Neyland Stadium Renovations

[VolInDayton]

I would be ok with them taking out a couple thousand seats to add room but there is just something about having a stadium that seats over 100000 that i like a

 

[Volbackhomefromtx]

I'm 62 years old and am starting to have issues with ramps, steps and other things like some others and my season tickets are in the upper deck on the South End. That means I endure long waits for anything, archaic bathrooms, and not much of a choice on concessions. However, I am against anything that reduces seats. I will always have the opinion that someday, and hopefully someday is someday soon, that we will fill the stadium again. I want the competitive advantage of having loud Vol fans in the stands to intimidate our opponents. As far as all these other amenities are concerned, the stadium renovation plans are dressing them slowly. But we cannot expect that to happen until revenues are up and these modifications become a priority again. If anything, at the point that it makes sense to do so, I would like to see an engineering feasibility study to determine if more seats could be added to the stadium

 

[salutethehill]

Throw a 3rd deck on there and call it a day.

 

[keckjm]

I'm 62 years old and am starting to have issues with ramps, steps and other things like some others and my season tickets are in the upper deck on the South End. That means I endure long waits for anything, archaic bathrooms, and not much of a choice on concessions. However, I am against anything that reduces seats. I will always have the opinion that someday, and hopefully someday is someday soon, that we will fill the stadium again. I want the competitive advantage of having loud Vol fans in the stands to intimidate our opponents. As far as all these other amenities are concerned, the stadium renovation plans are dressing them slowly. But we cannot expect that to happen until revenues are up and these modifications become a priority again. If anything, at the point that it makes sense to do so, I would like to see an engineering feasibility study to determine if more seats could be added to the stadium

How long have you had season tickets for?

 

[utvolpj]

another jumbotron will never happen

also, who is worried about wifi while watching a game live? I can honestly say the thought had never crossed my mind

 

[rocky top buzz]

I agree with those that want to maintain the historic level of 100k+ seats, and really I don't disagree. But the reality is we've all gotten spoiled by modern conveniences and you do have to give some of that up when attending a game at Neyland (and not just Neyland, but most non-pro facilities).

The discussion about cell signals and wifi are a must. And don't limit it to the UT game on the field, If Tennessee is blowing out WKU and I'm at the stadium, maybe I want to stay there but maybe I'd like to pull out my galaxy note and check out some of the other games going on around the country.

I think chair backs really should be expanded. Maybe not the whole stadium, no need to give chair backs to the visitors. Going to Titan's games really spoils you, you have your own seat and a cup holder. You can stand up when you want but sit down when you want. Offset this by completely removing bleachers from the student section and put them all in the lower bowl. Students don't want to sit, don't need to sit! Let them have the lower section and don't charge them for admission. The extra charge needs to be done away with yesterday.

 

[mgutvol03]

8th) - start accepting debit cards at the concession stands!! Ridiculous that i can use it at chattanooga mocs and lookouts games but not at neyland frickin' stadium!!!

amen to that!

 

[rockytophigh]

I'll add my .02 to this. First....let me take you back to when Neyland was something to behold. Neyland Stadium used to be feared by opposing teams and fans. This was before the jumbotron and before the second deck was added.

Plastic cups & streamers used to rain down from the upper level by the hundreds when we scored. Confetti would fly....beach balls were battered about. There were times the upper deck actually moved from fans going crazy. You couldn't hear the person STANDING next to you even though they were yelling 8 inches from your face. Grins were ear to ear...partly from Jack Daniels and partly from the fact we just went ahead in the game. Dad's picked up their children and let everyone high five them....strangers hugged....ushers hugged. We paid those prices and paid no more!

In my opinion Neyland has become a passive, roll over and take it stadium. Please don't tell me winning will bring it back either. In 1988 we were losing by the bucket loads and the old girl was still rocking. I think it's the seats....the corporate boxes....and the ticket prices that have changed the culture of our beloved Neyland Stadium.

I am 43 now....and I vowed to NEVER be one of those alumni who sat on their hands and asked people to sit down. If I get to the point I can't stand and can't see....I won't complain. I will sing Rocky Top as loud as I can from my seat and cheer my tail off.

So yes, while I'd love better cell coverage, be able to see and hear the games at concession stands that served better food (the new hot dogs suck).....I'd much rather bring back what some of you call rednecks or hillbillies, but I call good ole boys who could afford a ticket. Bring back the fans who love to get rowdy and let Neyland be heard all the way from Asheville to Nashville again!

