Neyland Stadium Home of the Vols Knoxville, Tennessee.
The Tennessee Volunteers….Go VOLS!
Having played their first season in 1891, the Vols have amassed a successful tradition for well over a century, with their combined record of 783-332-53 ranking them ninth on the list of all-time winningest major college programs as well as second on the list of winningest SEC programs. The Vols have won six national titles, their last national championship was in the 1998.
The Vols play at historic Neyland Stadium, where Tennessee has an all-time winning record of 422 games, the second-highest home-field total in college football history for any school.
Neyland Stadium has been a site for several NFL exhibition games and concerts. Neylands maximum capacity of 104,079 seats makes it the third largest stadium in the United States and the sixth largest stadium in the world.
Being a local Knoxville company, Tradingo is honored to be able to bring to Vol fans everywhere the opportunity to bring home a piece of history from Neyland Stadium.
Send in your best memories from Neyland for a chance to win a free Stadium Chair!!
Before my wife and I even began dating, I gave her possibly the greatest present any southerner could give someone. I introduced her to Neyland Stadium on a college game day. It was the start of the 2003 season, and Tennessee was taking on Fresno St. on the blistering hot day of Sept. 6, 2003. Gina and I sat on opposite ends of a group of five. We didn’t get to talk to each other very much that day, but little did either of us know that one of the most important days in our lives would take place in that same stadium just a little over a year later.
Just as we began dating, I decided that I wanted to add some orange flair to my new house. I decided that I was going to paint a checkerboard design on the walls of one of the downstairs rooms, and turn that into my “Tennessee Room”. I asked my new girlfriend to help me. She did, and as we spent over 29 man-hours on just the paintjob alone, we unknowingly were forming a symbol of our lives together. We still add to our “Tennessee Room” just about every time we go into the room. If it’s orange or sports the logo of the Tennessee Volunteers, we add it to our room. Building that room from the ground up and especially adding the checkerboard was perhaps the inspiration for me as I began planning the next step in our lives.
The 2003 season had passed, where we had gone to nine of the games together. We went to heartbreakers like Georgia and Clemson, and also thrilling victories like the overtime game against South Carolina, where she learned just how fanatic I was as I sat through the game with a temperature of over one hundred. As the season went on, we continued to build our relationship and our combined love for the Vols as we sat through five overtimes in Tuscaloosa Alabama as our Vols won 51-43, and the thrilling 10-6 win in Miami where the Vols ended the 26-game home winning streak.
As the 2004 season started, I made the decision to take our relationship to the next level. It was then that the inspiration of our “Tennessee Room” struck me and I began to plan our trip “Back to the Checkerboards”. It was my vision, to ask Gina to be my wife at the fabled checkerboard’s of Neyland Stadium, because of the familiar pattern that held so much meaning to our relationship. With the help of Tennessee director of public relations Tiffany Carpenter, I staged a tour of Neyland Stadium to take place the day before Tennessee played Alabama on October 22, 2004. She would take Gina and I on a mini-tour that included seeing the Vols’ new locker room and media relations’ room before walking us out onto the storied Shields-Watkins field at Neyland Stadium.
There we were, as Alabama players were beginning to come onto the field to prepare for their final walk-through before the game, standing at the North Endzone, having our picture taken. We were at the same endzone that the Vols run out of as they stream onto the field every home football game. We were at the same endzone that opposing team’s fans sit above to watch their team’s misfortunes unfold. We were at the same endzone that has seen many a classic moment, including Mose Phillip’s 70 yard rain soaked TD against Florida in 1992, and Peyton’s last bootleg for a TD against Vanderbilt in 1997. Most importantly, we were at the endzone where we would be beginning the rest of our lives together. That of course means that Gina said yes, and we left the field so that we could go to the Neyland Thompson Sports Center, to watch the Vols in their last walk through before the next day’s game.
We watched practice and had our picture taken with Coach Phillip Fulmer. That picture later became an autographed wedding gift at our reception. It now hangs in our “Tennessee Room”. Also in that room, is a large picture book of Neyland Stadium. On the inside cover of that book are the following words, “Of all the great, historic, and important things that have happened inside this great stadium, on this sacred field, none are as meaningful and important to me, as the day I asked Gina to be my wife. 10-22-04”
On 10-23-04 we watched from the stands, as Tennessee defeated Alabama 17-13. On Alabama’s second offensive play of the game, defensive end Parys Haralson scooped up an Alabama fumble and returned it for a touchdown. As Haralson crossed the goal line we smiled a little bigger than the other 107,015 in attendance. Haralson had just ran into “our” endzone; he had returned the ball “Back to the Checkerboards”.
Comment by Scott Felts — August 16, 2010 @ 3:52 pm
Where to begin?
My grandfather played on the 1937 and 1938 teams under Major Neyland(didn’t become the General until later). The 1938 team went undefeated and won the national championship. I grew up listening to stories about his many exploits from the war and various hunting stories, but the stories always made thier way to tales of that magical 38 season.
I started going to games with Grandaddy during the 1988 season, when the Vols started 0-6, but finished with 5 straight wins. The 3 games I attended that year were all wins.
