Conference Tours

Neyland Stadium

Neyland Stadium named after legendary head coach of the Vols General Robert Neyland originally opened in 1921. The stadium holds a special place in the hearts of Tennessee fans everywhere. Over the past 80 years, it has grown to become one of America’s greatest football stadiums – fostering cherished, lifelong memories.

In November 2004, the UT Athletic Department unveiled its master plan for Neyland Stadium, which will serve as a long-term solution to issues currently facing Neyland Stadium and prepare the stadium for the next 75 years. Renovations will be completed in five phases. Phase I began after the 2005 football season during the off-season to reduce inconveniences on fans. The renovations should take approximately 10 to 12 years to complete. With five proposed phases, each phase is independent to ensure that funding is available before each one begins.

One key of the master plan was to find a way to fund the renovations without financially impacting all Tennessee fans. The addition of club seating is one of the primary funding source for the renovations, providing more the $34 million in private gifts and over $3 million in annual revenue to cover debt.

Phase I of the Neyland Stadium Master Plan renovations was completed prior to the start of the 2006 season. This phase includes the expansion of the lower north concourse, the addition of the East Club and infrastructure improvements to the stadium. The East Club opened in 2006 to a tremendous response from its donors. The 422 seat club, which was sold-out before its completion, has been recognized as one of the finest premium seating areas in all of college sports. The West Club will open for the 2009 season and will have the same general layout and amenities as the East Club. It will be located in the west sideline upper deck with a club room overlooking campus. In addition to the club seating Neyland Stadium has 122 skyboxes on the east and west sides of the stadium. The current capacity is 102,038.

Thompson-Boling Arena

In March 2007, the University of Tennessee Athletics Department embarked on Phase I of the renovation project for Thompson-Boling Assembly Center and Arena. This $19 million dollar project was the first major renovation to Thompson-Boling Arena since it opened in 1987. In that time, more than 13 million patrons have attended thousands of arena events, including basketball games, concerts, UT and high school graduations and other special events such as pro wrestling.

Phase I of the renovations included new seats for the entire arena, a center-hung scoreboard and concourse refurbishments, such as graphics and other amenities. Another key element of Phase I was the addition of load-bearing capacity to the arena roof structure, which was no longer adequate for some modern touring production requirements, and painting the ceiling tiles black.

Phase I also included new luxury suites and loge seating, which are a primary funding source for much of the renovations. The 32 luxury suites are located in the existing north balcony of Thompson-Boling Arena. The loge area features 166 side court seats, located directly below the luxury suites and includes private adjoining hospitality areas. The current capacity is 21,678.

Other UT Venues

In addition, conference tours will include hospitality areas at Sherri Lee Softball Stadium and Regal Soccer Stadium as well as a site visit at Lindsey Nelson Baseball Stadium.

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