The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference
The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference

A Spring Game Day in Knoxville

401 days ago
Caleb Wilson
Photo: Southeastern Conference

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (May 3, 2022) -- Gameday in Knoxville, Tennessee. Orange everywhere, Rocky Top blasting from the band, and anxious fans ready to see their team fight for a victory. As a fan, whether visiting or clad in big orange, the opportunities for an incredible game day experience in Knoxville are endless.

Many who visit our city are often surprised at the size of Knoxville, having associated the city solely with the University of Tennessee. While there are many unique game day opportunities on campus, Knoxville itself offers a plethora of districts, shops, restaurants, and activities for everyone.

Depending on the time of the game, start your day at the corner of Gay Street and Summit Hill Avenue in the Visit Knoxville Visitors Center . Here, you will be met with the finest southern hospitality, you can ask questions, grab as many brochures as you'd like, and plan your day according to your interests while sipping a coffee or ice - cold beverage.

Stroll down Gay Street, passing local merchandisers, coffee shops and restaurants. Be sure to stop at the Hyatt Place Hotel and look at the plaque noting the creation of the Southeastern Conference at this spot all the way back in 1933. Take a picture with the marquis sign of the Tennessee Theatre, and head one block over to Market Square to grab a bite to eat. With a variety of shops and 15 unique restaurants within one square pedestrian block (and more than 90 restaurants within one square mile), there is an option to satisfy any appetite. As game time approaches, be sure to head down to campus in enough time to allow for some sight - seeing. Luckily, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus is only about a mile from Market Square. You can walk, take the Orange Line Trolley to campus, or park on campus and shuttle to the game!

As you work your way to the stadium, be sure to look around and embrace the athletic traditions of UT's campus that surround you. A newly - renovated Neyland Stadium, a cathedral of college football in the South, sits ready to explode when the Vols reach the checkerboards. Glance at street signs on campus named after Tennessee legends like Peyton Manning, Tee Martin, Chamique Holdsclaw, Phillip Fulmer, and Pat Summitt. Speaking of Pat, take a moment with her statue on the corner of Lake Loudon Blvd. and Phillip Fulmer Way where she stands tall, embodying her legacy which changed the game of women's basketball and impacted countless lives along the way.

After enjoying the game, taking in the views of the Great Smoky Mountains in the distance, and experiencing game day atmosphere on Rocky Top, make the rest of your time in Knoxville one to remember. For the outdoorsy, stroll down the aptly named Neyland Greenway along the mighty banks of the Tennessee River. For the outgoing, grab a drink in the Old City and then make your way to Gay Street for some bowling & late - night karaoke or maybe head to a South Knoxville Brewery and wind down with good company. For the family with kids, visit the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame or even take a trip to the top of Knoxville's signature landmark, the Sunsphere . Whatever your flavor, Knoxville has a fit for you.

This year, head to Knoxville and let our nature - loving - adventure - seeking - sports - kinda - town embrace you for a game or weekend getaway. We can't wait to welcome you!

For more information, please visit www.visitknoxville.com.