I don’t remember much from 1989, but was in Aneheim for the Pigskin Classic to open the 1990 season. We scored late to tie 31-31. That was also the first year I saw us lose, a heart-breaker to a mediocre Bama on a blocked field goal to win that turned into a winning field goal and a 9-6 win for the Tide. Notre Dame that year was a crusher, too(but we would have our revenge next year in South Bend thanks to Floyd Miley’s backside). I had the privilege to tailgate with members of that 1938 team, not recognizing how special that was at the time(dumb kid).
I went to games with Grandaddy until he got cancer in 1993, succumbing to the disease in 1994. One of my greatest regrets was not having the opportunity to attend a game with him as a student(enrolled as a freshman on The Hill in 1995).
My first game that year was Georgia, which I attended alone. I spontaneously cried when the Pride of The Southland Marching Band broke the T and the Vols tore onto the field just thinking of Grandaddy looking down on me. My student ticket assignment put me in a 50-yard line aisle seat(thanks Grandaddy), and we won on a field goal as time expired.
I was fortunate enough to be a student during the magical 1998 season, attending all but 2 games that year. I was in Athens, Tuscaloosa, Atlanta, and Tempe(coincidentally, 50 years after my Grandfather’s Tennessee team accomplished the ultimate goal of a National Championship).
When my Grandaddy got sick, he told me about the possibility of his jersey being in the downstairs closet of his house. After he passed, I took to looking for it to no avail.
A week ago, a friend who was cleaning out the storage barn of my Grandaddy’s house for demolition found it in an overnight chest. I still cannot believe 16 years after the most important person to me moved on, I am able to hold this priceless piece of family and football history in my hands. Incredible.
I am a 33 year-old man, but i spontaneously shed tears when I look at this or even think about it and the connection it gives me to my Grandaddy 16 years after I lost him.
Hell, I still spontaneously shed tears when the Pride breaks the T.
GO BIG ORANGE!!!!!!!
Comment by Ben Cowan — August 16, 2010 @ 10:55 pm
Memorable Neyland Stadium Experience
Like most devout Vol fans, I’ve enjoyed quite a few memorable experiences in Neyland Stadium, beginning with my first game in 1968. My father and I witnessed Tennessee scoring 8 points after the game-ending horn sounded to tie Georgia 17 all. This was a unique game for Tennessee with the “Miracle on Turf,” and it was the first game played on the controversial Tartan Turf.
While my 1st game was a fine one, it merely provided the foundation for many yet to be played. My 2nd game at Neyland in 1972 was when the Vols played their 1st game under the lights. This game, with no debate, provided the most unique experiences I ever took part in this hallowed stadium in 40+ years of traveling to see my Vols in action. Doubtless, many fondly remember this game, under the leadership of Bill Battle, as one where the Vols built a solid lead against a Penn State team, with the backfield tandem of future NFL stars, Lydell Mitchell and Franco Harris. The Vols put their respective noses to the grindstone and held on for another win by fighting off Penn State’s mounting surge in the 2nd half.
While this win certainly was a great one, and possibly one some might consider “for the books,” my fond memories were more for what occurred off the field; well, most took place off the field.
Restrictions as what schools could and couldn’t do with recruiting have changed quite a bit since this fall day in 1972. As good fortune would have it, Tennessee was recruiting a buddy of mine to become a Vol the following season- which he did. This was the day of his on-campus visit, and UT allowed him to bring a couple of friends; and I was fortunate to be a “member of his recruiting party.”
Though the game was to be played under the lights, we awoke early for the uneventful 90 mile drive to Knoxville. Once on campus, and none of us being very familiar with its layout, our 1st task was to locate Coach Battle’s office. After speaking with several campus security personnel, this proved to be no problem; until we found our way to the entrance of the football offices. As luck would have it, only our buddy’s name was on the “official visitor’s list,” so he was escorted in while the other 2 of us simply hung out wondering whether this was the end of the day for us.
After a clock-defined 30 minute wait, which seemed more like 130 minutes as we were unsuccessfully scheming how to get into the game, a student in Vol attire entered our lobby, and asked if we were with the recruit. Enthusiastically answering “YES,” we were led through the door, down the corridor, and directly into Coach Battle’s office. It was upon my 1st step on Coach Battle’s carpet, I had one of those, tilt my head back, look skyward with my eyes shut feelings, and asking myself, “What were you thinking?” moments.
For those not familiar with the cultural uniform of the day, simply envision 2 teens with shoulder-length hair in the head coach’s office wearing over-sized army field jackets, along with bell bottom jeans sized for the Liberty Bell. “Certainly I could have gotten a trim yesterday, and dug a little deeper in the closet this morning.”
Upon mentally entering the office, I met one of the most understated and cordial gentlemen I ever have. Coach Battle seemed oblivious to our appearance with his unassuming and accommodating manner. He spoke very sincerely with us, and availed himself to any question that might be rumbling about our minds.
