Besides the obvious reasons like the sea of orange and white
checkerboard, or the way your eyes light up when you set eyes on the Jumbotron
for the first time, these ten, heartwarming Tennessee Volunteer traditions will
send chills up your spine.
10. The Rock
It’s more than just graffiti; it’s where the students, fans, and teachers of UT get to express their spirit. Founded in 1960, this 98-ton dolomite rock has been apart of traditions for 56 years. It keeps being painted and repainted to represent support for the Tennessee Vols themselves or anything UT.
9. The Vol Navy
What may have started as a way to bypass crazy, game day traffic is now a giant, floating tailgate party on the river. Made up of all different sizes of boats, hundreds travel to obtain their idea of the best spot or view of Neyland Stadium. The Vol Navy are no strangers to putting their lives on hold for the experience. In Knoxville, there’s no doubt that each VFL shares the same love for the games, food, friends, and family.
8. “V-O-L-S”
Many phrases and chants fill your ears as a fan. “GBO”, “I said it’s great to be a Tennessee Vol”—the list goes on and on. However one is so designed for us, it’s like it was just meant to be. “V-O-L-S! V-O-L-S (faster), GO VOLS GO!” When you are in that stadium and the screams shake the floor beneath your feet, the feeling is irreplaceable. There is nothing like looking around, seeing each fan as excited about the game as you are.
7. I Will Give My All For Tennessee Today
Some teams have tried to copy while some teams have mocked, but in Knoxville this "slogan" is more than just something you say. For the players, it is touching that sign on your way out to play the game. For the fans, it is a reminder that you will give all your support, even through the frustration. So to any who say that this "motto" means something to them, it means so much more to us Vol fans. It is a tradition.
6. Smokey
He leads the Vols on the field for football games, and he is the most excited as he runs the end zones when we score a touchdown. He has been a part of traditions since 1953. He is our mascot, SMOKEY!
5. The Vol Walk
This fan favorite started in the season of 1951. During this tradition fans line up, usually 2 hours before kickoff, to see their football players (maybe even get the chance to shake their hands). The Pride of the Southland Band leads the team all the way into the stadium. This is a sight you won’t want to miss!
4. Pride of the Southland Band
The band plays a huge part in team spirit for the Volunteers. Founded in 1869 and known all around the world, the Pride of the Southland Band is famous across the nation. From leading the Vol Walk to the pre game and half time shows, there is no doubt they know how to get us fans hyped up!
3. Neyland Stadium
Neyland Stadium is a tradition all by itself. Although it started as Shields-Watkins Field back in 1921, the love of the Vols in Knoxville is a way of life and hasn’t changed since. Being the sixth largest stadium in the world holding 102,455 people, Neyland is nothing short of breathtaking. The moment you walk through the gates, you feel the excitement, smell the popcorn, and most importantly begin the memory you will forever treasure.
2. Running through the T
This tradition goes way back to 1965. Named in the top 10 of best college football entrances, there’s no question why. As fans rush to their seats, each seat starts filling up one by one as the volume of chants get louder and louder. Then, the band forms the T— first Smokey leads and next comes the Vols! As they run on the field, you’re singing with fans who have the same love for the team on the field. This classic tradition is what brings magnitude to each and every game as it begins.
1. “Rocky Top”
This anthem in Knoxville has been a part of the school’s spirit since the early 1970s. This tradition made number one on my list because no matter where you are as a Tennessee fan, Rocky Top will always speak to your heart. Picture yourself in a stadium with over 100,000 of your closest friends and noise reaching an all time high, “ROCKY TOP YOU’LL ALWAYS BE HOME SWEET HOME TO ME. GOOD OLE ROCKY TOP, WHOO, ROCKY TOP TENNESSEE!” The feeling is out of this world and something you will remember for the rest of your life.
