KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — For the first time in months, Neyland Stadium was filled with sounds of Rocky Top, thousands of cheering fans and one of Tennessee's favorite pastimes — football.
Austin Stephens and his family drove from Chattanooga for Saturday's Orange and White spring game.
"I'm here to support the Vols," Austin said. "I'm excited to see both the stadium and the players."
Colby Stephens was excited too. Neither of them had been to Neyland Stadium before.
"I've been a Vols fan since the day I was born," Colby said. "I've always had the orange blood in me so I'm excited to see this."
Charlotte Gantt came from Orlando to see her son, Kingston Harris, play in the spring scrimmage. She was thrilled to be able to attend in person.
"Last year I didn't make very many games, if any, because of COVID," Gantt said. "But, I wouldn't miss another one this year."
Keyen Green also traveled to Neyland Stadium to support Harris, her boyfriend.
"I'm just looking forward to seeing my baby play," she said. "I got to see a couple of games in the fall semester, but you know, they weren't great games so I'm just looking forward to seeing him, especially on this new staff."
For many fans, it's been a long year without shuffling into crowded stadiums and cheering on their favorite teams.
Shane Hathaway said he missed the experience of attending games in person. He said he drove from Nashville to support his neighbor, Antonio Malone, and the rest of the Vols.
"I'm a very big fan... I just want to see all this orange. I want to see this whole street orange," he said. "I'm waiting on the season. Big expectations for the coach, the players are getting better... it's coming. We're going to be alright."