I now was feeling secure and comfortable with the setting, and what lay ahead for the balance of our day. Then it happened- as if a mallet loudly struck a gong, the coach apologetically informed us there were no game tickets for us. He must have sensed the immediate shift in our demeanor, as he quickly told us he will get us in the game. Upon summoning an assistant coach whose name I decades ago forgot, the coach less than enthusiastically acknowledged his newly assigned game-day task of escorting us with the team from the Stokley Football Offices into Neyland Stadium. Coach Battle again apologized for not having seats for us, and continued by assuring us once in the stadium, we’ll be fine.
After thanking him, and shaking his hand as we departed, I took a few minutes to process what Coach Battle just told us. Then it hit me- this is better than a ticket! We were going to participate in that era’s version of the Vol Walk, which was a bit tamer than today’s, and enter the stadium with the team. Cool!
The nameless assistant coach immediately got us out of his hair, after departing Coach Battle’s office by parking us in plastic, and less than comfortable, chairs in the hallway. Little did I know, we should have been more appreciative of this opportunity to sit and relax. After quite a while of people watching, and being a human bobble-head to any and everyone who passed, it was time to go.
With a spring in my step, I leapt from the chair when the assistant coach gruffly, and almost inaudibly, muttered, “Get your asses up boys, and let’s go. And remember, there is to be no talking, and you are to keep your distance from the players. They need to focus, and don’t need guys like you bugging them.”
Whatever a guy like us was, I didn’t care- we were going into Neyland Stadium with the team! Wow! We get to walk into Neyland Stadium with the team! Though this notion was not fresh news, it transforming into reality was akin to a youngster waking on Christmas morning!
The “walk” was very unlike the Vol Walk of today. Rather than throngs of people 10 or 15 deep lining the curbs, we occasionally passed patches of fans 1 deep- probably players’ families or girlfriends I thought. None the less, they were supportive of their Vols.
Upon entering Neyland Stadium, we parted ways from the team- they to the locker room, and us in tow behind the assistant coach, who most likely had forgotten about us, to the field. In awe, we simply looked- at the largely empty seats; the press box where John Ward would soon mesmerize his radio audience; and the goal posts, each with 2 fingers reaching skyward. I then learned what Nirvana was.
My focus then shifted to the support personnel, whom there were more of than fans. Specifically spying the student managers, I watched as the precisely laid all the weapons of the game in their assigned places- practice balls, kicking tees, medical equipment, and so on. There was a place for everything, and the managers meticulously tended to their tasks.
After breathing in the pre-game environment where these gridiron gladiators will soon do battle, I ambled closer to the Vol bench. Without uttering a word, I asked the same student manager who initially led us to Coach Battle’s office, if I could pick up a ball. He smiled, and gave the slightest affirming nod. Nirvana confirmed!
Patting the turf for maybe the tenth time, I casually picked up The Ball. Would this ball be used in the game, I thought as I began to slightly toss it in the air to myself. What if Tennessee scored the game-winning touchdown WITH THIS BALL! After playing toss with myself for a few moments, it was time to make the move- play catch with my friend!
We both shed our Army field jackets, began with short 3 yard tosses. The 3 yarders soon grew to 5 yards, 10 yards, and longer. All the while, we inched our way towards the North end zone. In doing so, we actually began jogging patterns, which quickly turned into drawn in the sand like routes.
Then with ball in hand, I nodded to the goal line for a post pattern. He ran the pattern, even juking the imaginary Nitany Lion defender, and cut towards the post. I lay the ball with air under it so as to greet him inside the 5 yard line. To this day, I don’t know whether he caught it or not.
Just as the ball left my fingertips, our pal the assistant coach, bellowing in words seldom heard on Sunday mornings, something that translated to “Get the hell off the field and go find our seats!”
Without a word, my accomplice handed the ball to the student manager, and we strode across the field to locate a pair of prime seats. After being ousted a couple of times, we decided it was time for a new strategy….. we need to lower our seating standard, and then be on the lookout for better seats after kickoff.
Strike 2- this strategy failed as well. It was nearing kickoff, and we had to find a location where no one could produce a ticket, and force us to once again begin our hunt for the elusive seats. We sauntered around the stadium with no luck, until I spied a restroom/concession stand structure beneath the East upper deck. Raising my hand in a halting motion, my friend stopped as I studied the situation.
“This is it…. follow me.” Turning back, I saw this puzzled look on his face, as I made my way to the field-side of this structure, and conquered the girders to its roof. As he made his way up, I made myself comfortable as I sat on the roof. Then reality struck- I could only see half the field, if that.
After he made it to our nest and surveyed the situation, we realized the teams were lining up for the opening kickoff. Giving each other gloomy shrugs, we tried to watch the kickoff…. not such a good view. Then he lay down, spied the field, and gave me an approving nod. I tried it, and yes, I could see the field! Now mind you, lying down and watching the game atop a restroom was not the optimal means for watching the game, but we endured.
The Vols jumped out to a solid 1st half lead against Joe Pa, before he was Joe Pa. Taking the field in the 2nd half, the Nitany Lions surged with a comeback, only to run out of time. We approvingly nodded to one another, as he suggested, “The perfect end to a perfect day!”
Yes, it indeed was perfect.
