KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee announced it has entered into a long-term partnership with Pilot Company that it said will preserve Neyland Stadium.
The university said it is partnering with Pilot for up to 20 years and possibly longer in a way that "preserves the iconic venue's name and enhances the stadium experience for future generations."
UT and Pilot leaders said they will formally announce the news in the Lower West Club at Neyland Stadium at noon on Tuesday.
According to UT, the deal will not change the name of Neyland Stadium or Sheilds-Watkins Field.
As part of the partnership, UT said Pilot's logo will appear alongside the return of the "Home of the Vols" sign. Pilot's branding will also appear on each side of the Shields-Watkings field and in sponsored content from Tennessee Athletics and the Vol Network.
“Vol fans know better than anyone the magic of Neyland on game day and the feeling of singing Rocky Top in the same stadium where the greatest Vol legends made their name,” said UT Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman. “Our partnership with Pilot is all about preserving and enriching that experience to make sure fans and their families will continue to make these same kinds of memories for decades to come.”
UT said Pilot will be formally recognized as the presenting partner of Neyland Stadium's renovation project, and Pilot Travel Centers will be recognized as the official stop of Tennessee Athletics. Danny White, UT's director of athletics, said the partnership will allow UT to continue modernizing its sports program.
"As we navigate the changing landscape of college athletics, we are dedicated to building the best athletics department in the country," White said. "Because we were committed to preserving the name of Neyland Stadium, finding a partner who shared this vision was essential. With deep roots here in Knoxville, Pilot recognizes the significance of Neyland and the importance of tradition to our fans and the university. Our focus continues to preserve and honor our storied past while modernizing to ensure we lead the way in college sports."
The Neyland Stadium renovation project has been going on for years and is expected to be completed by the 2025 season. The UT Board of Trustees approved a more than $330 million budget for the project in 2023.