By Alexa Benson

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As the University of Tennessee gears up to open its Southeastern Conference play against the University of Georgia, the campus is buzzing with anticipation. ESPN’s “College GameDay” is set to broadcast live from the Ayres Hall lawn on Saturday, Sept. 13, marking a triumphant return since their last campus appearance in 2022. The match-up is slated to be an electrifying event as the two teams haven’t clashed this early in the season since the Volunteers’ tight victory back on Sept. 9, 1995, according to UT’s official news release.

“The Pat McAfee Show” also plans to broadcast live from inside Neyland Stadium, though the Friday show remains closed to the public. Fans can fully expect to quickly get immersed in the pregame festivities, with both radio and live music venues planning to heighten the game-day atmosphere. Neyland Stadium itself is set for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff, with gates to open at 1:30 p.m. The game will be televised on ABC, while fans can tune into audio coverage via the Vol Network, SiriusXM, and the Varsity app, as detailed by the same UT announcement.

The annual Checker Neyland game, a tradition presented by Pilot, will once again transform the stands into a vibrant checkerboard pattern, echoing the university’s iconic design. Visitors keen on participating can visit CheckerNeyland.com and enter their ticket information to discover whether to don their orange or white apparel for the game.

Adding to the game day spirit, Tennessee Athletics will honor former defensive tackle John Henderson with the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute. Henderson, a formidable part of the Vols from 1998 to 2001 and a 2000 Outland Trophy winner, will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame later this year. Amid the fanfare, upgrades like the expanded south concourse and cashless payment options promise to streamline the stadium experience, as reported by UT’s news release.

On a practical note, game day will see comprehensive traffic and parking adjustments. Starting at 5 a.m., key roads such as Peyton Manning Pass and Phillip Fulmer Way will be closed to vehicular traffic. Digital tickets and parking passes will be mandatory – attempts to use screenshots for entry are bound to fail. Fans counting on shuttle services can activate their passes just before boarding, and, for those who prefer public transport, KAT will operate specialized game day shuttles from downtown areas, as UT’s online resources meticulously outline.

UT takes safety and regulations seriously during such high-profile events. Strict measures like bag checks, a clear bag policy, and a ban on drones and other unmanned aircraft systems are in force to ensure a secure environment. Moreover, the stadium maintains a staunch stance on prohibited items – leave those stadium seats with arms at home, folks. But fear not, you can bring cushioned seats, small cameras, and other game day necessities, just be sure to comply with the clear bag policy. Stay informed and check UT’s updates for a hassle-free game day experience.