My first memory of Neyland Stadium

#1
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FriendlyGator

Gator Fan in Clemson Land
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#1
As some of you know, I was in the Gator marching band from 99-02. I remember my first trip to Knoxville in 2000 (love the city and the state to be honest), and it was downright intimidating and amazing. Being on the field during halftime and hearing the crowd even during halftime you guys were boisterous and loud. This is one reason why I secretly root for the Vols outside our yearly game; your passion and love for the game is second only to Florida, imo.

Just curious as to what your favorite stadium in the SEC is and why. Do you have any memorable times at The Swamp? I know we're downright rude there, but so are you guys. I had a beer bottle hit my instrument and we got all sorts of profanity thrown our way as we marched into Neyland. It doesn't take away from the beauty of the stadium or your passion.
 
#2
#2
Between the Hedges at Sanford Stadium would be my second choice to watch a game at in the SEC (it is the only other stadium I've been to). I wouldn't mind going down to LSU for a game though
 
#3
#3
FriendlyGator said:
As some of you know, I was in the Gator marching band from 99-02. I remember my first trip to Knoxville in 2000 (love the city and the state to be honest), and it was downright intimidating and amazing. Being on the field during halftime and hearing the crowd even during halftime you guys were boisterous and loud. This is one reason why I secretly root for the Vols outside our yearly game; your passion and love for the game is second only to Florida, imo.

Just curious as to what your favorite stadium in the SEC is and why. Do you have any memorable times at The Swamp? I know we're downright rude there, but so are you guys. I had a beer bottle hit my instrument and we got all sorts of profanity thrown our way as we marched into Neyland. It doesn't take away from the beauty of the stadium or your passion.
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I believe the profanity, not the bottle....I've been to many games at Neyland, but have never seen a bottle thrown there(maybe an orange or two...).
 
#4
#4
two favorite memories of trips to Gainesville were (1)almost running over Spurrier in the hotel parking lot (after the game we questioned our decision to apply the brakes) and (2) seeing the sign that says "You are now leaving Gainesville".

Favorite trip was to Athens in 98. Rented an RV, accidentally parked in a UGA lot but ate and drank with their fans all day. One happened to work for a liquor distib. so the Jack was free all day. The trip home took a long time
 
#5
#5
I am going to strictly rank these on atmosphere once inside the stadium as that seems what the OP is mainly refrencing.

1. The Swamp - Overall not my favorite road trip by far, but by far the most intimidating crowd and atmosphere I have expreienced. The fans are into the game from start to finish and the particiapation in the organized cheers is second to none. Stadium is obviously pretty impressive itself as well.

2. Jordan-Hare - The flight of the eagle mixed with the band getting the crowd pumped up before the game is very amazing. Every game I have been to at Aub has been a night game so that may why it is so high on my list but they seem to have great fan intensity and the stadium is very well structured.

3. Sanford Stadium - Georgia is very hit or miss for me. I have been there and thought that it was very impressive, but I have also left thinking that the crowd could have been so much louder and into the game. I love the bridge at one end of the stadium as it builds the history and tradition of the game.

4. Bryant Denny- When you are in Tuscaloosca you can't help but feel like you are in a college football meca...kind of like being in South Bend. The stadium will be much more impressive I am sure on my next trip, but it is just a little to new and standard for me and it doesn't feel that special. The cheers and such are impressive though.

5. Williams Brice - Very suprised that SC has such a good atmosphere. The years I have gone they have not been very good and still the fans are really into the game. The entrance even though it is cheesey is still impressive.

6-8 Vandy, KY, MSU

Hoping to somehow get to Death Valley this fall....
 
#6
#6
I have been to a few SEC venues outside of Knoxville, and all have their unique personalities. While I like Athens, GA as a college/Football town; and like the eternal optimism of Columbia, SC(no matter that it always ends the same for them).

The win at the SWAMP in 2001, takes the cake. I just remember how mouthy they were as we walked to the stadium, it was unbelievable. As the game progressed our small section of Orange Clad fans got louder and louder, and it when it was over...Gainesville was like a freaking ghost town!! You couldn't find a Gator Fan, no exaggeration, it was like they all vanished. Except for that one drunk chick who threw a beer bottle our way, not knowing their were cops on the other side of us. The officers made her pick up every piece of glass, while us TN fans were taking her picture! LOL It was hilarious and she was not happy!!!!! One of the best punishments I have ever seen. We waited on CORSO and the gameday crew to show him how much we disliked him. It was a great Saturday!!!!!

