One of the most iconic landmarks in sport, Neyland Stadium is the sixth-largest college football venue in the nation.
What's on this page?
- More Than a Century of Tradition
- History
- General Neyland
- Quick Facts
- How Neyland Stadium Grew
- Stadium Tours
- Directions to Neyland Stadium
- Seating Chart
Neyland Stadium Information
- Address:
1235 Phillip Fulmer Way SW
Knoxville, TN, 37996 - Capacity:
101,915
Gameday Information
Facilities Home
Neyland Stadium: What They're Saying
More Than a Century of Tradition
Tennessee Athletics in the fall of 2021 celebrated 100 years of Volunteers football at historic Neyland Stadium, ushering in a new era. During its first century of service to the Big Orange faithful, the venue grew in both capacity and reverence while evolving into one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world. This legacy lives on thanks to a transformative partnership with Pilot. Announced in August of 2024, this long-term commitment preserves Neyland Stadium and Shields-Watkins Field.
Six Tennessee teams that captured national championships have called Neyland Stadium home, while 22 players and four head coaches authored careers worthy of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame on Neyland’s hallowed ground. The 2024 season will be the 103rd in the venue that has seen historic upgrades.
Recent decades have brought six-figure expansion, development of innovative premium-seating sections and stadium-wide amenity enhancements. Efforts to prepare Neyland Stadium for its next century of service continue thanks to a comprehensive stadium master plan fueled by the My All Campaign.
Renovation scope completed prior to the 2022 football season brought Neyland Stadium's capacity to 101,915.
Neyland Stadium Photo GalleryThe introduction of new lower-west club and upper-north social deck spaces for the start of the 2022 season brought Neyland Stadium’s seating capacity to 101,915—sixth largest among college football venues.
Other recent stadium enhancements include a stadium kitchen, commissary and loading dock (2024), upgrades to stadium skyboxes (2024), the installation of a stadium-wide Wi-Fi network (2023), restoration of the historic V-O-L-S letters along the top of the facility’s south end (2022), a second videoboard on the upper-north deck (2022) and bronze statues honoring four of Tennessee’s Black football trailblazers (2021).
In June 2023, the UT Board of Trustees approved Tennessee Athletics’ request to adjust the scope and budget of the ongoing Neyland Stadium renovations project to $337 million. The project includes new deliverables each football season through the fall of 2026. Future updates feature necessary upgrades to the south side and perimeter of the stadium, including the widening of concourses, construction of expanded gates and entryways and additional restrooms and concessions areas.
Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White’s vision for Neyland Stadium aligns with Tennessee Athletics’ stated goals of modernizing the fan and visitor experience through enhanced amenities and diversified seating options, improving fan safety and security and aligning stadium features and aesthetics with campus architectural standards.
A critical element in the plan is major and necessary upgrades to the south side and perimeter of the stadium, including the widening of concourses, construction of expanded gates and entryways and provision of additional restrooms and concessions areas. The delivery of this primary component will dramatically improve fan comfort and safety, reduce wait times and allow for more food and beverage offerings.
The ongoing renovations phase will provide annual deliverables through an anticipated project completion date of Fall 2026.
Neyland Stadium provides an unparalleled college football experience, as evidenced by 13 consecutive sellouts entering the 2024 campaign. The Vols sported a 13-1 record in the venue during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, outscoring opponents 640-277. In 2023, Tennessee led the SEC and ranked top four in the nation in both average attendance (101,915) and accumulated attendance (713,405).
History
The present day Neyland Stadium, Shields-Watkins Field, had its beginning in 1919. Col. W.S. Shields, president of Knoxville's City National Bank and a UT trustee, provided the initial capital to prepare and equip an athletic field. Thus, when the field was completed in March 1921, it was called Shields-Watkins Field in honor of the donor and his wife, Alice Watkins-Shields.
The stadium, apart from the field it grew to enclose, came to bear its own distinguished name—Neyland Stadium. It was named for the man most responsible for the growth and development of Tennessee's proud football tradition. General Robert R. Neyland served as head coach from 1926-1952, with two interruptions for military service.
General Neyland
General Robert Neyland posted a 173-31-12 record in 21 seasons as Tennessee's head football coach. A twice life-size statue of Neyland at the stadium was dedicated in November 2010.
The history and tradition of Tennessee football began when Gen. Robert Reese Neyland came to Tennessee as an ROTC instructor and backfield coach in 1925 and was named head football coach in 1926. From that date, Tennessee was in the college football arena to stay.
Neyland, who came to Tennessee as an Army captain and left as a brigadier general, brought one of the most efficient single-wing offenses in the country to go with an unyielding defense. It was Gene McEver who kicked off the Neyland era with his 98-yard return of the opening kickoff in the 1928 Alabama game, a game the underdog Vols won 15-13. Each of his succeeding eras would be highlighted by similar big plays. Johnny Butler's 56-yard run against Alabama in 1939 and Hank Lauricella's 75-yard run against Texas in the 1951 Cotton Bowl.
