Tailgating in Knoxville

[GatorTailgating]

Hey VolNation. I run a website called GatorTailgating.com (obviously not very popular among Vol fans ). Feel free to come visit us for some fun trash talk before the big game in September! I'm trying to get information to put on our site about tailgating at each away game we have this year, and one of them will be in Knoxville.

Im hoping to have much more than the normal directions to the stadium, diagram of the stadium seating chart, and links to UT's website. This is what I seem to find everywhere I look when I look for info about Neyland stadium (and all other away stadiums) and it just simply isn't good enough. We want to have the answers to all of your tailgating questions when it comes to traveling to an away game. We want to be able to tell people traveling to Knoxville where the good side of town to stay in a hotel is (and where the bad side is if there is one), where to eat some good food, where to park on gameday, how much to expect to pay to park, any specific rules about tailgating on/off campus, open container policies, gameday traditions, and more.

The only way I know to get this info for the site is to post a list of questions for you Volunteer Tailgaters and have you answer them whenever you have a chance. So here goes the list:

(To make it easier to answer all the questions, Ive found it may be quicker to copy all of the questions and then paste them into a new post and then answer them beside each question. Do it however it is easiest for you though.)

1. Where are the good and bad areas of town for motels to stay in the night before/after the big game?

2. What are some attractions in Knoxville that a visitor shouldn't miss? (i.e. nightclubs, bars, theme parks, tourist attractions, etc.)

3. Where should a visiting fan go to eat before leaving Rocky Top? (try to avoid chain restaurants unless they're local chains. People want to know about local food)

4. Is there an area or a part of Knoxville that the visiting fans usually congregate/tailgate/park? If so, any address or directions on how to get there would be a big help. If visiting fans usually spread out all around Neyland Stadium, help us by telling us where the best area to tailgate is with the most room.

5. How much should we expect to pay for a parking spot (preferrably unblocked so there's enough room to setup tents, tables, and a grill to tailgate)?

6. Are there any special rules we should know about tailgating on or off campus, open-container policies we should be forewarned about, or anything of the sort?

7. Any gameday traditions we should not miss while in Knoxville? (i.e. we have the Gator Walk, Auburn has Toomer's corner, etc.)

8. Is there anything else you would advise fans of before heading to Knoxville to tailgate?

 

[GatorTailgating]

By the way, we will reference VolNation.com for the info on the site so that we help send some members your way! :good!:

 

[eloist]

1. Where are the good and bad areas of town for motels to stay in the night before/after the big game?

Go find a hotel on Cherry street. Very nice area there. They love people who wear blue.

2. What are some attractions in Knoxville that a visitor shouldn't miss? (i.e. nightclubs, bars, theme parks, tourist attractions, etc.)

Make sure and go to North Broadway and West 5th Ave. Theres a gorgeous little bridge underpass there where people hang out and have a great time! Usually if you wait in line you can score a free meal there.

3. Where should a visiting fan go to eat before leaving Rocky Top? (try to avoid chain restaurants unless they're local chains. People want to know about local food)

See above answer.

4. Is there an area or a part of Knoxville that the visiting fans usually congregate/tailgate/park? If so, any address or directions on how to get there would be a big help. If visiting fans usually spread out all around Neyland Stadium, help us by telling us where the best area to tailgate is with the most room.

Usually the Florida fans who come to town are very spread out because honsetly no one is willing to sell them a parking space due to their awful mullets, jorts, and ridiculous Kenny Chesney blasting yuppie BMW's and Land Rovers.

5. How much should we expect to pay for a parking spot (preferrably unblocked so there's enough room to setup tents, tables, and a grill to tailgate)?

You should expect to pay a whole lot MORE than anyone else...if you can find a spot. Also, dont worry about setting up tents...worry about flat tires and your car being keyed.

6. Are there any special rules we should know about tailgating on or off campus, open-container policies we should be forewarned about, or anything of the sort?

Basically you're good to go. Unless you open your mouth.

7. Any gameday traditions we should not miss while in Knoxville? (i.e. we have the Gator Walk, Auburn has Toomer's corner, etc.)

Our favorite tradition, and one you should not miss, is tearing down goalposts after we beat severly overrated and arrogant Florida teams. After we do this, we usually set couches on fire and throw flaming masses of material at UF fans leaving the Fort Sanders area.

8. Is there anything else you would advise fans of before heading to Knoxville to tailgate?

I would advise you guys to stay home. Florida sucks.

