Question for anybody familiar with Tennessee football

It's not really about the team itself, but more just about going to a game at Neyland. Me, my dad and a friend are driving down from Ohio for the UT-Kentucky football game on Nov. 29. We got tickets through UK's athletic department (dad's a season-ticket holder), and we're looking for the best place to tailgate before the game. I've never been down there as a fanboi, just once before to actually cover a game, so I'm not familiar with the parking situation for non-media types.

We obviously don't have a parking pass, so I don't know if there's anyplace in the immediate vicinity of the stadium to park. But we're looking for someplace where we can set up a small grill and crack open a few cold ones before going into the stadium.

Any help on this would be appreciated.

 

When I went to a game at Neyland, people tailgated all over the place, from downtown to down by the river, by the World's Fair Park, anywhere south of Cumberland Ave. You might try south of Neyland, near some of the other ball fields.

 

Thanks.

 

There are several public lots down by the river along Neyland Drive, though I would imagine you'd have to get there pretty early (like maybe on Friday) to get a decent spot.

 

Anywhere on the river. Period.

 

Just don't invite Fat Phil to the barbecue. He'll eat everything in sight.

 

I was wondering what kind of crowd this game would actually get. I mean, UT's out of it; Kentucky is, well, Kentucky; and the students will all be on Thanksgiving break.

 

Probably be 70,000 at the game, even though Tennessee is sucking and Kentucky is ... Kentucky.

 

And 60,000 orange-clad fans holding up "Hire Mike Leach" signs.

 

Attendance has been brutal the past several games, but I wouldn't be surprised to see an uptick for the finale, simply because there will be no more football until August. Still won't crack 100k though.

Do be aware that the DOT has basically blown the local freeway system to smithereens.

http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/smartfix/jwp/

 

Doesn't Neyland hold 100K+?

We're not talking about Louisville fans here, don't Vols fans show up in good times and in bad?

 

1. Yes, official capacity is 102,000-plus, but they often pack in 105 or 106K for Florida or Alabama.

2. Until this year, yes, that's always been the case. But only two games this year — Florida and Alabama — have seen capacity crowds.