And while typing this, the irony of this experience just came to mind- “here I am scribing an adventure to see a Vol game, and only doing so by lying down on a restroom roof; and the prize for this contest are seats from Neyland Stadium.” We sure could have used them that September, 1972 evening.
Comment by Dee Henderson — September 1, 2010 @ 12:21 am
My memory of Neyland Stadium does not consist of a single game or season but by almost forty years of following the Vols. I had grown up listening to stories of the great players, coaches and teams from my grandfather. He loved the Vols and could paint stories with his words of the greats such as Cafego, Suffridge, Coffman, Luricella, Kozar, Atkins and Neyland. I knew these legends very well before ever seeing the inside of the stadium.
My first game experience as a child was walking into the stadium and thinking back at the heroes of years gone by. The stadium was much smaller then but I was in total awe from kickoff till final whistle. Over the years I have seen the heroes from my generation to pass along to my children and someday my grandchildren. Not only has the game evolved but also the stadium. No longer could you sit and see the river and barges traverse down the river. Sit in the lower south endzone and see the inter-laced UT logo on the side of the hill with the cannon firing after a Vol score. No longer could you see Ayers Hall against the sky. These views were lost one by one after each new addition to the stadium. These improvements were neccessary to satisfy damands for tickets and enlarge our family of Vol fans.
No I cannot summerize my Neyland Stadium experience by one run, one pass, one game or season but by a lifetime of experiences of walking into the stadium and re-awakening the stories, sights and sounds of a lifetime. A lifetime made richer by following the Vols. My Vols.
Comment by Jeff Gibson — September 1, 2010 @ 9:29 pm
I was born & raised in Knoxville and while growing up, my father was employed at UT until he passed away with cancer in 1951. I used to get to Neyland Stadium 4 hours before kickoff of the football games just to be able to get a seat in the endzone bleachers. My wife, Barbara Jean Hogan, also grew up there in Greenville/Knoxville area. I joined the US Navy in 1955 but met her when I came home in 1959.
During the following years while we lived in different cities and I was stationed on Navy ships, we continued to follow the Vols success. Our daughter didn’t attend UT but you’d never know it from how she follows the UT teams today online, from the football teams, basketball teams and even the Ladies Softball team. Shes even bought me tons of UT stuff and I have a wall in one of our rooms full of UT pictures. We also watch the UT games on tv and even the UT alums in the pros like Payton Manning. Why, we even went to his first NFL exhibition game when the Colts came to Seattle just to see him in person. We couldn’t get close to him to get an autograph but we did wear our Manning tshirts in support of him. We’ve talked alot about coming back to Knoxville just to attend a football game to see the spirit of the game but unfortunately, the years have gone by and our health probably wouldn’t let us. So we make a point of watching every second of the UT games on cable and seeing the beautiful Neyland Stadium surrounded by the River and the nearby Smokey Mountains. Go Vols!!
Comment by Kerry Pressley — September 25, 2010 @ 2:53 pm
Dear Mr. Scott Felts,
You just gave me goosebumps. I was a student at UT and went to that game when Mose scored that touchdown. A group of us guys from the 7th floor of Hess Hall were all sitting there at that game when I looked over the far side of Neyland and saw that storm rolling in. I said to one of the guys, “Hey its gonna get crazy in here.” I have never to this day been that wet. I still have my half ripped student ticket from that game. Now that I think about it, one of the guys from my floor who was with us actually was on Mose’s High School team in Nashville. He went nuts when Mose took off. Man o man—-Thanks For The Memory.
Robert H
Comment by Robert H — October 13, 2010 @ 9:23 pm
I want to tell you about my greatest memory of Neyland Stadium but before I do let me tell you how it came to be. Growing up I was the oldest out of three boys and one girl. Ever since I could remember Tennessee football was always a part of our life. Granted we had never attended a live game but always huddled around the radio or watched it on TV. My dad worked hard trying to support our mom and four children so when he was not working at his job he was doing something around the house or helping someone who needed help. He always found time to run in and check the score or would sit down and eat his lunch and catch a few plays on the TV. Dad loved the Vols and he loved helping others in need. As we grew older and moved on with our lives we would always call dad after a big game or when we stopped by to visit and talk football. Me and my oldest brother took it upon our self to treat our dad to a game. We planned out our trip and ordered the tickets for 4 people. All we told dad was not to put in for overtime that day. When the Monday before our trip and with tickets in hand me and my two brothers surprised our father with his ticket. we explained how all his life he gave to us and helped others without a negative out look. We just wanted to give back, he did not have to pay a dime as we provided the ticket, the transportation, the meal going down to the game, and parking all he needed to do was enjoy. After we go to the stadium he was in awe of how huge it was, he was tickled to see the Vol Walk and when we entered the stadium he was speechless for what seemed like an hour with only a smiling face to show how proud he was. That was 6 years ago and we still continue with this tradition. Go Vols
Comment by Chris — October 25, 2010 @ 8:02 am
I have many, many memories of Neyland Stadium being that I was a cheerleader for the Vols in the early ’80′s. But my greatest memory, that still gives me goosebumps, is running through the “T” with the football team right on your heels…..the band playing all around…..and the great Vol fans cheering……….aahh….that one memory sums up the spirit of Neyland Stadium!! Go Big Orange!!