 

[VolsNSkinsFan]

Answers

#1 5th Ave Motel
#2 Greyhound bus station
#3 Vending Machines at the Greyhound Bus Stop
#4 Greyhound Bus Stop parking lot
#5 Your first born
#6 Jorts Required or its a huge fine
#7 Cutting of the Gator fan's Mullet
#8 Bring your Tebow blow up doll

 

[bigorange]

there's a great little part of town called "Chattanooga" that is great for tailgating and nice hotels, within walking distance to Neyland, you might even enjoy a ride down the Tennessee River on the riverboat, if that's your thing... :whistling:


1. Where are the good and bad areas of town for motels to stay in the night before/after the big game?

you're pretty much just going to want to stay downtown if you want to be close

2. What are some attractions in Knoxville that a visitor shouldn't miss?

there's bars and clubs on the strip and downtown, then there's Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge that's not too far that's a huge tourist trap, has shopping, shows, rides, bungee jumps... that sort of thing
market square downtown, the volunteer landing riverwalk, world's fair park

3. Where should a visiting fan go to eat before leaving Rocky Top?

tons of choices so I'll just touch briefly on a couple:
nicer and on the strip - cumberland grill/copper cellar
nicer and downtown - downtown grill and brewery
good ol' food - gus' goodtime deli, sam & andy's
calhouns on the river for ribs and a view
literally hundreds of choices and different fans will tell you different places
krystal's is a must

4. Is there an area or a part of Knoxville that the visiting fans usually congregate/tailgate/park? If so, any address or directions on how to get there would be a big help. If visiting fans usually spread out all around Neyland Stadium, help us by telling us where the best area to tailgate is with the most room.

there are people/areas everywhere around

5. How much should we expect to pay for a parking spot (preferrably unblocked so there's enough room to setup tents, tables, and a grill to tailgate)?

20

6. Are there any special rules we should know about tailgating on or off campus, open-container policies we should be forewarned about, or anything of the sort?

know your place and don't cause trouble and you'll be fine, I've never been stopped for carrying an open container

7. Any gameday traditions we should not miss while in Knoxville?

we have the vol walk, but its for us. you guys stick to the strip, its pretty electric before SEC games

8. Is there anything else you would advise fans of before heading to Knoxville to tailgate?

again, know your place and don't cause trouble. you are a visitor, come with respect

 

[volmanbill]

lol:Brutal, just brutallol:

 

[vol_in_ar]

8. Is there anything else you would advise fans of before heading to Knoxville to tailgate?

Stay at home

 

[General Jack]

Ouch, throwing stones at one bearing the olive branch!

 

[utvolpj]

Ouch, throwing stones at one bearing the olive branch!

knowing gator fans it's more likely poison oak

 

[eloist]

Ouch, throwing stones at one bearing the olive branch!

Yeah, because we totally want Gator Lame-o's to have fun while they are in town.

If they had the worst experience of eternity while in knoxville I would be more than happy about it.

Less Gators = More Vols.

 

[General Jack]

I'm not criticizing, just an observation!

I've been to Gainesville before so I know where its coming from.

 

[eloist]

I'm not criticizing, just an observation!

I've been to Gainesville before so I know where its coming from.

oh me too....

Gainesville is as much fun as a full body cavity search.

 

[GatorTailgating]

I understand you all are loving this, as Im making it easy to take shots at me in these questions, but I really need your help. Im all about having fun and smack-talking, and would love for some of you to come join our message boards where we can talk smack back and forth even more, but I really need this info.

I understand we are rivals, but can anyone give me some real help on these questions? This is info that's vital to our new website. Trust me....Im going to get all the crap I can handle from the FSU message boards when I go ask them about Tallahassee. Thanks in advance...k:

 

[Ohiovol09]

real answer= watch on tv

 

[FO.CO. VOL FAN]

I'm pretty disappointed in some of our fans/members responses. I mean seriously, we talk about how florida fans are a-holes and jerks (and yes most are) but you are making us look just as bad by giving him smart a$$ remarks. He just wants to have a good time and give other fans some ideas of what to do. If we were going to Gainesville, or Athens, or Tuscaloosa, we would want to enjoy our time while we were there too. The opposing fans are going to be here either way, so we might as well show them a good time while they are. Lighten up guys.

 

[Gcrop]

I'm pretty disappointed in some of our fans/members responses. I mean seriously, we talk about how florida fans are a-holes and jerks (and yes most are) but you are making us look just as bad by giving him smart a$$ remarks. He just wants to have a good time and give other fans some ideas of what to do. If we were going to Gainesville, or Athens, or Tuscaloosa, we would want to enjoy our time while we were there too. The opposing fans are going to be here either way, so we might as well show them a good time while they are. Lighten up guys.

Agreed.

Other than a few a-holes, Gainesville wasn't that bad. Much worse in Fayetteville.

 

[myrobbins7]

I agree also. I know Ole Miss shows me a good time when im down there. :beerf:

 

[eloist]

I'm pretty disappointed in some of our fans/members responses. I mean seriously, we talk about how florida fans are a-holes and jerks (and yes most are) but you are making us look just as bad by giving him smart a$$ remarks. He just wants to have a good time and give other fans some ideas of what to do. If we were going to Gainesville, or Athens, or Tuscaloosa, we would want to enjoy our time while we were there too. The opposing fans are going to be here either way, so we might as well show them a good time while they are. Lighten up guys.

well the difference for me is that I would gladly help ANY Bama or UGA Fan out in Knoxville.

