White Out
Canadian, Eh
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2010
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I posted on these boards months ago about my planned trip and I got a lot of great travel advice from the posters here, so I'll start with a thanks for that. Here is a recap of my experience at Neyland!
Alabama Crimson Tide vs Tennessee Volunteers Saturday October 23rd
The pre game stuff was almost as good as the game itself. The fans were so friendly and offered up stuff from their grills and a good story about the Vols. The campus is located on a hill (the whole area around UT in Knoxville is hilly and beautiful) so the stadium didn't reveal herself to me until I was almost there. It was beautiful, a tremendous stadium with character and class. Of course you guys know this already, but it was a dramatic introduction to the old girl for me.
The inside of the stadium is really something else when it's filled up. The extra Bama fans added some electricity to the air but I imagine that in years past when the Vol's won more games it was even better.
YouTube - MVI_0410.AVI
The half time show was remarkable. The "Million dollar band" from Bama was a lot of fun, and the circle drill done by the Pride of the Southland was stunning to observe.
YouTube - MVI_0433.AVI
The fans singing along to Rockytop is my second favourite sports memory of my life, only 2nd to watching the Flames beat the Sharks for the Western conference final. I'm not too proud to admit that when the fans sang along to Rocky top during the circle drill I got a little overwhelmed and a tad glossy eyed from joy. It was a football experience I will never forget no matter how long I live, and I was so happy to be a part of it at least once.
Putting aside the pageantry of college ball, the game itself got off to a glorious start and I was starting to think upset after Poole ripped a long one in front of me for 6. We all know how the game went, so I won't rehash that.
While I was glad to get home today and be back to my hockey ways, I do have this to say to some of the naysayers and people who are down on Tennessee football. Remind yourself how lucky you are that you don't have to travel across the continent to be a part of the greatest football atmosphere in the world. You are part of a living and breathing football tradition I would be honored to be a part of, as would any football fan. It's easy to be negative and cynical; but that accomplishes nothing. Instead focus on the good times and if you're ever in doubt about the Vol's and being part of Vol nation just remind yourself that you're part of something truly special.
Thanks Knoxville, and thanks Tennessee. It was a special trip.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs Tennessee Volunteers Saturday October 23rd
The pre game stuff was almost as good as the game itself. The fans were so friendly and offered up stuff from their grills and a good story about the Vols. The campus is located on a hill (the whole area around UT in Knoxville is hilly and beautiful) so the stadium didn't reveal herself to me until I was almost there. It was beautiful, a tremendous stadium with character and class. Of course you guys know this already, but it was a dramatic introduction to the old girl for me.
The inside of the stadium is really something else when it's filled up. The extra Bama fans added some electricity to the air but I imagine that in years past when the Vol's won more games it was even better.
YouTube - MVI_0410.AVI
The half time show was remarkable. The "Million dollar band" from Bama was a lot of fun, and the circle drill done by the Pride of the Southland was stunning to observe.
YouTube - MVI_0433.AVI
The fans singing along to Rockytop is my second favourite sports memory of my life, only 2nd to watching the Flames beat the Sharks for the Western conference final. I'm not too proud to admit that when the fans sang along to Rocky top during the circle drill I got a little overwhelmed and a tad glossy eyed from joy. It was a football experience I will never forget no matter how long I live, and I was so happy to be a part of it at least once.
Putting aside the pageantry of college ball, the game itself got off to a glorious start and I was starting to think upset after Poole ripped a long one in front of me for 6. We all know how the game went, so I won't rehash that.
While I was glad to get home today and be back to my hockey ways, I do have this to say to some of the naysayers and people who are down on Tennessee football. Remind yourself how lucky you are that you don't have to travel across the continent to be a part of the greatest football atmosphere in the world. You are part of a living and breathing football tradition I would be honored to be a part of, as would any football fan. It's easy to be negative and cynical; but that accomplishes nothing. Instead focus on the good times and if you're ever in doubt about the Vol's and being part of Vol nation just remind yourself that you're part of something truly special.
Thanks Knoxville, and thanks Tennessee. It was a special trip.
