Game day Questions - I’m taking my 14 yr old son to his first UT game vs UAB

[Sowbug2000]

I’m taking my 14-year-old son to his first UT game this weekend. we’re staying in Sevierville.

How early should I leave?

Where should I park?

Good place to hang out and take in the game day atmosphere ?

Thanks and Go Vols!

 

[GAVol]

Moving this to the Football Forum so you’ll get more suggestions.

 

[maryvillenative]

The Locust St garage typically has spots open early, I think I saw $30 as the price last week. From there it'll be a 15-20 minute walk to the stadium area. He would probably enjoy Vol village, they have games, food, and free stuff. The Vol walk starts at 10:25 and is exciting, but you need to get there early to get a spot with a good view. Bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, most seats will be in the full sun during this game and it gets HOT. Be sure to read the stadium policies on what can be brought in and the clear bag rule, you'll find times, maps, gate info, etc using the link below. Bring patience and have fun. It's so much fun to watch them at the first game., enjoy.

Lots of good info here: Football Gameday - University of Tennessee Athletics

 

[UTKalum23]

I’m taking my 14-year-old son to his first UT game this weekend. we’re staying in Sevierville.

How early should I leave?

Where should I park?

Good place to hang out and take in the game day atmosphere ?

Thanks and Go Vols!

What a wonderful opportunity. I still remember my first game on Rocky Top with my father and grandfather at 5 years old.

With the 12:45 kickoff, I would try to be parked by 9:45, but I am an early bird. See below for suggestions on making the Vol Walk in time.

Like the other suggestion, Locust St. garage is a great place to park. If you arrive plenty early, Church St. United Methodist Church at 900 Henley St. is another option. Since many of their spots are sold out for the season they provide this on their website: “one lot with spaces available for drive-ups on game days, down a steep hill on the south side of the church, toward the river. First come, first serve, $50 cash.”

Another parking option with not a lot of walking is the parking garage for the Knoxville Civic Coliseum at 501 Howard Baker Jr Ave. There you pay $25 to park and hop on a bus that will drop you off near the Student Union and Walters Life Sciences building. Easy walk right down Fulmer Way to the stadium. Even as a student, with an off-campus apartment, I would park there and ride the bus to the stadium.

With it being his first game, I’d try to make the Vol Walk. What a great tradition and it sets the tone for the day. You probably want to be parked by 9:25 AM for that. It starts at 10:25 AM.

Most of all, soak up the memories. What I would give to go back and relive some of those first games at Neyland Stadium with my Dad and grandfather. If he’s not already, you’ll probably be creating a lifetime fan with this trip. Enjoy and go Vols.

 

[Dadof2Vols]

I’m taking my 14-year-old son to his first UT game this weekend. we’re staying in Sevierville.

How early should I leave?

Where should I park?

Good place to hang out and take in the game day atmosphere ?

Thanks and Go Vols!

Go early as others have said. There will be a lot of first timers like you as a lot of season ticket holders sell their tickets and it is family weekend.

With that said vol village opens at 9:15 with football team walk at 10:25 followed by band at 11:05.

Now hint, if you get to downtown early check on the Market square Garage before trying Locust. You will thank me later.

It is an easy walk from downtown. Take Clinch Ave crossing Henley using the bridge at the Convention Center. From there walk straight down Clinch and turn left onto James Agee st. Sams Party store is on your right if you need cool drink. Takes James Agee and then cross Cumberland and the Student Union is on your right. Cut through the union for AC and for him to experience the big college building. When you get half way through Union you can turn right and exit to courtyard and take left into courtyard from door and keep moving straight and you will be on the Bridge and you will find a Smokey Statue to take a picture with. From there turn right on bridge and you will go to the UT seal after crossing Volunteer Blvd between McClung Plaza and the Hodges Library. Volunteer village is on the other side of of McClung Plaza.

Lots of Freebies for him to collect if you get there early. Bring a clear bag, sometimes you can get a freebie one there if you are early enough but don’t count on it.

You are going to have a blast and enjoy the little time you have with him before he leaves home.