How to Tailgate Like a Local in Knoxville
Last year, we weighed in on The Ultimate Guide to Tailgating in Scouted Cities. This season, we’re offering a deep dive to our favorite ways to embrace game day – interest in football not required. With kickoff for the first Tennessee game weeks away (it’s Thursday, September 1st at 7:00 pm EST for those not keeping up), we’ve scouted everything you need to tailgate in style, from our go-to’s for game day outfits, hosting essentials, and turnkey services. Go Vols!
Planning to attend an away game? Make sure to check out The Ultimate Guide to Tailgating in Scouted Cities!
SCOUTED STYLE
Bob’s is delivering the spirits in multiple senses this year. First up? Adorable statement earrings for Tennessee fans! Preview their finds…
Est8te always has our favorite looks, and we’re adding the Cathee Dress, Leyland Skirt, and Darcey Turtleneck to our wardrobes while eyeing the Harlyn Coat for cooler game days ahead. Don’t forget to grab a stadium-approved bag, too! Visit the store for more fun finds…
A stop into M.S. McClellan’s is a must for updating game day wear, especially for the guys. Elegant options abound for both men and women. Visit the store…
Little Happy has the most adorable lineup of styles for little Vols fans! Stop in to shop tshirts, bows, bubbles, and more! Shop online…
Little Hoot Designs is a local favorite for outfitting littles in customary orange and white, they have the cutest styles! Plus, you’ll find spirited options for adults! Shop online…
And if you’re looking to really drive home your Volunteer pride, opt for a style from Southern Made Tees, which has the cutest selection of game day apparel and accessories. Shop online…
HOSTING ESSENTIALS
Balloon Garden ups the ante on any celebration, tailgates included. How cute would an orange and white balloon garland addition be!? Inquire…
By The Tracks Catering is a must if you’re going all-out on your tailgate. From their customizable food, beverage, and event services, your tailgate will be unforgettable – win or lose. Learn more…
Whether you’re BYOB-ing a case to tailgate or hosting your own backyard watch game, Bob’s Wine is a go-to for stocking the bar. See what’s in stock…
Euphoric Cheese Shop is supplying our game day snacks. With all the fixings for an elegant grazing board, you’ll impress even the most discerning guests with their specialty selection. Or, let the cheesemongers do the work and order a Charcuterie Box…
A picnic-style tailgate designed by MW Events is the dream way to game day, as they’re pros in throwing darling, Volunteer-inspired soirees. Book a picnic…
The Beauty Mrkt will ensure you’re the hostess with the mostess – because there’s nothing worse than a game day sunburn or battle with the mosquitos. Pre-game by stocking up on DEET-free bug spray, sunscreen, and hand wipes. Shop online…
The Happy Envelope is a must-stop before any tailgate to ensure you don’t arrive empty-handed. With the most adorable selection of sussies, it’s our go-to for a hostess gift. Browse their selection…
Host at Circle Park without the hassle courtesy of Tailgate Tennessee. With a lineup of upgrades and add-ons (think catering, TV’s, weather + climate control, it’s a stress-free way to enjoy the game. Learn more…
LOCAL FAVORITES
Have a boat? Neyland Stadium is situated right on the river, so hop in and head over sail-gate from the water with your fellow Vols! No boat? No problem. Charter a Sailgate Cruise…
Not a Tennessee alum? RT Lodge is hosting Maryville College alumni for Maryville Homecoming Weekend. Make a reservation…
Looking for a place to stay while you’re in town for the game? We’ve scouted our favorite places to stay in our Lodging Guide. View the guide…
TRADITIONS TO KNOW
The Power T is the official log of the University of Tennessee. It first appeared in 1964 when head football coach Doug Dickey replaced the numbers on the side of helmets with the block “T.”
The Volunteer Nickname references Tennessee as “The Volunteer State,” and as the land grant university for our great state, UT adopted the state’s moniker for its athletic teams.
The Orange & White were selected by Charles Moore, a member of UT’s first football team, in 1891 and hearken to the common American daisy, which grew prominently on The Hill (overlooks Neyland Stadium). Interestingly, Tennessee football players did not wear orange jerseys until the season-opening game in 1922. A 50-0 victory in the orange jerseys christened the tradition.
Smokey, the coonhound, is famous for leading the Vols out of the giant “T” prior to each home game. In 1953, The University of Tennessee Pep Club held a contest to select a coondog, our state’s native breed, as the school’s live mascot. Smokeys have been supplied by the same family, and we’re currently loving Smokey X.
Running Through the T is the longstanding – and grand – entrance of players onto the field.
The Pride of the Southland Marching Band is UT’s band program, which performs at every home game and most away games. They also form the “T” through which Volunteers take the field.
Rocky Top, while not the official fight song, is a big part of Tennessee Athletics. Written in East Tennessee in 1967, the song “Rocky Top” has been as much a part of Tennessee Athletics as the color orange since the early 1970s. Longtime band director Dr. W. J. Julian made it a regular fixture at games and said later that if Rocky Top was ever not played, then there would be a mutiny among Vol fans.
The connection between UT and the orange & white checkerboard pattern dates back to 1921 when head coach Doug Dickey introduced the design to the end zones like other football programs throughout the country. And it stuck!
The Vol Navy is a 200+ strong collection of boats that gather on the Tennessee River in front of Neyland Stadium. The tradition dates back to former Vol Network radio broadcaster George Mooney who, frustrated with game day traffic, began to captain his boat up the river to circumvent traffic.
The Vol Walk became an official part of game day when Tennessee hosted Alabama in 1990. And while the tradition has evolved over the years – mainly in path and length – it’s a beloved pregame experience for fans to greet the players.
Neyland’s Maxims are recited before almost every football game. The tradition is an ode to General Robert R. Neyland (yes, the stadium’s namesake), who coached the Volunteers to six undefeated seasons, nine undefeated regular seasons, seven conference championships, and four national championships. They are as follows…
The team that makes the fewest mistakes will win.
Play for and make the breaks, and when one comes your way SCORE.
If at first the game – or breaks – go against you, don’t let up … put on more steam.
Protect our kickers, our quarterback, our lead and our ball game.
Ball, oskie, cover, block, cut and slice, pursue and gang tackle … for this is the WINNING EDGE.
Press the kicking game. Here is where the breaks are made.
Carry the fight to our opponent, and keep it there for 60 minutes.
Did we miss your favorite local business to tap for game day? Let us know via email ([email protected]) to nominate them for Volume 7!
