Pride of the Southland celebrates 140 years

 A University of Tennessee treasure celebrated its 140th birthday Friday night.

Hundreds of Pride of the Southland Marching Band alumni gathered inside the Knoxville Marriott for the celebration.

Pictures and videos showed how the band has transformed through the years.

The "Pride" was formed in 1869.  Then, the band was a small, all-male corps of cadets attached to the military department at the University of Tennessee.

In 1902, the band would play for the first time during a football game.  The University of Tennessee won that game against Sewanee 6-0.

According to the University of Tennessee, the now-coed band boasts 250 members.  It's one of the most respected and prestigious bands in the country.

Bobby Osborne, the original "Rocky Top" recording artist, took the stage to perform Friday night.

The 2009 Pride of the Southland Marching Band also made an appearance to pump up the crowd.