First Timer Coming In For Florida Game Looking For Advice

[Yankee_Dave]

Hi all. My buddy and I hit a different college game every year as we try to get to all of the best game day atmospheres in the country. Neyland is high on our list and the schedule worked out for the Florida game. Looking for advice on things we can't read about elsewhere... like traditional places to go Fri night, best places to see the tailgating effort you all put out, where to go after the game, etc. I've already read the game day info about the march in, Vol navy, etc...so I'm looking for things that only you insiders know . Any help is appreciated. BTW...Penn State fan here...but don't hold that against me.

 

[Rebel VOL]

You picked a great game to come to! Wear orange and you will have blast!

 

[FLVOL_79]

 

[Illinoisvolfan2]

Popping your cherry. Good for you!
Get ready to have your ears ringing. It’s going to be crazy

 

[utnut1]

Calhoun’s on river (close to Vol Navy and walk by river). Market Square, Gay St, Old City downtown for bars, etc. Cumberland Ave “the Strip” for more bars and restaurants. Seeing Pride of Southand band proceed to Neyland hours before kickoff and then the team on the Vol Walk just after is cool to see. Tailgating is EVERYWHERE. Being hilly on the river there is no one huge parking lot that surrounds the stadium…nooks and cranny’s! Prepare to pay a premium to park in the various smaller lots close to stadium just off campus. It’s a great experience…have fun!

 

[kiddiedoc]

Try now to get reservations for Lonesome Dove for Friday night. If unavailable, Vida, JC Holdway, Oliver Royale, and Kefi are excellent options. If you are staying downtown, the rooftop bars on the Embassy and Hyatt are great. Walk Gay Street and Market Square. Saloon 16 is full of cool memorabilia on campus.

For Game Day, check out the riverfront to see the Vol Navy spectacle. You can usually wander onto friendly boats. Don't miss the Vol Walk, but get there early.

 

[onevol74]

You picked a great game to come to! Wear orange and you will have blast!

Not just any orange, Tennessee Orange. And hell yeah there is a difference.

 

[SoddyAllVol]

Try now to get reservations for Lonesome Dove for Friday night. If unavailable, Vida, JC Holdway, Oliver Royale, and Kefi are excellent options. If you are staying downtown, the rooftop bars on the Embassy and Hyatt are great. Walk Gay Street and Market Square. Saloon 16 is full of cool memorabilia on campus.

For Game Day, check out the riverfront to see the Vol Navy spectacle. You can usually wander onto friendly boats. Don't miss the Vol Walk, but get there early.

According to website lonesome dove is closed for renovations. Thought it’s good I think it’s too high for what it is.

 

[SoddyAllVol]

Try now to get reservations for Lonesome Dove for Friday night. If unavailable, Vida, JC Holdway, Oliver Royale, and Kefi are excellent options. If you are staying downtown, the rooftop bars on the Embassy and Hyatt are great. Walk Gay Street and Market Square. Saloon 16 is full of cool memorabilia on campus.

For Game Day, check out the riverfront to see the Vol Navy spectacle. You can usually wander onto friendly boats. Don't miss the Vol Walk, but get there early.

I agree with the rest tho

 

[SoddyAllVol]

My advice would be go where the night takes you Friday it’s bound to be a good time wherever and then do the same Saturday just make sure to catch the volwalk and running through the T. The rest will take care of itself and you’ll find friendly people on every corner more than willing to show ya a good time.

 

[OldVolMan]

Hi all. My buddy and I hit a different college game every year as we try to get to all of the best game day atmospheres in the country. Neyland is high on our list and the schedule worked out for the Florida game. Looking for advice on things we can't read about elsewhere... like traditional places to go Fri night, best places to see the tailgating effort you all put out, where to go after the game, etc. I've already read the game day info about the march in, Vol navy, etc...so I'm looking for things that only you insiders know . Any help is appreciated. BTW...Penn State fan here...but don't hold that against me.

You really do not have to plan for a great time in Kxville for this event, it happens naturally.
Vol fans are warm and hospitable, but very competitive and loyal so to save any possible negative comments do not wear your Penn State gear, buy a TN Vol item and wear that. On second thought you might wear a PS item but also a Vol item, you might be recognized by members on VolNation.
That could also initiate some curiosity from Vol fans to engage conversation with you.

Vol fans are approachable so don’t be shy, introduce yourself and tell them why your are there.
Just join people in Orange, talk to them, follow them and they will accept you and be your best tour guide. I assure you they will introduce you to other’s, most likely poke some fun at you being a Penn State fan, but flow with it and enjoy the moment. Don‘t take any possible pokes at you serious, some have few more drinks than they probably should have had.