Comment by Caroline Mapes — October 30, 2010 @ 11:46 pm
It was the 2006 football season and Tennessee was playing LSU. The game was close the entire game and no seat was empty, as I stood there screaming my head off I realized that my body was shaking. Not from me screaming but from the other 100,00+ people screaming, it was so loud in the stadium that night that Neyland was shaking. I knew then and there that it was GREAT TO BE A TENNESSEE VOL!
Comment by Jason — November 12, 2010 @ 11:23 am
I am a new VOLS fan and I love it because my boyfriend has been a VOLS fan his entire life so just a few weeks after we started dating he took me to the stadium and I just loved watching him get excitied telling me about every little detail of the VOLS teams and history and the stadium………it is great to support the BIG ORANGE TEAM together now !!! We just ordered a bench for our kitchen to have a little peice of VOLS history at home
Comment by Elaine — November 18, 2010 @ 6:28 am
my favorite vol memorey was when i was in west town mall arcade playing a game with another little kid his dad walked up and was watching us play. When my dad walked up he started talking to the man like he knew him. I just figured he was a friend from work or something. After we left i asked my dad who that was and after he told me it was Reggie White my jaw dropped.
Comment by austin green — November 20, 2010 @ 12:57 am
The game that immediately comes to mind for me is the 1998 20-17 win over the Gators in overtime before a record crowd. Jeff Hall kicked the winning field goal for the Vols, followed by a missed field goal attempt by the Gators. And then the goalposts came down. Boy, was it ever great to be a Tennessee Vol that day.
Comment by Kitty Siegel — November 21, 2010 @ 12:28 am
Every game that I got to go to was a good time in my life, when my uncle Dale (Dale Jones # 54) Played for the vols. Since I was a 6 year old girl, My Blood runs Orange! Was at the Tn- Ky game this year, There is no feeling any better then the feeling and the rush you get from Neyland Stadium , The vols ,and there fans! Love my VOLS thru the good and the bad!
Comment by Jennifer Jones-Gulliver — November 28, 2010 @ 9:36 pm
My favorite memory of all time is Peyton Manning’s 16 second touchdown and John Ward asking Who’s Got the Ball? “Manning’s got the ball.” Where’s Manning? “In the InnZone!” Give him six. Peyton is and probably always will be my favorite player from the Big Orange. I also have very good memories of Pierless Price and his one hand catches.
Comment by Phyllis Ford — November 28, 2010 @ 10:08 pm
How can you pick just one memorable moment in UT tradition? Some of my best memories were as a child, I remember the times my Uncle would figure out a way to ‘sneak’ me in through the gates to watch games back in the ’50′s when he was working there. I remember the times my Dad would be able to scrape up enough money to buy me and my brothers tickets and we would STAND in the top row of the ‘Horseshoe’ with Dad and his friends to watch the games. We could turn around and look out over the river behind us. Then there were those times that as a young boy, me and my brothers would go over and work at the games carrying coke trays up and down the stands selling cokes to the fans, we thought we were rich after collecting the money. Then there was the time I went to the game as a teen-ager and my cousin took his girl friend to the game and she wanted to leave early, Tenn was losing so we gave in and left.By the time we got to our vehicle, people were driving by and yelling about how Tenn made a comeback and won the game. Needless to say, I don’t leave games anymore for anyone. Neyland Stadium and Shields/Watkins Field, just a special place in our hearts….
Comment by Darryl — December 12, 2010 @ 10:33 am
No doubt my greatest memory of Neyland Stadium has to be the game in 1998 between Arkansas and number 1 Tennessee! Oh what a game! Of course throughout the game it was a thrilling University of Tennessee football game, but then something happened! Towards the end of the game I believe you could sense that the whole stadium crowd felt the same way! I think we all felt that the excitement and thrill of Tennessee being number 1 in the nation, and with it the possibility of going to the National Championship game ultimately, could be over as at one point Arkansas controlled the tempo and the score of the game, with time beginning to run out!
That was a great day in many ways! My wife and I had invited my sister and her husband and my nephew to join us for what would be their first Tennessee football game at Neyland Stadium! It was amazing how things had worked out for us all to be at that game as a family! First of all the tickets that I was able to purchase were incredible! We were sitting right on top of the corner wall just down the sideline from Coach Fulmer and the rest of the team. The Tennessee cheerleaders and our great mascot Smokey the Dog were within arm distance! And then to top it all off the great University of Tennessee marching band were just to our right over our right shoulders! Man, i’m getting excited just telling all of this again, even now! I don’t have to tell any Tennessee fan just how it would raise the hair on your head and everywhere else when the band would crank up the greatest of all stadium songs, “Rocky Top!”