I would invite them to have a drink, grab a burger... whatever.

Gator fans...not so much.

:birgits_giggle:

 

[Cincy Vol o5]

I'm pretty disappointed in some of our fans/members responses. I mean seriously, we talk about how florida fans are a-holes and jerks (and yes most are) but you are making us look just as bad by giving him smart a$$ remarks. He just wants to have a good time and give other fans some ideas of what to do. If we were going to Gainesville, or Athens, or Tuscaloosa, we would want to enjoy our time while we were there too. The opposing fans are going to be here either way, so we might as well show them a good time while they are. Lighten up guys.

I completely agree. At first I thought it was okay, because I really wouldn't want any Gators coming in and taking over spots for Vols to party, but then I realized a little friendly competition isn't so bad. He obviously doesn't have any intentions of taking over and being a complete a-hole, so give him some advice.

 

[hmanvolfan]

I completely agree. At first I thought it was okay, because I really wouldn't want any Gators coming in and taking over spots for Vols to party, but then I realized a little friendly competition isn't so bad. He obviously doesn't have any intentions of taking over and being a complete a-hole, so give him some advice.

Yeah, where would we be without the lawgaytor? Having a band of Gators next to ya at a tailgate seems like it would be very entertaining (unless we lost, then the postgame tailgate would suck and could result in fisticuffs).. lol:

 

[I40VOL]

well the difference for me is that I would gladly help ANY Bama or UGA Fan out in Knoxville.

I would invite them to have a drink, grab a burger... whatever.

Gator fans...not so much.

:birgits_giggle:

BAMA....:no:

 

[eloist]

Ok fine...you guys are a bunch of softies, so here are some actually helpful answers.

1. Where are the good and bad areas of town for motels to stay in the night before/after the big game?

I would stick to the downtown area, and if those hotels are full, try the west side of town for easy in/easy out of knoxville.

2. What are some attractions in Knoxville that a visitor shouldn't miss? (i.e. nightclubs, bars, theme parks, tourist attractions, etc.)

Downtown Brewery, The Old City, Worlds Fair Park, and UT's campus are all good spots.

3. Where should a visiting fan go to eat before leaving Rocky Top? (try to avoid chain restaurants unless they're local chains. People want to know about local food)

Downtown Brewery, Copper Cellar, Calhoun's on the river, or various good places in the Old City.

4. Is there an area or a part of Knoxville that the visiting fans usually congregate/tailgate/park? If so, any address or directions on how to get there would be a big help. If visiting fans usually spread out all around Neyland Stadium, help us by telling us where the best area to tailgate is with the most room.

Parking is extremely limited around campus, due to the size of Neyland stadium (107,000 seats) and the fact that the river limits the campus size. There are more than 150,000 people competing for parking every gameday. The best bet is to show up as early as possible and try to find a pay spot on campus first. If that fails, head to the Fort Sanders area. The issue with Fort Sanders is that it is predominately rental houses divided up into apartments which students live in. therefore, most students don't want to sell spots to visitor fans, especially SEC visitors. Good luck there. It gets rowdy often. Seriously.

5. How much should we expect to pay for a parking spot (preferrably unblocked so there's enough room to setup tents, tables, and a grill to tailgate)?

Depending on location and time, between 20-50 dollars. Possibly more, because again, you guys are Gators.

6. Are there any special rules we should know about tailgating on or off campus, open-container policies we should be forewarned about, or anything of the sort?

Keep it in a cup, don't be an ass and if you are mixing drinks, keep the liquor bottle OUT OF SIGHT.

7. Any gameday traditions we should not miss while in Knoxville? (i.e. we have the Gator Walk, Auburn has Toomer's corner, etc.)

The Vol walk is incredible. Definitely make an effort to walk over to the river and see the Vol Navy. No one else in college football has anything like the Vol Navy. It's amazing. Also, just cruising the strip area of campus is good for people watching and general pre-game hysteria.

8. Is there anything else you would advise fans of before heading to Knoxville to tailgate?

Show some respect, and DO NOT mess with Knoxville police. They will crush you.

 

[Cincy Vol o5]

Yeah, where would we be without the lawgaytor? Having a band of Gators next to ya at a tailgate seems like it would be very entertaining (unless we lost, then the postgame tailgate would suck and could result in fisticuffs).. lol:

If you want to throw down in fisticuffs, fine, I've got Jack Johnson and Tom O'Leary waitin' for ya...right here!

 

[eloist]

If you want to throw down in fisticuffs, fine, I've got Jack Johnson and Tom O'Leary waitin' for ya...right here!

you have a hippie surfer boy and a guy high on LSD as your "boys"?

Wow...that sounds really, really scary.




EDIT: TOM O'Leary...not TIM Leary. sometimes I make myself laugh.

 

[Cincy Vol o5]

Wow...that sounds really, really scary.

It was just a quote from Anchorman.