Knoxville — The Vols start SEC play on Saturday against the Florida Gators.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Sept. 22 at Neyland Stadium. It will be televised on ESPN.
There are still tickets available for the game, where Tennessee will host a celebration of the '98 National Championship season that will include a reunion of the players.
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The bitter division rivals enter the game in rebuilding seasons, under first-year head coaches.
"When I was growing up, it was always the first big SEC game of the year," Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt said. "I always loved to watch it – always a lot of passion with both fan bases, a lot of tradition. I'm thankful to have the chance to be a part of it."
Florida (2-1) eked out a win over Tennessee (2-1) last year with a Hail Mary pass at the end of the game, but Tennessee defeated the Gators in their last visit to Neyland Stadium. The Vols rallied late in the game, scoring 38 straight points to win 38-28 in 2016.
The Volunteers enter the Eastern Division matchup looking to earn their second consecutive victory against the Gators in Neyland after rallying to score 38 straight points en route to a 38-28 win in 2016.
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Gameday Activities
Volunteer Village offers pregame festivities for fans of all ages. Located in the Humanities Plaza, Volunteer Village features pregame appearances from Smokey, Junior Smokey, cheerleaders and UT’s dance team.
The Vol Walk will start at 4:45 p.m. (2 hours and 15 minutes before kickoff) at Torchbearer Plaza on Volunteer Boulevard as the members of the football team proceed down Peyton Manning Pass to the stadium.
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The Pride of the Southland Band will begin marching at 5:20 p.m. The band marches up Volunteer Boulevard past Peyton Manning Pass and crosses the new Pedestrian Bridge before turning onto Middle Drive and then onto Phillip Fulmer Way, stopping to "Salute the Hill" before marching into the stadium through Gate 21.
The Vol Network's Kickoff Call-In Show, hosted by Bob Kesling and Tim Priest, begins 90 minutes before kickoff and airs on the Vol Radio Network. You can watch the broadcast live from the Gate 21 Plaza at the northwest corner of Phillip Fulmer Way and Andy Holt Boulevard, or participate by called 1 (800) 688-8657.
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Stadium Security
UT implemented a bag policy a couple of seasons ago that fans should be prepared for.
Only one clear plastic bag, no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches, or a one-gallon clear resealable plastic storage bag will be allowed. Fans can also carry a small clutch purse, not larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Those bags are still subject to search at the gates, but UT hopes this will make getting into the stadium a little quicker.
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Smoking is now prohibited at UT, including within private vehicles parked or operated on university property. The prohibition extends to any lighted tobacco, electronic cigarettes, or other vape devices.Other prohibited items:
- Alcoholic beverages, cans, bottles and coolers
- Outside food, snacks and beverages
- Radios without headphones
- Open umbrellas
- Video cameras, professional cameras or cameras with detachable lenses
- Stadium seats with arms or pockets
- Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives
- Selfie sticks
- Artificial noisemakers
- Drones
What is allowed, with restrictions:
- Cushions or seats without arms or pockets
- Small bags with medically necessary items, subject to search (Note: Diapers and non-medically necessary items for babies and young children must be carried in a clear bag.)
- Small cameras, cell phones and binoculars
- Get more info on what's allowed in Neyland Stadium here.
Parking and Traffic
Fans are encouraged to arrive early.
Only fans with permits can park on campus. UT encourages others to use KAT shuttle buses from the Old City, the Knoxville Civic Coliseum and Krutch Park, near Market Square in downtown Knoxville and Farragut High School. A free shuttle is available at the Ag campus.
Construction on the new engineering complex east of Neyland Stadium has restricted or altered many of the former pedestrian paths in that area. Signs are posted near the Tickle Engineering Building and the Neyland Drive Biology Annex with new directions to the stadium.
Phillip Fulmer Way will close to through traffic from Middle Drive to Tee Martin Drive three hours before kickoff.
Like last season, Peyton Manning Pass will also close three hours before kickoff, which will create some changes for people parking in that area. C20 permit holders must arrive before the road closure to be able to park. Lot 9 and 9B permit holders will have to enter via Cumberland Avenue to Phillip Fulmer Way if arriving after the road closure.
Fans with parking permits for Staff Lots 4 and 5 must enter Phillip Fulmer Way via Lake Loudoun Boulevard. Those with permits for Staff Lots 9 and 30A must enter Phillip Fulmer Way either from Cumberland Avenue or from Peyton Manning Pass.
Thirty minutes before kickoff, the remainder of Phillip Fulmer Way as well as Peyton Manning Pass, Middle and Lower Drives and Estabrook Drive will close to vehicles. For an interactive campus map, visit here.
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The latest information on campus construction can be found here, and more parking information is available here.
Fans are encouraged to follow @UTGameday on Twitter or visit UTSports.com/gameday for the latest updates on traffic, weather, gate information and game day events.