And then as I alluded to earlier, the game was on the line. There wasn’t much time at all left in the game and number 1 Tennessee was behind, and to be honest it seemed utterally hopeless! But then something happened that you probably only see or dream about in some made for tv movie or theatre, yes the unthinkable happened! The Arkansas quarterback, Kirk Sterner rolled back, i’m sure to just try to run some time off the clock and beat the number 1 Vols, but then it happened! He layed the football down on the ground right there in front of us all at Neyland Stadium, and the ball remained freely on the ground! Then as if it were planned that way, here came Billy Ratcliff of the Vols, and jumped on the ball, and, “yes,” it was once again Tennessee’s ball with a short time left on the clock. Of course everyone know’s the rest of the story! Tennessee was able to score, and to regain the lead, and continue to be number 1 in the nation, and eventually go on and win the National Championship for the 1998 season! Oh what a year, and oh what a game! I will always be grateful that my family and I were able to witness firsthand what has now and forever will be known as the “Fumble.” And I was there!
Comment by Mark Abbott — December 14, 2010 @ 8:23 am
As a child, my Dad would bring the family from Jefferson City to the UT ball games. We would ALL dress up and those days were usually cold and sometimes snowy – like these days we’re having now. The last thing in the car would be a stack of newspapers and blankets. The blankets we would wrap up in and the newspapers we would put under our feet to keep them warm.
These days my children and grandchildren go to the games and sit in skyboxes in cold weather and enjoy hot chocolate and snacks. Also, the comfort and enjoyment of great men’s and women’s basketball in Thompson -Bolling Arena.
My son has continued the tradition by displaying in his business signed pictures of famous coaches and players and signed basketballs, books and assorted UT memorabelia and the company of the coaches and players. for breakfast. Hopefully the tradition will go on through the coming generation.,
Comment by Kitty Catlett Peck — December 14, 2010 @ 1:11 pm
While probably not qualifing as greatest moment, but certainly one I remember and share with friends who marvel at Vol stories.
It was November 1952 and I was a freshman living in the stadium dorm. We woke up to a snow covered stadium and a call for student Volunteers to help clear the field. My roommate and I joined the crowd to make the field playable for the Kentucky/Tennessee beer barrel struggle.
Of course no efforts went to clearing the student sections seats so when we came back for the game we brought cardboard pieces scavenged from trash cans to give some insulation to our already chilled bottoms.
It was a well played game and the Vols built up a 14 point lead by the end of the 3rd quarter. Chilled as we were my roommate and I decided to retire to the warmth of our room downstairs as this one was certainly in the bag.
We heard some cheering as we traveled to our shelter and of course assumed we were building up the lead. Upon arrival in the room and turning on the radio to our dismay we learned of the final score Tennessee 14/Kentucky 14.
Ruined our party plans for the evening, but as we say ” our blood runs orange” to this day!
As I said, not a exciting victorious memory but one I have enjoyed debating with my many Kentucky friends and associates over the years.
Comment by Ray Chumley — December 14, 2010 @ 6:19 pm
I can’t remember which birthday it was, but my family went to the UT vs. Kentucky game that year. We won 28-0 for the second week in a row (UT beat Vandy 28-0 the week before)!! I have no idea why I remember that detail, anyways it was a great day and one I will always remember as a Vols fan!!!
Comment by Leigh Ann — December 18, 2010 @ 12:30 am
My father worked for Rice Oldsmobile for many years before his death in 1979, Before Rice moved to Kingston Pike they were located on the corner of Cumberland Ave. and 17th. Rice Olds provided convertibles for the players to ride in the pre-game parade down Cumberland Ave. on Friday nights. It was a ritual for our family to go watch the parade every Friday before a home game. Mr. Ken Rice would give my father and mother a ticket to the game and occassionally an “extra” would be given so my brother or I could go to the game with them. I can’t remember or chose which game or score over the years would be the most memorial; all of those games were magical and provided a cherished memory. My sister who has special needs was able to be the “chosen child” after my brother and I became adults and were able to purchase our own tickets. Decades later, when we watch our beloved Vols on tv we still point to “our section” and remember the most wonderful times of our lives.
Comment by Jan Lincoln — January 4, 2011 @ 9:45 pm
when l was in hight school, my grandday would take me on sat. to see the freshman play. that was a great day for me.cause l did not have the money for the big game.
Comment by phil haynes — January 5, 2011 @ 12:51 pm
When Tennessee was won Football championship,,, this was a glorious moment for all Tennessee fans.. Also this was sudden event of John Ward announing he was retiring.John was a famous vols announcer for Tennessee games one of his famous line ” Give him six” I always was listening with my dad every saturday back in the 60′s and 70′s to the games on the radio with John Ward. Vols football and announce John Ward was like peas and carrots.\
After theVols Football Championship win a big celebration was held back in knoxville later on. It was raining but it did not stop the fans to say their last good bye to a Tennessee Football Icon John Ward and to celebrate our champoinhip as well… I can still see the eagle flying down in the stadium. What a glorious day for the Tennessee Vols. Also I have the DVD that Kenny Chesney wrote for John Ward. What a great year for the Vols winning the Championship but sadden by losing our great announcer, John Ward.
Comment by Judy Ann Hatley — January 6, 2011 @ 4:50 am
I have been a VOLS fan my entire life. As a kid my dad and brother would always tease me whenever the Vols lost. I never got to attend any games until I enrolled in school at UT.
