Knoxville — The University of Tennessee is on the road this week with players and fans alike headed to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the first football game of the season.
The Vols take on West Virginia for the first time ever at 3:30 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 1.
There are still tickets available for the game.
Gameday Activities
The Tennessee Athletic Department and UT Alumni Affairs Office are hosting the official Big Orange Tailgate with Elevate Lifestyle in Charlotte the day of the game from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Admission to the tailgate is free and fans will also be able to buy food and drinks during the event. For more information on the tailgate, click here.
The Belk College Kickoff FanFest will be outside the stadium from 10-3:30 p.m. and will have live music, a food court and a kids' zone. The event is free to the public. For a full lineup of the festivities, click here.
Celebrating UT's top dog: Smokey!
Stadium Security
UT implemented a bag policy a couple of seasons ago that fans should be prepared for come the home opener next week, but those traveling to Charlotte will have to abide by the same rules as well.
Only one clear plastic bag, no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches, or a one-gallon clear resealable plastic storage bag will be allowed. Fans can also carry a small clutch purse, not larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Those bags are still subject to search at the gates.
An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at the gate.
Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the stadium and ballpark.
Other prohibited items:
- Alcoholic beverages
- All balls, including footballs of any size
- All non-transparent bags or items, including backpacks, binocular/camera cases, cinch bags, computer bags, diaper bags, fanny packs, purses larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″, etc.
- Baby seats
- Balloons
- Coolers or containers, including cans and bottles
- Explosives
- Fireworks
- Folding chairs
- Food and beverages, except two (2) sealed plastic non-flavored water bottles per person
- Horns, bells, whistles and other noise makers
- Illegal drugs
- Laptops
- Laser pointers
- Pets, except service animals assisting those with disabilities
- Seat cushions with covers, zippers, clasps, pockets or any other device that would allow concealment of any item
- Selfie Sticks
- Strollers
- Umbrellas
- Video equipment
- Vuvuzelas
- Weapons of any kind and size, including guns, knives, scissors and those carried with a permit
What is allowed, with restrictions:
Home of the Vols: Neyland Stadium
Parking and Traffic
Fans are encouraged to arrive early and use public transportation operated by the Charlotte Area Transit System, which is made up of buses, the LYNX light rail and CityLYNX streetcars.
There are 30,000 parking spaces within five blocks of Bank of America Stadium, so if you still want to drive there yourself,you'll have some options. You can guarantee a spot by reserving one with SpotHero, which the Belk College Kickoff has partnered with. For information on how to do so, click here.
RV parking for the game will be at 600 West 8th Street Lot and is operated by E-Z Parking. Call them at 704-376--5559 to purchase a spot.
How to watch
Can't make the trip to Charlotte? You can watch the game here on CBS All Access or listen to it live on utsports.com.
Fans are encouraged to follow @UTGameday on Twitter or visit UTSports.com/gameday for the latest updates on traffic, weather, gate information and game day events.