Welcome to this episode of Tailgating SEC Style. Hi, I’m your host, Paul Stanley, and we’re showcasing the Tennessee Vols tailgating scene in Knoxville, Tennessee. C.J. Jackson’ll also join us with Tri-Star Tailgating, who will discuss the tailgating experience for new and visiting fans. 

 

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A few of the things we cover are the best ways to travel to Knoxville, where to stay, places to eat and drink, and sights to see. And although we’ll focus on tailgating during the fall football season, this information is relevant for any occasion, whether you’re taking your child to school for their freshman year, attending other sporting events, graduations, or just visiting the area. 

If you don’t mind, please share this episode with others interested in visiting these SEC schools and following Tailgating SEC Style on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on my website, OneSouthernman.com.

I also want to give a shout-out to Grant Walden at Heartell Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL. Grant is an awesome recording engineer, so if you need audio editing or help with your audio recording projects, Grant and his team at Heartell Studios are easy to find.

Tailgating With The Tennessee Vols

“Down the Field” is Tennessee’s official fight song. However, the unofficial song you’ll hear at UT games is the infamous “Rocky Top.” How often you hear Rocky Top depends on how many times the Vols score, which is few and far between these days.

The Vols have been in a “rebuilding” stage for the last several years, and now they’re under the command of Head Coach Josh Heupel. But fear not, the tailgating scene at Tennessee should be as strong as ever.

C.J. is the undisputed king of Tennessee tailgating. His Tri-Star Tailgate team is always next to Calhoun’s and has been around for years.

Vols fans sailgate with the Vol Navy along the Tennessee River near Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.

Not only are C.J. and company nearby, this is where you’ll also find the Vol Navy docked. One of the more unique tailgating experiences in the SEC is the Tennessee fans that “sailgate” on the docks along the Tennessee River, below Calhoun’s.

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Everything from 70-foot plus houseboats down tie-up, some all season long, and tailgate all weekend. And the best part is that anyone can access the docks and join in the festivities. Seriously, if you’re visiting Knoxville for a Tennessee football game, the Vol Navy is a “must-see.” You can spot the Vol Navy brigade from the Gay Street bridge too. 

Unlike other episodes, my personal description of where to stay, eat, drink, etc., is short because C.J. and I cover most of the recommendations during our chat. 

I grew up a fan of UT football and have been to more Tennessee games than any other school. I loved attending games during the modern heyday of Vol football. There’s nothing like Neyland stadium when 107,000 plus fans are cheering. 

Visiting Knoxville for Tennessee Vols Tailgating

Visiting fans and UT alumni can fly into the Knoxville Airport, and those who fly into the larger airports of Atlanta and Nashville will find direct routes into the city on I-75 and I-40. Regardless of how you arrive or where from, chances are you’ll take exit 386-B off of I-40 when visiting the UT campus. 

Knoxville’s population is just under 200,000. Neyland Stadium, named after Gen. George Neyland, was hired specifically to beat Vanderbilt, which seats over 107,000, making it one of the largest college football stadiums in the country. 

As always, I recommend that new and visiting fans forego any plans to set up their own tailgate. Immerse yourself in the Tennessee tailgating scene. Like all SEC fans, UT’s are hospitable and love to entertain and interact with visitors. 

Here are several hotels in downtown Knoxville like the Hilton Knoxville, Hyatt Place, etc. They book up early, but if staying close to the stadium is your preference, you’re in the right location. 

The Graduate Knoxville, a hotel chain specializing in properties near college campuses, is partially owned by former UT star quarterback Peyton Manning and his family. It’s located along the strip, and it’s worth visiting, even if it’s just for a cocktail. 

However, I also recommend that fans try to find an Airbnb these days. There are lots of hotel chains located along I-40 and 75. C.J. highly recommends fans try and stay on the west side of Knoxville and avoid the east side. Another hotel secret is Oak Ridge, around 25 minutes north of Knoxville. I used to stay there and always found good rates with a short drive to the stadium. 

Arrive Early, Tailgate Late

To fully enjoy the tailgate experience at any SEC school, I recommend arriving 3-4 hours before kickoff. Yeah, I know guys, it’s tough to get the girls moving that early, but believe me, it’s easier to get close to the campus and park instead of sitting in traffic. 

Tennessee’s tailgating scene is festive but spread out. The hilly campus is beautiful, especially when the leaves change colors. The most popular tailgating areas on campus are Circle Park, the Hill, and lot 9, directly by Neyland stadium. 

UT fans also tailgate in and around the parking lots close to the stadium. However, those are mainly season ticket holders who have access to those garages. Check out 

If you’re coming into the campus off Henley street, take Cumberland Avenue and try to find a parking spot there and around the strip or the area concentrated with bars and restaurants. 

Speaking of the strip, there you’ll find all types of restaurants and bars. I always recommend that visiting fans walk around there because it gives you a feel for the school. If you’re on Cumberland Avenue, follow it to the Student Union building at the corner of Phillip Fulmer Way and Cumberland. Head South, and you’ll pass the infamous parking lot 9, where many of UT’s oldest and long-time fans park. This is tailgating in its truest sense because everyone is standing by their vehicles and enjoying the festivities. 

If you’re near the stadium and want to find the Vol Navy, stay on Philip Fulmer Way and take Lake Loudon Blvd. to Neyland Drive and then head west. Or, take the shortcut behind Neyland Stadium and walk down the hill toward Calhoun’s. 

Knoxville has lots of great dining options to fit every budget. If you’re in town on Friday evening, visit Market Square in downtown Knoxville. You’ll find lots of spots like Tupelo Honey.

I could talk about many Tennessee Vols tailgating spots, but C.J. knows the area and campus better than me, so let’s go into our conversation.