I have been to many games with friends and family members and noticed that the one’s that were usually naturally quiet and shy would be the most fun. Sort of like going with someone to a rock concert and seeing how crazy and fun they are capable of being. A Vol football game, and especially an entire weekend, is a way for us to forget about the crazy serious world all around us and escape it for a short time.

Please come back and share with us your experience, I will be looking forward for it. Maybe start a new thread something like “Results “for my first time coming in for Florida game looking for advise” so we can recognize it. just a thought.

Sorry so long but hope it helps.
Welcome to Knoxville!

 

[SaipanVol]

Hi all. My buddy and I hit a different college game every year as we try to get to all of the best game day atmospheres in the country. Neyland is high on our list and the schedule worked out for the Florida game. Looking for advice on things we can't read about elsewhere... like traditional places to go Fri night, best places to see the tailgating effort you all put out, where to go after the game, etc. I've already read the game day info about the march in, Vol navy, etc...so I'm looking for things that only you insiders know . Any help is appreciated. BTW...Penn State fan here...but don't hold that against me.

Your coach is a D$#k. Just kidding....LOL! You will have a great time!

 

[ftsandersvol]

I would suggest a pub crawl on the strip for Friday night. Be sure to hit Yosemite Sam’s, The Last Lap, The Longbranch Saloon, The Tap Room, The Old College Inn, The Brewery, Sam and Andy’s, The Roman Room, and The Foxy Lady.

Also, be sure to stop by Eddie’s to stock up on your favorite beverage for the game.

 

[vollygirl]

Hi all. My buddy and I hit a different college game every year as we try to get to all of the best game day atmospheres in the country. Neyland is high on our list and the schedule worked out for the Florida game. Looking for advice on things we can't read about elsewhere... like traditional places to go Fri night, best places to see the tailgating effort you all put out, where to go after the game, etc. I've already read the game day info about the march in, Vol navy, etc...so I'm looking for things that only you insiders know . Any help is appreciated. BTW...Penn State fan here...but don't hold that against me.

Damn! I'm biased as hell, but you hit the jackpot with this choice. I'm a little jealous to be honest, no skin in the game and you just get to enjoy it?

My only suggestion would be to pay attention to the older people. They are trying to savor how ever many games they have left. A lot of people get put out with them, but they have loved Tennessee for a long time. And it's a great time to be a Tennessee fan.

Also pay attention to the little kids. They are just learning how blessed they are to be a Tennessee fan. (And their parents are probably rethinking having them at this game. )

Lastly, I hope you enjoy getting to experience the game. There is a reason we feel as passionately as we do. But I don't know who could explain it. Maybe you'll get to feel it sitting in Neyland Stadium on the 24th.

Oh, PS, I hate James Franklin.

GO VOLS!!

 

[T Clifton]

This is a troll.

 

[jim pique]

fort sandersvol,You are perfect with those bars.Me at the Lap,George(the galloper at the Roman Room,all are good.

 

[dduncan4163]

Hi all. My buddy and I hit a different college game every year as we try to get to all of the best game day atmospheres in the country. Neyland is high on our list and the schedule worked out for the Florida game. Looking for advice on things we can't read about elsewhere... like traditional places to go Fri night, best places to see the tailgating effort you all put out, where to go after the game, etc. I've already read the game day info about the march in, Vol navy, etc...so I'm looking for things that only you insiders know . Any help is appreciated. BTW...Penn State fan here...but don't hold that against me.

You picked one helluva game to attend. Rep the Power T and enjoy the worlds largest insane asylum.

 

[BelleVol]

Try now to get reservations for Lonesome Dove for Friday night. If unavailable, Vida, JC Holdway, Oliver Royale, and Kefi are excellent options. If you are staying downtown, the rooftop bars on the Embassy and Hyatt are great. Walk Gay Street and Market Square. Saloon 16 is full of cool memorabilia on campus.

For Game Day, check out the riverfront to see the Vol Navy spectacle. You can usually wander onto friendly boats. Don't miss the Vol Walk, but get there early.

Kefi. Among the BEST restaurants in Knoxville. Get a reservation now.

 

[DC_Vol]

Hi all. My buddy and I hit a different college game every year as we try to get to all of the best game day atmospheres in the country. Neyland is high on our list and the schedule worked out for the Florida game. Looking for advice on things we can't read about elsewhere... like traditional places to go Fri night, best places to see the tailgating effort you all put out, where to go after the game, etc. I've already read the game day info about the march in, Vol navy, etc...so I'm looking for things that only you insiders know . Any help is appreciated. BTW...Penn State fan here...but don't hold that against me.

