KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — As the Vols took on the Crimson Tide on the Third Saturday in October, a group of fans tailgated in their own way.
"As a person in recovery, it's really important to have safe places like this to be able to enjoy ourselves without the temptation of substances, to be able to fellowship and be around other volunteer fans," Rachel Loveday said.
An alumni of UT, Loveday knows the gameday experience firsthand.
"Yes, I graduated with my master's degree... 20 years ago," she said. "I remember going to games and having had new substances at the time. And to be able to do that now without the use of substances is great to be able to experience the joys of us winning and being a Volunteer."
A contrast to the past, Loveday now can enjoy the game with people facing the same struggles as her.
"This is my second sober tailgating event and that first one was just really great to have people that are just like me, that support the volunteers that want to have a safe place to go to," she said.
Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist Jessica Stanley said that the event can spark relationships in the community.
"When it is events like this, you know, people start sitting, they start talking," Stanley said. "They may be talking about football but then they start talking about family and history,"
No matter if they're a Vols fan or not, they all come together on the road to recovery.
"When you come together in supportive recovery, it doesn't matter your differences," Loveday said. "It doesn't matter which team you support, although hopefully support the volunteers. You still feel safe and loved. And that's what the gateway does. It allows people to feel that support."