Neyland's 1939 Vols were the last to shut out each of its regular season opponents. Over the course of his career, 112 of 216 opponents failed to score against his Tennessee teams and the Vols still own an NCAA record for holding opponents scoreless for 71 consecutive quarters.
Neyland's teams won Southern Conference titles in 1927 and 1932, piling up undefeated streaks of 33 and 28 games along the way, and SEC championships in 1938, 1939, 1940, 1946 and 1951. In addition, Neyland-coached teams won four national championships. The Vols were consensus national champions in 1951 and Neyland's 21-year record at Tennessee was 173-31-12.
His legacy continues to live through his name on the football stadium, UT's indoor football complex (Neyland-Thompson Sports Center) and the road paralleling the Tennessee River (Neyland Drive).
Quick Facts
First game as Shields-Watkins Field:
Sept. 24, 1921
Tennessee - 27 / Emory & Henry - 0
Dedication game as Neyland Stadium:
Oct. 20, 1962
Alabama - 27 / Tennessee - 7
First game on artificial turf:
Sept. 14, 1968
Tennessee - 17 / Georgia - 17
Final game on artificial turf:
Nov. 27, 1993
Tennessee - 62 / Vanderbilt - 14
Attendance:
Since attendance records were first kept beginning in the 1946 season, more than 37 million fans have watched Big Orange football in Neyland Stadium. An average of 76,993 fans have attended 491 games in 77 years. That statistic is one that promises to climb each year, as Tennessee football enthusiasts pack the stadium each autumn Saturday the Vols are home. Average attendance has been on climb since 1946, when an average of 31,167 saw six home contests.
Tennessee success at Shields-Watkins Field:
In 102 seasons and 637 games, the Vols are 491-142-17 on field at home, a winning percentage of .767. UT’s NCAA win total was adjusted to 485-142-17 following the vacation of six home victories from 2019-20 due to the NCAA Committee on Infractions penalty ruling in July 2023.
Consecutive home games without a loss:
55, beginning Oct. 3, 1925, with a 51-0 victory against Emory & Henry and ending Oct. 21, 1933, with a 12-6 loss to Alabama.
Consecutive home wins:
30, beginning Dec. 8, 1928, with a 13-12 win against Florida and ending Oct. 21, 1933, with a 12-6 loss to Alabama.
Consecutive home losses:
4, beginning Nov. 13, 1954, with a 14-0 loss to Florida and ending Oct. 8, 1955, with a 13-0 win against Chattanooga, beginning Sept. 10, 1988, with a 31-26 loss to Duke and ending Nov. 5, 1988, with a 10-7 win against Boston College.
Winning seasons:
Tennessee has had 90 winning seasons in 102 years at Shields-Watkins Field, including 37 undefeated years at home. The 2022 team became the latest to go undefeated with a 7-0 mark in Josh Heupel’s second season. The Vols were a combined 13-1 at home from 2022-23 under Heupel, making it Neyland’s highest two-year win total for the Vols since 1998-99 (13).
Largest Crowd:
109,061 - Sept. 18, 2004 - Tennessee 30, Florida 28
First Night Game at Neyland Stadium:
Sept. 16, 1972 - Tennessee 28, Penn State 21
How Neyland Stadium Grew
| YEAR | ADDITION | CAPACITY CHANGE | TOTAL CAPACITY |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1921 | Original West Stands | 3,200 seats | 3,200 |
| 1926 | East Stands | 3,600 seats | 6,800 |
| 1929 | West Stands | 11,060 seats | 17,860 |
| 1937 | North Section X | 1,500 seats | 19,360 |
| 1938 | East Stands | 12,030 seats | 31,390 |
| 1948 | South Stands | 15,000 seats | 46,390 |
| 1962 | West Upper Deck | press box, 5,837 seats | 52,227 |
| 1966 | North Stands | 5,895 seats | 58,122 |
| 1968 | East Upper Deck | 6,307 seats | 64,429 |
| 1972 | Southwest Upper Deck | 6,221 seats | 70,650 |
| 1976 | Southeast Upper Deck | 9,600 seats | 80,250 |
| 1980 | North Stands | net gain 10,999 seats | 91,249 |
| 1987 | West Executive Suites | 42 suites | 91,110 |
| 1990 | Student Seating Adjustment | 792 seats | 91,902 |
| 1996 | North Upper Deck | 10,642 seats | 102,544 |
| 1997 | ADA Seating Adjustment | 310 seats | 102,854 |
| 2000 | East Executive Suites | 78 suites / 1,225 seats | 104,079 |
| 2006 | East Club Level | net loss 2,042 seats | 102,037 |
| 2008 | West Club Seats/Press Box Renovation | net loss 2,026 seats | 100,011 |
| 2010 | West Terrace/Gate 21 Plaza | 2,444 seats | 102,455 |
| 2022 | Lower West Club/Upper North Deck | net seating loss; credential count updated (increased) | 101,915 |
Stadium Tours
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Join us in America’s College Sports City for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Neyland Stadium, Home of the Vols! Discover some of the stadium’s most coveted areas and dive into the rich history of Tennessee Football’s beloved gameday traditions. Enjoy several photo-worthy stops along the way and make unforgettable memories! Reservations are required for all tours and can be purchased HERE.
