Best environment in college football
This one would be considered a hot take by many people, but I think it’s true. Neyland Stadium is one of the best homefield advantages in all of sports and the best overall environment in college football.
With the Vol Navy tailgaters before the games, the raucous student section, and the unmistakable sound of 100,000-plus fans belting out Rocky Top, there’s no question Neyland Stadium is an intimidating place for opponents. College football analysts like Josh Pate have frequently called Neyland one of the loudest stadiums in college football.
When you head to Neyland, you’re heading to one of the legitimately special experiences in college sports.
Knoxville and Tennessee fans are different
I’ll make another bold statement here. I don’t think there’s a college fanbase more loyal and dedicated than the VFLs. The amount of suffering the Vols have endured, and the fans are still as loyal and optimistic as ever, is truly a sight to behold.
The entire city of Knoxville is based on Tennessee athletics. Everywhere you go, on campus or not, you will see orange and white. Everybody you talk to in the city will want to talk about the Vols. Knoxville isn’t a city that just comes alive once a week — the entire area lives and breathes Tennessee athletics.
After a long summer, Tennessee will be back on September 5th with the home opener against Furman.
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