One of college football’s loudest stadiums, Neyland Stadium, plans to turn the volume back up to full blast for the upcoming season.
The Tennessee Vols will welcome a packed house for home games beginning in September.
Neyland Stadium celebrates 100 years with full capacity games
This year marks Neyland Stadium’s 100th year in existence. And what better way to celebrate such a monumental milestone than by adorning the stadium with thousands of screaming Tennessee fans belting out Rocky Top?
“We are planning on full capacity at Neyland in the fall. Barring some change in the public health status in this country, that’s where we’re headed for.”
These increased capacity events begin with the first home game of the season, which kicks off on Sept. 2 against Bowling Green. Other home games on the 2021 Tennessee football schedule include matchups against:
- Pittsburgh – Sept. 11
- Tennessee Tech – Sept. 18
- South Carolina – Oct. 9
- Ole Miss – Oct. 16
- Georgia – Nov. 13
- South Alabama – Nov. 20
- Vanderbilt – Nov. 27
This return to (almost) normal has been a long road for Tennessee. In 2020, the university undertook extensive efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 on campus and during events. The stadium operated under strict guidelines with limited capacity attendance.
Cases peaked for students and staff last fall, but have since been on a downward trajectory.
Although the university may be easing restrictions at the stadium, it is not slowing down on efforts to prevent future spread. COVID-19 vaccines have not been made mandatory for students and faculty, but they are strongly encouraged.
The university is extending efforts by offering free vaccines to both the public and those on campus via the Student Health Center and Student Union.
Plowman said UT will likely also use mobile vans to aid in shot distribution to the greater Knoxville area.
Tennessee Vols football odds
The Vols finished a lackluster 2020 season ranked 5th in the SEC East. This year marks a fresh era under new head coach Josh Heupel, although sportsbooks aren’t convinced this will be a positive change for the team, at least not within one year’s time.
Current SEC East odds give Tennessee a +1400 chance of walking away with a division title, behind Georgia, Florida, Kentucky and Missouri.
On the conference level, the Vols sit behind Ole Miss, Kentucky, and seven other teams, at +8000 odds of winning the SEC.
When it comes to college football’s next national champion, Tennessee currently sits at +25000.
A new head coach and a stadium at full capacity may be just the formula the Vols need to turn 2021 into a winning season.
Those looking to bet on the Vols’ future can do so by clicking the odds below.