KNOXVILLE, Tennessee — Tennessee Football fans stormed the field at Neyland Stadium in response to the team's victory over Alabama. Just like in 2022, fans tore down the goalposts.
The SEC fined Tennessee $100,000, as per conference policy for the school's first offense. Although fans did storm the field nearly two years ago, this is the first offense since the rules changed in 2023.
That six-figure fine will go to Alabama.
A young Vols fan said she believes it was worth it, and she had a great day talking about it at school on Monday. Mia McClurkin, 11, said she looked over at her dad while on the field, asked to get on his shoulders, and climbed the goalpost — just like she would climb a tree.
"It was really exciting," she said. "To be there with my family, it was awesome. I checked it off my bucket list."
Her dad, Ryan McClurkin, said he plays Rocky Top at full volume on Saturday mornings to wake his kids up — building excitement for the game. He said Saturday was an unforgettable experience.
"I didn't even realize it. Like, she got the crowd going," he said. "I'm like, 'Now that's an experience. That is a once-in-a-lifetime right there.' I said, 'You cherish that one'."
Mia also said she is a flyer for her cheer team, which she said gave her great balance up on the goalpost.