Bringing the fam and a friend to Neyland for kY game. Rolling into Knoxville around 2pm saturday staying at a hotel up I275. Was wondering where the best place to park/get some pregame food before kickoff. Any and all recommendations are greatly appreciated.
Second this. Usually pretty easy to get out too with the way they've got traffic flowing.I like parking at East TN Children's hospital (they have Lots and Garage available), the money paid goes to helping out East TN Children's. From there you can walk down to the strip and there are plenty of food options there.
This seems like a good place to ask. It's been 5 years since I've been to a game. Are there spots around Neyland to buy Vols merch? I remember there were tents the last time selling some. Or where's the closest/best place to buy Vols merch close to the stadium?
You really have two main options: (1) Park near Cumberland Avenue aka "The Strip." There are food places a long the way. They flow traffic out of the area following the game but it can be congested; (2) Park downtown and enjoy Market Square or the Old City. This a bit of a walk to the stadium and you will likely be stuck in some traffic but will have more options for local food/drink.
There is parking all over the place but the two options above give the best availability on eating/drinks before the game. You also need to make sure you plan enough time to walk over for the Vol Walk.
I wished people would quit telling people that about free parking.I agree with last post
Parking in downtown garages is free on weekends but this season one has to get there pretty early to take advantage of that. If you can get to downtown a bit earlier, you can get a very good lunch at several places like Stock & Barrel or Tupelo Honey (for breakfast especially)
Then you can hang out for a while. Shop. See a movie at Regal Cinema or even walk the few blocks to campus. Shuttle bus service is available from downtown near Market Square or near Old City. If you have old, fat, old/fat or out-of-shape people, then the shuttle will work.
The strip is too nice now. I mess the junky strip with ugly parking lots to tailgate in.
I like the Old City. The Jig & Reel being a personal favorite and the shuttle service is there as well with some limited free parking under James White Parkway. You can actually walk to Neyland from the Old City pretty easily on Central Avenue as it's quite level and ends at Neyland. It is a bit of a pain walking back. I've NEVER had a bad meal at the Jig & Reel. The William Wallace Burger, the Bangers and Mash, etc. Add in the unlimited scotch choices and you may not want to go to game.
I love Stock & Barrel but I'd put the William Wallace burger against their stuff any day