Another thing would be the size of TBA. Many other SEC schools have a smaller gym, and of course not as many seats. Those student sections are filled up a majority of the time, but also because there aren't as many seats for the students. One thing that makes the student attendance look smaller...
You are correct about it closing. Not much Tennessee gear there. A great place to go to is Alumni Hall or the sport seasons. Great variety at both of the places. Volunteer Traditions is also a great, but expensive, place to check out.