I will not mention my trip to The GA Dome following that game, quite the opposite experience!!!!!
 
#7
#7
Well I'm 19 years old, so I haven't been to many yet. However, visiting all SEC stadiums at least once is on my "bucket list". I went to Gainesville for the first time this past year. It was a good time. Ben Hill Griffin is a cool stadium, but so damn hot! I don't think I could stand having seats in the sun for every Florida game. I'd die of a heat stroke. The fans were very rowdy, but overall nothing I didn't expect. I love the end of the 3rd quarter "We are the boys" cheer. Really neat to see the whole stadium swaying left and right.

I also drove down to Tuscaloosa for my first ever Third Saturday in October away game. Alabama's campus was amazing. I don't know what it was but I fell in love with it. However, Bryant Denny was lackluster. There is nothing that stands out about it in my mind about it. I wasn't surprised to see a Bear Bryant speech play on their video screens. Alabama's band was quiet and played infrequently, they piped more music in via the speakers than the band actually played. Can't count the times I heard "Sweet home Alabama." And "Roll Tide" after every first down announced got old by 10:00 in the first quarter.

Overall, both were good experiences. I am looking forward to going to Athens this fall. I've heard that is a fun one to go to, and its not a bad drive from Knoxville at all.
 
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#8
#8
KnoxVillain said:
Well I'm 19 years old, so I haven't been to many yet. However, visiting all SEC stadiums at least once is on my "bucket list". I went to Gainesville for the first time this past year. It was a good time. Ben Hill Griffin is a cool stadium, but so damn hot! I don't think I could stand having seats in the sun for every Florida game. I'd die of a heat stroke. The fans were very rowdy, but overall nothing I didn't expect. I love the end of the 3rd quarter "We are the boys" cheer. Really neat to see the whole stadium swaying left and right.

I also drove down to Tuscaloosa for my first ever Third Saturday in October away game. Alabama's campus was amazing. I don't know what it was but I fell in love with it. However, Bryant Denny was lackluster. There is nothing that stands out about it in my mind about it. I wasn't surprised to see a Bear Bryant speech play on their video screens. Alabama's band was quiet and played infrequently, they piped more music in via the speakers than the band actually played. Can't count the times I heard "Sweet home Alabama." And "Roll Tide" after every first down announced got old by 10:00 in the first quarter.

Overall, both were good experiences. I am looking forward to going to Athens this fall. I've heard that is a fun one to go to, and its not a bad drive from Knoxville at all.
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Agree with those two sentences 100%.

KV, be ready for an absolute blast in Athens. It is the real deal and by far my favorite road trip...I will be there too maybe we will bump into each other!:good!:
 
#9
#9
Ive been to the swamp twice...really like the campus.... but honestly it doesnt hold a candle to Neyland when we are a contender.....its been a lil more quiet lately at Neyland but when things get turned around and the renovations are complete it will once again be a top venue in college football (even though I think it is now)...
 
#10
#10
Ericvol2096 said:
Agree with those two sentences 100%.

KV, be ready for an absolute blast in Athens. It is the real deal and by far my favorite road trip...I will be there too maybe we will bump into each other!:good!:
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Can't wait! Yea, lookout for me, I'll be in orange! :happy:
 
#11
#11
I've been to 9 out of the 12 SEC stadiums. I'll stick with ranking them once you're in the stadium as well. Other than Neyland I have to say Ben Hill Griffin is the best place to watch a game, as far as the crowd level, enthusiasm, etc... Bryant Denny isn't too far behind. Williams Bryce is probably the best stadium to go to as far as opposing fans treating you well. And Georgia or Ole Miss are tied for the most/best eye candy.
 
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#12
#12
ATC_VOL said:
I've been to 9 out of the 12 SEC stadiums. I'll stick with ranking them once you're in the stadium as well. Other than Neyland I have to say Ben Hill Griffin is the best place to watch a game, as far as the crowd level, enthusiasm, etc... Bryant Denny isn't too far behind. Williams Bryce is probably the best stadium to go to as far as opposing fans treating you well. And Georgia or Ole Miss are tied for the most/best eye candy.
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Yes, this is a very important aspect of rating "best place to see a game in the SEC". I couldn't believe it when I saw girls in the student section wearing bikini tops in the student section at Florida. :boobies:
 
#15
#15
I would have to say that other than the friendly confines of Neyland that LSU ranks very much up there in stadiums to see a game in...A night game at LSU is simply second to only Knoxville IMO...Fans are loud and to see their fans bow during the playing of Chinese Bandits when they force a turnover or punt is amazing!
 
