KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Saturday was a big day for Tennessee Football. It rallied and took home the victory in a matchup against Alabama — leading to fans tearing down goalposts in celebration. It was also the first time a matchup against Alabama was broadcast in Spanish on the radio.
The broadcast was done by Carlos Lopez, who started sharing Vols games in Spanish around two years ago. He would post callouts on social media, where Spanish-speaking fans found a community in Big Orange Country. It is known as "Vamos Vols."
"The caption was, 'What is Spanish announcers were announcing NCAA football games?'" said Lopez.
He said the 2024 season marks the first time that Tennessee Football is officially carrying every game in Spanish. The university is now the fourth in the Southeastern Conference to offer Spanish radio broadcasts for all of its football games.
Lopez said bringing the game to fans in Spanish can add a new layer of excitement, adding to the already-electric atmosphere among the fanbase.
"People like the enthusiasm, the energy, this passion. This is Tennessee Football," said Lopez. "Now we are receiving messages — people want to speak Spanish so they can listen and follow the game in Spanish."
College football legends like Tim Tebow and ESPN commentator Paul Finebaum have also thrown in their support for the new broadcasts. Lopez had a chance to speak with Finebaum on his show, which aired from the University of Tennessee's campus on Friday.
"It was great to be there. It was great for him to be interested in what we were doing," Lopez said.
At the end of the matchup against Alabama, Lopez also said he had one phrase: "Préndanlos si los tienen."
It translates to, "Light them up."
Fans can listen to the game on The Sports Animal's AM 990 signal in Knoxville, or through an online stream. The stream is available on The Sports Animal's website, its app, the UT Sports website and the Tennessee Athletics app.