Whether you like or not, Vol football plays a part in your weekend festivities.
"Football to me is everything in the fall. I schedule everything around it," said UT student, Thomas Hankins.
"It's amazing how much gets packed into the away games or an off weekend," said CEO of Clayton Homes, Kevin Clayton.
There's evidence of the importance of the football schedule in the sheer number events taking place this weekend.
Clayton Homes annual show is one example. Organizers know if they want the crowds to come, they host it on an away game.
"There's no way we would schedule a big gathering like this and spend this kind of money trying to compete against a home game," said Clayton.
Festival organizers seem to agree.
The Townsed Heritage Festival, Greekfest, and the Dandride Scots-Irish Music Festival all held their events this weekend.
Even a group of MBA students at UT took advantage of the timing by building a Habitat House. They didn't have to worry about having enough volunteers.
"I think it helps for it to be an away game. I think we wouldn't have seen this turnout. If it had been a noon kickoff, I wouldn't be here," said Hankins.
Of course at kickoff eyes turned toward the TV. But most say they came prepared.
"We'll have the game here on a couple of big screens. It will be fun," said Clayton.
Next weekend is another busy one. The Vols are off for their by-week.