I hope you guys have a great time in Knoxville. I think you'll find the majority of our fans hospitable and welcoming.

Here are a few things to consider:

1) Hit up a few tailgates on game day. You can find these all over campus and you should find fans there who will welcome you with open arms.

2) See the Vol Walk. The Vol Walk will happen at 4:45 and will start at the Torchbearer statue in Circle Park on Volunteer Drive. It continues down Peyton Manning Pass before turning left on Phillip Fulmer Way and into the stadium through Gate 21A.

3) Make sure you in the stadium early enough to see the pregame routines, including the Running Through the T.

4) Walk the riverfront and check out the festivities happening in the Vol Navy

A few restaurants / bars to consider:

Pete's Coffee Shop
For breakfast if you are downtown. Great local’s spot.

Stock & Barrel
Downtown Market Square. Great burgers and a large selection of whiskeys and bourbons.

Copper Cellar
For game day, stop by the Copper Cellar on the strip. The main floor is called the Cumberland Grill. Good food options and plenty of drinks. The place will be full of home and opposing fans, and you'll be right in the middle of the action.

Calhouns on the River
The menu is decent, but you cannot beat the atmosphere. You are right on the river and the restaurant has an awesome deck on the water where you can see the river and the stadium. It will be packed out on game day.

Barley's Knoxville
If you get to the Old City (an easy walk or cab from downtown), you can try Barley's for great pizza and a large beer selection.

Hope you guys enjoy the trip.

 

[BallerVolFan]

All the above recommendations are great but to be honest, I think wherever you choose to go will be a good choice because the vibe and atmosphere will be unlike any other no matter where you are leading up to the game.

 

[lukeneyland]

Hi all. My buddy and I hit a different college game every year as we try to get to all of the best game day atmospheres in the country. Neyland is high on our list and the schedule worked out for the Florida game. Looking for advice on things we can't read about elsewhere... like traditional places to go Fri night, best places to see the tailgating effort you all put out, where to go after the game, etc. I've already read the game day info about the march in, Vol navy, etc...so I'm looking for things that only you insiders know . Any help is appreciated. BTW...Penn State fan here...but don't hold that against me.

Yell on defense with us be a part of the great atmosphere

 

[ndubvols]

My personal favorites for the night before game day are balter beerworks and Shulz
brau. Balter is pretty decent food and a good atmosphere, while Schulz brau is a German brewery/beer garden and will have plenty going on with octoberfest that weekend.

 

[leeroyphi136]

Ye Olde Steakhouse… get the prime rib or porterhouse.

 

[clarencepeabody]

I hope you guys have a great time in Knoxville. I think you'll find the majority of our fans hospitable and welcoming.

Here are a few things to consider:

1) Hit up a few tailgates on game day. You can find these all over campus and you should find fans there who will welcome you with open arms.

2) See the Vol Walk. The Vol Walk will happen at 4:45 and will start at the Torchbearer statue in Circle Park on Volunteer Drive. It continues down Peyton Manning Pass before turning left on Phillip Fulmer Way and into the stadium through Gate 21A.

3) Make sure you in the stadium early enough to see the pregame routines, including the Running Through the T.

4) Walk the riverfront and check out the festivities happening in the Vol Navy

A few restaurants / bars to consider:

Pete's Coffee Shop
For breakfast if you are downtown. Great local’s spot.

Stock & Barrel
Downtown Market Square. Great burgers and a large selection of whiskeys and bourbons.

Copper Cellar
For game day, stop by the Copper Cellar on the strip. The main floor is called the Cumberland Grill. Good food options and plenty of drinks. The place will be full of home and opposing fans, and you'll be right in the middle of the action.

Calhouns on the River
The menu is decent, but you cannot beat the atmosphere. You are right on the river and the restaurant has an awesome deck on the water where you can see the river and the stadium. It will be packed out on game day.

Barley's Knoxville
If you get to the Old City (an easy walk or cab from downtown), you can try Barley's for great pizza and a large beer selection.

Hope you guys enjoy the trip.

Pete’s is closed on Saturdays now. Was one of my favorite game day traditions

 

[clarencepeabody]

Hi all. My buddy and I hit a different college game every year as we try to get to all of the best game day atmospheres in the country. Neyland is high on our list and the schedule worked out for the Florida game. Looking for advice on things we can't read about elsewhere... like traditional places to go Fri night, best places to see the tailgating effort you all put out, where to go after the game, etc. I've already read the game day info about the march in, Vol navy, etc...so I'm looking for things that only you insiders know . Any help is appreciated. BTW...Penn State fan here...but don't hold that against me.

First timers are welcome to tailgate with me. Send an email to neylandpj@gmail