- Tour reservations are available for purchase 30 days in advance.
- 60-minute guided tours offered at 10:00am ET Monday-Thursday only.
- Pre-purchased reservations are required to participate in the tour. No walk-ups will be admitted.
- Tours are unavailable Friday-Sunday, on University-observed holidays and home football gamedays. Construction/special event schedules could prohibit tour offerings.
- Public tours are booked on a first come, first served basis. Individual bookings could be combined with multiple other groups at the same time.
- UT Campus Parking information can be found HERE.
- All sales are final and there are no refunds issued for overpayment or cancellations.
- If tour becomes unavailable due to conditions beyond our control (inclement weather, facility repairs, etc.) reservations can be rescheduled to a mutually agreed upon date within 90 days of tour.
Special Requests: For information regarding Private Group Tours, Field Trips, Professional Photography Sessions, Marriage Proposals, etc. please email utevents@utk.edu.
TOUR ROUTE:
- Tour Check-In begins 15 minutes before the reservation time at Neyland Stadium’s Gate 21 Plaza. All members of your party must be present during check-in and have a valid reservation confirmation number to enter.
- This is a walking tour of Neyland Stadium that involves steps, elevators and ramps. Please contact the Event Operations staff in advance to plan an adjusted route for ADA, stroller or mobility accommodations.
Tours may include*:
- Stokely Family Media Center
- Wolf Kaplan Recruiting Center
- Peyton Manning Locker Complex
- Tennessee Team Tunnel (Orange Championship Carpet)
- Lauricella Center for Letter Winners
- Shield-Watkins Field Patio
- Transcard Premier Club
- Yee-Haw Ole Smoky Social Deck
*Space availability subject to change. While our staff makes every effort to provide the best tour experience possible for each group, there is no guarantee that all spaces will be included in every tour.
There is no access to Shield-Watkins field available during any tour.
Important Note: Extensive renovations and upgrades to Neyland Stadium are ongoing and construction activity will take place during all tours.
For more information about tours, contact utevents@utk.edu or call 865-974-1205
RESERVATIONS:
- Reservations are required for Neyland Stadium tours and can be purchased HERE
- Adults: $20/person
- Youth: $10/person (13 & under)
- For large groups, private tours, photography sessions, proposals, etc. contact utevents@utk.edu.
Traffic Advisory: Phillip Fulmer Way from G-10 Garage to Neyland Stadium's Gate 20 is closed for construction. Please avoid the area when traveling to campus for your tour.
- Hourly visitor parking on campus is available at Volunteer Hall Garage
- Address: 1525 White Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916
- Distance: 0.35 mile (approx. 6-minute walk to Gate 21-Plaza)
- Cost: $1.00 per 30-minutes
- UT Athletics is not responsible for any citations received for unauthorized tour/visitor parking.
For more information about tours, contact utevents@utk.edu or call 865-974-1205.
Directions to Neyland Stadium
From McGhee Tyson Airport: Turn north on U.S. Highway 129 leaving airport. After crossing the Tennessee River bridge just outside of Knoxville, exit onto Neyland Drive (Tennessee Highway 153). Turn left (south) at the bottom of the exit ramp and follow road until Food City Center is visible. Turn left onto Lake Loudoun Boulevard. Turn right at stoplight. Follow Phillip Fulmer Way to stadium area.
From I-40 east (from Nashville) and I-75 north (from Chattanooga): Follow I-40 and I-75 to I-40/I-75 junction in west Knoxville. Continue on I-40 east to U.S. Highway 129 south. Follow 129 south to the exit for Neyland Drive (Tennessee Highway 153). Turn left (south) at the bottom of the exit ramp and follow the road until Food City Center is visible. Turn left onto Lake Loudoun Boulevard. Turn right at stoplight. Follow Phillip Fulmer Way to stadium area.
From I-40 west (from Asheville, N.C.): (updated for I-40 construction) Follow I-40 west to the Hall of Fame Drive. Take a left at the top of the exit and follow Hall of Fame Drive to the Neyland Drive exit (Tennessee Highway 153). Follow Neyland Drive until Food City Center is visible. Turn right onto Lake Loudoun Boulevard. Turn right at stoplight. Follow Phillip Fulmer Way to stadium area.
From I-75 south (from Lexington, Ky.): Follow I-75 south to I-275 south just past Merchants Road. Follow I-275 to I-40 east. Exit I-40 east onto James White Parkway and follow Parkway to Neyland Drive (Tennessee Highway 153) until Food City Center is visible. Turn right onto Lake Loudoun Boulevard. Turn right at stoplight. Follow Phillip Fulmer Way to stadium area.
Seating Chart
All of Tennessee Athletics' facility and capital projects are supported by donations to the Tennessee Fund and season-ticket revenue.
For more information on how you can help support Tennessee Athletics and its more than 500 Vols and Lady Vols student-athletes, visit the Tennessee Fund homepage.