The memory that always jumps to the forefront is the 2004 FL/TN game. It was a close game throughout. FL had the lead and we scored a touchdown but the extra point was missed.
FL lead 28-27 with very little time left on the clock. There were 3 FL fans sitting in front of me and they were celebrating and giving high-fives. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper.
Then we stopped the Gators and got the ball back. We didn’t move the ball well and Wilhoit had to kick a 50yd field goal with seconds on the clock.
As soon as he kicked the ball, Wihoit starting jumping head high. As soon as that ball went through the uprights, the 3 FL fans looked like some had poured hot grease over them. Now all the Vol fans were yelling and giving high fives.
Seeing those 3 guys sneak out of the stadium was AWESOME.
Comment by Greg — January 8, 2011 @ 2:40 pm
Too many memories to list. But one of them really hits home.
My parents moved to Knoxville, TN when I was 4 from California. My parents were looking for a better life outside of California. California had alot to offer, but wasn’t the ideal place to raise a family. I moved to Tennessee with two older brothers. Living in Knoxville, its kind of hard not to be involved with UT sports. It seems like everyone is a UT fan.
Growing up in Knoxville, my parents didnt have a lot of money. They struggled alot but gave us boys the best and most they could. I remember when my older brother was looking for colleges, my parents couldn’t afford to send him anywhere, so luckily he landed a scholarship and went to the Naval Academy. But, my other brother, I was always a little jealous of. He got a scholarship to UT and went to school there. It was my dream to go to UT.
Growing up, I always wanted to go to a UT football game, but we never had the money to afford to go. Instead, I remember standing around out in the garage washing the car with my dad listening to probably the greatest voice on radio ever, John Ward. We would listen to the game and cheer on the vols in the garage/driveway. Thats the best my parents could do, and I was ok with it. Just hanging with my dad listening to UT football on the radio. Then I remember one christmas, my parents (or Santa) bought me a UT Starter Jacket. I thought I was the coolest kid ever. I loved that thing! Then, time passed. My mom eventually went back to school at night, and graduated from UT as well. Now, I was really jealous.
I remember when the vols won the BCS National Championship in ’98. We got to see that game on tv. That was exciting to watch. I also remember my dad saying that he heard on the news that if UT won, the mall was going to open after the game and would have shirts available to buy. My dad drove me to the mall at midnight and got me a shirt! Still have it!
Times passed and it was time for me to graduate High School and go to college. I got accepted into UT and that was one of my happiest days in my life.I spent 5 years at UT and went to every single game while I was there. While at school, my dad wanted to better himself, and went back and got his masters at UT. So, in our family, we now have 4 UT graduates.
Since graduating, I am now a season ticket holder along with my dad and we move go to the games every saturday. My mom and dad go, and I go with my new wife. I met her my last year at UT, and we got married last year. The wedding was UT themed. I also, took my dad to his first UT Basketball game. He was pretty excited about that.
Like I said at the begining, there are too many memories to list. Too many to chhose from, but this one stands out the most. UT football was a common bond shared between me and my dad, and I looked forward to it every saturday in the fall as a kid. Got us through the rough times, and now we share it as father-son time. Love UT with all my heart! Just recently moved away, and we still drive 500 miles to every home game in the fall. Thats dedication! Or as Vol fans know it, Thats Tennessee Pride!!!! Go Vols.
Comment by Michael G — January 18, 2011 @ 3:21 pm
My husband went to high school with someone who went on to play for Tennessee. Watching his old classmate, he was hooked immediately. I didn’t come around for quite some time later, but when I did I learned right away what fall Saturdays were for.
So, one day, I decided I would take my husband to Tennessee (we live in Maryland). I borrowed a friends car because our vehicles were less than reliable for an 8 hour road trip. At 0330, I woke my husband up and said, “we have to go now..” He patted me on the head and said, “go back to sleep”. I said, “we have to go to Tennessee” He said, “you are dreaming, go back to sleep”. I turned the light on to show I was wide awake and showed him the game tickets. I said, “We can’t let these go to waste…So, I have to take a shower, then we can go”.
I jumped in the shower, and by the time I got out, the car was packed, he was dressed and tapping his foot waiting for me. He drove the whole way there excited, and the following day, we walked into Neyland Stadium.
In the 14 years we have been together, I have never seen that man speechless. He stood at the top of one of the lower section levels for what had to be over 20 minutes, completely in awe without a word.
I took a picture of him, and that is one of my most treasured pictures of him to this day. We try very hard to make it to at least one game a year, but life just gets in the way. However, a few years after the initial visit, I took another picture similar to the first. Only this time, he’s holding our son’s hand as they both stood there admiring Neyland Stadium.
