The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is gearing up to welcome a sea of orange-clad fans to its picturesque campus this Saturday, November 9th, for the highly anticipated homecoming football showdown against Mississippi State University. With the theme "Neyland Night Lights" capturing the electric atmosphere of playing under the iconic Neyland Stadium lights, the Volunteers are poised to deliver an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

Prepare for an Electrifying Gameday Celebration

Kickoff and Broadcast Details

The much-anticipated matchup is set to kick off at 7 p.m. EST, with gates opening at 5 p.m. to allow fans to soak in the pre-game festivities. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, providing a prime-time platform for the Volunteers to showcase their talents. For those unable to attend in person, the Vol Network's official radio broadcast will be available on 70 stations across Tennessee and the Southeast, as well as on SiriusXM and the Varsity app. Additionally, a Spanish-language broadcast will be offered on WNML AM 990 in Knoxville and streamed online.

Homecoming Celebrations and Traditions

The homecoming festivities extend beyond the gridiron, with over 30 events planned to celebrate the university's rich traditions and showcase Volunteer pride. Fans are invited to participate in the beloved Little Vol Walk and Homecoming Parade on Friday, November 8th, at 4 p.m. This year's grand marshal is none other than VFL and 2024 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, Todd Helton, adding an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings.

Game Day Excitement and Enhancements

As the Volunteers take the field, fans can look forward to a host of game-day activities and stadium enhancements. Truly's Tailgate, located outside Gate 9, will offer food and drinks starting at 3 p.m., while the Toyota Volunteer Village in Humanities Plaza will provide live entertainment, games, and more from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. The iconic Vol Walk and Pride of the Southland Band march will take place at their traditional times, setting the stage for an electrifying atmosphere.Fans can also expect a captivating Neyland Stadium light show during the pregame festivities and the Pride of the Southland Band's halftime performance. Adding to the homecoming tradition, members of the Alumni Band will join the Pride of the Southland Band on the field at halftime.

Navigating the Stadium and Accessing Resources

To ensure a seamless gameday experience, fans should be aware of the updated stadium entry and accessibility information. Students will line up along Phillip Fulmer Way and enter through the southeast corner of Gate 10, while Gates 4, 4A, 6, and 8 will remain closed due to ongoing stadium improvements.Accessible elevators are available at Gates 15, 21, and 26, and Gate 21 is the designated ADA support entry point. Fans can also take advantage of the UT Medical Center resources throughout the stadium, including onsite clinics and first-aid stations equipped with cutting-edge technology.

Digital Ticketing and Parking Logistics

This season, all tickets and parking passes will be digital, accessible through mobile devices. Fans are encouraged to download the Tennessee Athletics app and add their tickets to their digital wallets before arriving on campus. For those needing assistance, ticket office locations at Gates 21 and 23 will be available.Parking lots will open at 7 a.m., with detailed information available on the UT Football Game Day parking page. Limited paid public parking will be available along Volunteer Boulevard West, while season ticket holders can utilize the shuttle service starting at 4 p.m. Free accessible parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis on the UT Institute of Agriculture campus.For fans seeking alternative transportation, Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) will offer $10 round-trip shuttle services from the Civic Coliseum, Market Square/Krutch Park, and Old City, with tickets available through the Transit app.

Safety and Prohibited Items

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, the university has implemented several measures, including a clear bag policy and a prohibition on drones, unmanned aircraft systems, and outside food and beverages (unless medically necessary). Fans are encouraged to review the complete list of prohibited items and safety guidelines before arriving at the stadium.By embracing the "Neyland Night Lights" theme and immersing themselves in the rich traditions of Volunteer football, fans are sure to experience an unforgettable homecoming celebration that captures the essence of UT's vibrant campus and passionate fan base.