 

[volspeach]

I'm 62 years old and am starting to have issues with ramps, steps and other things like some others and my season tickets are in the upper deck on the South End. That means I endure long waits for anything, archaic bathrooms, and not much of a choice on concessions. However, I am against anything that reduces seats. I will always have the opinion that someday, and hopefully someday is someday soon, that we will fill the stadium again. I want the competitive advantage of having loud Vol fans in the stands to intimidate our opponents. As far as all these other amenities are concerned, the stadium renovation plans are dressing them slowly. But we cannot expect that to happen until revenues are up and these modifications become a priority again. If anything, at the point that it makes sense to do so, I would like to see an engineering feasibility study to determine if more seats could be added to the stadium

Have you thought about moving your seats to an area more convenient for your needs?

 

[terrypedigo]

lolarkinglol:Bathroomslol:5,000 drunkslol:

 

[VOL6479]

lolarkinglol:Bathroomslol:5,000 drunkslol:

A lot of NFL stadiums are worse.

 

[UTGnome]

another jumbotron will never happen

also, who is worried about wifi while watching a game live? I can honestly say the thought had never crossed my mind

I agree with pj.

If you are worried about wifi, go home and watch the game on tv. It's on TV, you don't need to tweet every play or score updates.

 

[VOLinCO]

According to a CDC report, the average height for adult Americans increased by one inch between 1960 and 2002. However, the average weight went up by 25 pounds in that same period. I can only imagine how much folks have grown since then.

With that said, wasn't most of the stadium seating and walkways designed with smaller people in mind? If yes, wouldn't the vast majority of the stadium seating have to be reconfigured to meet the "growing" demands of today's and tomorrow's fans?

That could mean a reduction of several thousand seats. As previously discussed, are fans prepared to lose the status associated with having one of the top stadiums in size while they are asked to pay more for tickets to offset the loss in revenue?

 

[WallyBalls]

I'm only 30 but when I started going to Neyland it was less than 100k. It rocked a hell of a lot more than it does now. I see no special attachment to that number if the seats are miserable and/or not filled.

Its like a Suburban/Excursion everybody just had to have in the 90s/2000s. It was nice then, but as time as moved on they are starting to be somewhat obsolete.

Go to chairbacks everywhere but upper south endzone and student sections (bleachers in those areas except for a section or two of painted bleachers with no assigned seats in the student section, open those to first come, first serve). Upgrade the bathrooms and make it possible to at least get a text out and then you're making some good progress.

 

[GAVol]

I agree with pj.

If you are worried about wifi, go home and watch the game on tv. It's on TV, you don't need to tweet every play or score updates.

another jumbotron will never happen

also, who is worried about wifi while watching a game live? I can honestly say the thought had never crossed my mind

Seriously? I use stadium wifi all the time if for no other reason than to be able to see up to date stats, scores etc.

 

[Boca Vol]

Offset this by completely removing bleachers from the student section and put them all in the lower bowl. Students don't want to sit, don't need to sit! Let them have the lower section and don't charge them for admission. The extra charge needs to be done away with yesterday.

Baylor is doing that in their new stadium for the students. It's just a big open/plaza area. Interesting idea.

I'll add my .02 to this. First....let me take you back to when Neyland was something to behold. Neyland Stadium used to be feared by opposing teams and fans. This was before the jumbotron and before the second deck was added.

Plastic cups & streamers used to rain down from the upper level by the hundreds when we scored. Confetti would fly....beach balls were battered about. There were times the upper deck actually moved from fans going crazy. You couldn't hear the person STANDING next to you even though they were yelling 8 inches from your face. Grins were ear to ear...partly from Jack Daniels and partly from the fact we just went ahead in the game. Dad's picked up their children and let everyone high five them....strangers hugged....ushers hugged. We paid those prices and paid no more!

In my opinion Neyland has become a passive, roll over and take it stadium. Please don't tell me winning will bring it back either. In 1988 we were losing by the bucket loads and the old girl was still rocking. I think it's the seats....the corporate boxes....and the ticket prices that have changed the culture of our beloved Neyland Stadium.

I am 43 now....and I vowed to NEVER be one of those alumni who sat on their hands and asked people to sit down. If I get to the point I can't stand and can't see....I won't complain. I will sing Rocky Top as loud as I can from my seat and cheer my tail off.