Comment by Amanda H — February 7, 2011 @ 9:09 pm
I tease people all the time that I was bottle fed College football, with the main ingredient being a love for the Tennessee Vols. It is a love that spans several generations in my family. My father was quite possibly the biggest Tennessee Volunteer fan in the history of fans. Rocky Top was played at his funeral…not once but twice, and hanging up next to his casket was his favorite Tennessee jacket. I think of the vols and I think of my dad. Saturday afternoons sitting in the living room, cheering away….even if we lost. You see, in our house, you were a fan, win or lose….we could be down 20 points and my dad would cheer as if we were a field goal away from taking the Championship. His love was a deep one. Many years ago, he worked for a sign company and actually helped with the building of the VOLS that hangs on top of Neyland Stadium. He would beam as he told people this story. I have so many memories…..one that I will never forget is that every Saturday he would “DECK” out in Tennessee Orange….well, not just every Saturday, but every game day. Basketball (womens or mens), baseball, Softball, Football, any time Tennessee played, he showed his pride. It was really quite enjoyable after we moved to Florida how my dad continued his pride. We owned a business and everyone would come in to tease him about being a Tennessee fan living in the hated Gator country. But he still did every time. You see, a love for Tennessee football was a way of life for us, I can proudly say that I could sing Rocky Top (as well as each of my children) by the age of two. My father moved to Heaven 5 years ago, and I miss him like crazy, (I was the poster child for Daddy’s girl). My youngest son has kept his memory alive more than any of us, in the fact that he is not just a fan, but he feels like he is part of the team. He knows all the players (even the second and third string), and there is not a day goes by that he does not log into utsports.com. I dont know if this entry will win anything, but what I do know is the following: 1. Everytime I hear rocky top play, I hear my dad singing along. 2. I try to never miss a kick off or a tip off or the first pitch of any game, because my dad always said that was the best part of the game. He used to say that he got chills every time he saw the kick off for a game. 3. I may be crazy, but when I am at home (in Florida) watching a game being played at Neyland Stadium, I am sure my dad is watching too. There is a light that shines just over the Eastern corner of the Stadium….thats my Dad, cheering on his beloved VOLS.
Janie Alt
Comment by Janie Alt — March 9, 2011 @ 12:20 pm
The year we beat Florida and went on to win the National Championship, I was a senior. A friend of mine and his little girl (probably 8 at the time) and me were sitting in the student section end zone. After time ran out, of course we all jumped on the field. It was very crowded and I turned around at about the 50 yard line and noticed the goal post was coming my way. Needless to say, his little girl was about to be trampled. I yelled at him to put her on his shoulders and head towards the exit.
I was scared to death that something bad was going to happen to the little girl, so immediately I stiff-armed my way to the front and back to keep us from getting trampled upon. How I mustered the strength to do that I don’t know, but I had to maintain some space to protect me, the little girl, and my friend.
We made it to the exit unharmed but shaking followed by one tip of the goal post and a mauled TV camera. What an experience!! Go VOLS!!! Praise GOD for protecting us!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Brian Hundley — March 12, 2011 @ 1:27 pm
I was underway on active duty in the U.S. NAVY. I had wondered all day if we would be able to watch the national championship game since we could receive satellite pictures only while the ship was on certain courses with our receivers pointed in the right direction and not blocked by our masts. We did not get to watch the game due to course requirements but it was broadcast on Armed Forces Radio. I settlled into a Sonar workspace where I was able to listen in. I had several friends (Florida State fans) who were listening in in a low berthing area while my space was two decks above. I must have made at least 25-30 trips running full speed to rub in a big play via U.T. or to retort against a play I thought might hurt our cahnces of winning. When that game was over and we pulled out a National Championship after several dry decades, I was leaping and shouting loud enough that many of the crew probably feared we were under some sort of attack or in a state of emergency. I was just happy that Orange Nation was back on top! I have since retired after 22yrs in the NAVY and settled just north of knoxville in order to tail gate and attend vols games whenever I can! GO BIG ORANGE!
Comment by Bert Cole — March 22, 2011 @ 7:22 pm
Out of the devastating tornado that hit my family’s home in Glade Spring, VA on April 28th, comes the hope and inspiration of Neyland Stadium!
The tornado that struck Glade Spring, VA completely devastated our family by not only taking my mother’s life, but also severely injuring my brother, his wife and 2 children who lived in the home with my mother.
The tornado picked up the double-wide, threw it 90 yards up a hill and left nothing of it but shredded debris and carnage.
My mother was killed and both my brother and his wife had broken necks, multiple fractures and broken backs, but still alive.
My nephew and niece had broken bones and scrapes but were in better shape than my brother and his wife.
I rushed to the hospital, thinking it would be the last time I saw my brother and his wife alive after receiving the news. I told my brother, while he was laying there in the emergency room, fighting for his life, that he had to fight and get better so we could walk into the first home game at Neyland against Montana on September the 3rd, 2011.
Both, my brother and I, are the biggest VOLS fans in the world and always have been. He is 5 years younger than I am, he is 41 and I will be 46 this year in October.
Both his wife and him fought hard and lived with me while healing through tremendous pain and going through very trying physical therapy to try and learn to walk again, but they did it!
This past Saturday, September 3rd, 2011; my brother and I walked into Neyland to watch our VOLS as we had set as our goal and without his cervical collar and back brace!
The VOLS and Neyland Stadium have always had a special place in our hearts, but this time they were a key factor in a miracle!
GO VOLS!
Comment by Bill Keesee — September 5, 2011 @ 12:23 pm