Fans can expect the stands at the first Tennessee Vols home game against Missouri Tigers on Oct. 3 to look and sound a bit different than past years.
The legendarily loud Neyland Stadium has been limited to a maximum 25% capacity of roughly 25,600 attendees. This is being done to combat the potential spread of COVID-19 during the 2020 fall season.
Tennessee Athletics has considered suggestions from the CDC, the state of Tennessee and local health authorities. As a result, a list of health and safety guidelines has been set for the first home game.
What to do before arriving on game day
Before arriving for game day at Neyland Stadium, there are a few important things to do:
- Self-screen yourself and take your temperature before heading to the game.
- Stay home if you feel sick, have potentially been exposed to COVID-19 or have a temperature above 100.4 F.
- Download your tickets on your phone before arriving.
- Bring your face mask.
Can I tailgate before the first Tennessee Vols home game?
While there will be no traditional Vol Walk to kick off the game, a modified version of tailgating is permitted. No university-sponsored tailgates will take place this year. However, small unofficial gatherings are still allowed.
Before taking part in any pre-game excitement, there are a few new rules to consider:
- Parking lots open four hours before kickoff on Oct. 3.
- Gatherings should only include members of the same household or people who have tickets to sit with each other within the stadium.
- Fans may set up one tent per vehicle, limited to a 10×10 foot size.
- Tailgaters should maintain proper social distancing at all times.
- Fans must wear a mask at all times, except when eating.
Do I have to wear a face mask during the game?
Face masks covering the nose and mouth are mandatory for every attendee. Fans must wear a mask when entering, exiting and moving around the stadium.
The only time masks are optional is when a fan is able to maintain appropriate physical distance from any other attendee. Masks are also optional for fans sitting with a fellow member of his or her same household.
How does mobile ticketing work this season?
Mobile ticketing is another one of the improved health and safety measures Tennessee Athletics is employing for the 2020 fall season. The transition to mobile ticketing makes contactless entry possible for the stadium. This allows for a sanitary and quick admission for patrons on game day.
Attendees should download their tickets on their phone before arriving to the stadium. The ticket office located by Gate 21 can assist with any ticketing trouble on game day.
Much like every other year, all attendees must have a valid ticket regardless of age. Similarly, re-entry into the stadium is not allowed.
What should I expect when entering Neyland Stadium?
Fans will enter Neyland Stadium through the gate listed on their mobile ticket.
Keep in mind Neyland Stadium’s clear bag policy. Clear bags and small clutch purses up to a certain size will still be allowed.
When possible, fans should leave their bags at home. This helps reduce the overall time fans spend in entry lines. It also allows the stadium to decrease additional touch points when searching bags.
Public water stations within the stadium will be unavailable during games. Instead, attendees may bring one clear, factory-sealed water bottle per person into the stadium.
What’s new in Neyland Stadium this year?
Where the stadium lacks in public water stations it makes up for in the way of portable handwashing and hand sanitizing stations.
The stadium is taking extra cleaning precautions as well. A cleaning crew will continuously disinfect and wipe down high touch-point areas with antibacterial spray.
Neyland Stadium will be implementing physical distancing in all areas. This includes concession stands, elevators and merchandise shops.
Fans will also notice new signage and floor decals. These will remind attendees to adhere to the posted health and safety guidelines during their visit.
Can I still buy food and drinks at the game?
You’ll still be able to enjoy a cold beer and your favorite stadium snacks while you’re watching the game. This year, plexiglass dividers will separate you from concession employees.
All food will come pre-packaged or covered with a foil sheet. Additionally, there will be no condiments counter. Instead, single-serve condiments are available upon request.
Kiosks and concession stands will sell beer. This year, beer does not have to be poured into a cup. Wine will also be sold, though it is only available at the Tennessee Terrace, the East Club and the West Club.
“Reverse ATM” machines are another new feature this season. Fans can insert cash and receive a credit card in return to make purchases with.
To further reduce touch points, order and pay from your seat by using the FanFood app. Then, pick up your order at one of the designated pick-up locations.
Who is expected to win the first Tennessee Vols home game?
The latest ESPN FPI Predictions have Tennessee coming out on top against Missiouri on Oct. 3. The Vols have a projected 66.2% chance of winning against the Tigers, though they only have a projected 0.1% chance of winning the conference.
Legal sportsbooks do not currently have lines posted on the first Tennessee Vols home game against Missouri. This could change as the date draws closer.
Tennessee sportsbooks are expected to go live in time for the Vols to play Arkansas on Nov. 7. This will be the first instance where fans will be able to legally bet on a Tennessee Vols football game without leaving the state.