So yes, while I'd love better cell coverage, be able to see and hear the games at concession stands that served better food (the new hot dogs suck).....I'd much rather bring back what some of you call rednecks or hillbillies, but I call good ole boys who could afford a ticket. Bring back the fans who love to get rowdy and let Neyland be heard all the way from Asheville to Nashville again!

There's a lot of truth in this. Not to be the guy that talks about how much better it used to be, but it did. For those that went to games in the 80's-90's you understand.

 

[utvolpj]

Seriously? I use stadium wifi all the time if for no other reason than to be able to see up to date stats, scores etc.

I'm serious. Once I'm there I don't really care about much of that. What scores I need are usually flashed up around the stadium

I do miss the days when no one really knew what was happening around the country and a surprising score would be announced. It was fun to hear the reaction as 100k heard it at the same time

 

[GAVol]

I'm serious. Once I'm there I don't really care about much of that. What scores I need are usually flashed up around the stadium

I do miss the days when no one really knew what was happening around the country and a surprising score would be announced. It was fun to hear the reaction as 100k heard it at the same time

Things have definitely changed. As a kid, I used to listen intently to the stadium updates on the PA. now, I've got an 11 year old that will look at his phone and then tell me what play they should call next based on down and distance stats.

 

[callmecrockett]

I walk by the stadium every morning for class, and every time I do I am more and more embarrassed by how it looks. The front looks ok, but it's just a facade covering rusted out beams, bent and faded hand rails, and dirty walkways. The new pavilion is covered with oil stains and is chipped and cracked from busses and trucks driving over it. The whole south side is rusting and the patchwork of replaced concrete doesn't help the look much either. I have friends at several big colleges across the southeast, and other stadiums may be smaller, but they are far and wide ahead of Neyland as far as quality. Maybe I'm just jaded from walking across the terribly planned custruction site that is my campus, or maybe it really does suck worse than we allow ourselves to admit because of our love for the team. Quality over quantity.

 

[KingtUT]

Reduce capacity by about 5-7,000 and make the seats not ridiculously narrow.

Stop charging for student tickets and do whatever it takes to fill up those sections.

Completely start over on the concessions and restrooms.

Remove the barriers behind the seat sections so you can see the field from the concourse and it doesn't feel so claustrophobic.

I never want our capacity to drop below 100k. Personally , just give me a place to stand and I am happy!

 

[Boca Vol]

I'm serious. Once I'm there I don't really care about much of that. What scores I need are usually flashed up around the stadium

I do miss the days when no one really knew what was happening around the country and a surprising score would be announced. It was fun to hear the reaction as 100k heard it at the same time

I used to love Bobby Denton say, "Here are some scores of interest....William & Mary 13/ Penn 6." Someone had serious gambling issues to need the W&M score.

Of course, followed by, "Dr. Willams, please call the exhange."

 

[ItsAllVols]

another jumbotron will never happen

also, who is worried about wifi while watching a game live? I can honestly say the thought had never crossed my mind

I think it brings another dimension to the live game, because during the timeouts it allow you to stay in tune to the other games that are on going, we all know how long the time out can be. We could also pickup on what the announcers are saying in the booth.

 

[GAVol]

I never want our capacity to drop below 100k. Personally , just give me a place to stand and I am happy!

Out of curiosity . . . Do you typically buy single game tickets or are you a season ticket holder?

 

[solivols]

I walk by the stadium every morning for class, and every time I do I am more and more embarrassed by how it looks. The front looks ok, but it's just a facade covering rusted out beams, bent and faded hand rails, and dirty walkways. The new pavilion is covered with oil stains and is chipped and cracked from busses and trucks driving over it. The whole south side is rusting and the patchwork of replaced concrete doesn't help the look much either. I have friends at several big colleges across the southeast, and other stadiums may be smaller, but they are far and wide ahead of Neyland as far as quality. Maybe I'm just jaded from walking across the terribly planned custruction site that is my campus, or maybe it really does suck worse than we allow ourselves to admit because of our love for the team. Quality over quantity.

I couldn't agree more with you. I attended UT while it began its uplift (2007-2011). But even with the brick facade, as far as aesthetics and quality go it is one of the worst stadiums I have attended despite its greater capacity. Having traveled to Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Clemson, and Georgia over the years for a game IMHO Neyland lacks in comparison. However, the stadium quality, cell reception, etc does not detract in any way from being a life long Vols fan. As long as they win I'm happy.

 

[ATC_VOL]

Having student tickets be "first come, first serve" would greatly enhance the quality of the student section.

Other than that, it would be nice to be able to send a text.