KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The 128th season of Tennessee Football kicks off on Saturday, and ahead of the game Tennessee Athletics unveiled several new "fan experience enhancements" inside Neyland Stadium.
A release from Tennessee Football said there will be numerous upgrades for football fans during game time. One addition will be a new Wi-Fi system. This initially debuted in 2023 but will be fully functional throughout the stadium for the 2024 year. The upgrades will also come with upgraded stadium speakers, new televisions and a vintage volunteer shop.
Ryan Alpert, a Deputy Athletic Director, said UT is on year three of a five-year renovation plan to improve fan experience.
"We don't want to take Vol Nation for granted," Alpert said. "The fan experience is from the time you leave your house, to when you pull back in the driveway. That's something that we try and improve every year."
Alpert also said it's important to minimize the amount of time fans wait in lines. The stadium has 100 new places to buy food and drink, and one new restroom.
"Transaction time and wait times are two things that we try and monitor," Alpert said. "The quicker you can make a transaction time, obviously, the more flow through you're gonna have in a line."
One of the ways to move the lines quickly is through walkthrough concession stands, including a station at Gate 21 with snacks, beer, water, coffee and other items.
A new vintage shop will be located outside Gate 9, where fans can purchase classic gameday merchandise. There will also be an addition of trading cards that can be purchased at vending machines inside Gate 24.
Many other upgrades have been added to the stadium, including the new commemorative tickets after each home game and the "Transcard Premier Club," offering private restrooms and food options.
Another new addition includes an entrance for students into the student section, replacing a temporary ramp. UT Athletics says there are plans to create restrooms, offer elevators and more concessions near the area, which will be available next year.