#16
#16
G0V0LS33 said:
I would have to say that other than the friendly confines of Neyland that LSU ranks very much up there in stadiums to see a game in...A night game at LSU is simply second to only Knoxville IMO...Fans are loud and to see their fans bow during the playing of Chinese Bandits when they force a turnover or punt is amazing!
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The only time I was in Baton Rouge was 1999. It was a night game, but it was raining cats and dogs and sort of ruined the game experience. Beautiful stadium.

I've also been to Jordan-Hare stadium for a night game (2000 Gators loss) and that stadium is downright awesome too.
 
#18
#18
I went to LSU in 04 with the now wife to watch LSU/Bama since her family are all LSU fans. Fun place to watch a game when you don't care who wins. Not so sure I am looking as forward to our trip there in October however.....they can be mean.

I have seen a few bottles thrown at Neyland. Most noticeably Notre dame 1999 after ND scored a TD on about 4 bogus calls on the drive. Consequently that night was probably as loud as I've ever heard Neyland as well.
 
#19
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Ericvol2096 said:
Friendly Gator were you at the 1998 or 2004 TN FL games?
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I was at both, and the crowd was crazy loud, but I was also at Baton Rouge in '97 and Auburn in '01 and both venues were easily louder.

In fact, I'll give Jordan-Hare the nod over Death Valley and Neyland when it comes to gameday atmosphere inside the stadium.

All that said, Neyland is my favorite road trip...the location of the stadium, Calhouns, and the Cumberland experience are second to none.
 
#20
#20
Are we all being honest in here?
Ive been to Neyland twice, but never for a game yet, but that will change this fall when Im at UT.
by TV I must say both Tiger Stadium and Florida Field seem much more alive than our home, but Ill wait till I can make that call with my own eyes:D
 
#21
#21
Ericvol2096 said:
Friendly Gator were you at the 1998 or 2004 TN FL games?
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Unfortunately not. I was still in high school in 98 and 2004 I was working on my engineering degree at another school. I heard horror stories about 98 from the band members, though. It was supposedly crazy after you guys won in overtime.
 
#22
#22
Lawrence Wright said:
I was at both, and the crowd was crazy loud, but I was also at Baton Rouge in '97 and Auburn in '01 and both venues were easily louder.

In fact, I'll give Jordan-Hare the nod over Death Valley and Neyland when it comes to gameday atmosphere inside the stadium.

All that said, Neyland is my favorite road trip...the location of the stadium, Calhouns, and the Cumberland experience are second to none.
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Interesting...really when it comes down to it

Jordan Hare, the Swamp, Neyland, and Death Valley are all crazy loud when the game comes down to some sort of dramatic finish.

Neyland just lacks constant noise right now, and that is probably mainly because of our product on the field recently.:birgits_giggle:
 
#23
#23
Ericvol2096 said:
Interesting...really when it comes down to it

Jordan Hare, the Swamp, Neyland, and Death Valley are all crazy loud when the game comes down to some sort of dramatic finish.

Neyland just lacks constant noise right now, and that is probably mainly because of our product on the field recently.:birgits_giggle:
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You nailed it.

Neyland should be the loudest stadium in the SEC based on it being closed in and the number of fans, it's just not consistently loud. Having attended every UF-UT game there since 1994, at times it's as though the crowd is there to be picked up by the team instead of making consistent noise to pick the team up.

I remember when UT was pounding the snot out of UF in '95, Peyton's sophomore year. UF went down 23-7, then scored to make it 23-14, then the crowd just got insanely loud and stayed that way the rest of the day...even after Raymond Austin returned a Wuerffel fumble to make it 30-14. Our crowd never let up that game.
 
#24
#24
I've been to Athens twice, and imo it sucks...no joke. Jordan Hare was cool, and the swamp is loud, very loud. Legion Field was nothing spectacular, I guess I'd put athens above birmingham. Vandy was a miniature Neyland in '98...that was cool.
 
#25
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Rockytopman said:
I've been to Athens twice, and imo it sucks...no joke. Jordan Hare was cool, and the swamp is loud, very loud. Legion Field was nothing spectacular, I guess I'd put athens above birmingham. Vandy was a miniature Neyland in '98...that was cool.
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Athens is a wine and cheese crowd. If not for the size of the stadium you'd think you were at an ACC game. The atmosphere is a fraction of what it should be inside the stadium

I'll be interested to see what the new and improved Bryant-Denny is like later this year.
 
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