Tennessee Volunteers Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Rick Barnes

Team Mascot: Smokey

Year Opened: 1987

Capacity: 21678

City / State: Knoxville / Tennessee

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Tennessee vs Kentucky

Rival Team: Kentucky Wildcats

The Tennessee-Kentucky basketball rivalry has been going strong since 1910 and is one of the fiercest basketball rivalries in the SEC. The two schools match up in a variety of sports, but few sports matter as much to the fans as the basketball contests so make sure to be in attendance when the Wildcats come to Thompson-Boling Arena.

Tennessee vs Vanderbilt

Rival Team: Vanderbilt Commodores

Tennessee and Vanderbilt have an intense in-state rivalry. The two schools and fan bases don’t like each other very much, so there will always be a tense atmosphere when these two get together. Don’t miss it when the Vols and Commodores meet as you’ll be in for a show.

Tennessee Volunteers Stadium Guide

In Game

Thompson-Boling Arena is home to one of the most decorated programs in women’s basketball history, which can be seen by a large number of tributes to the program and its legendary coach, Pat Summitt. Outside of the arena is the Pat Summitt Plaza and inside the court is dedicated to her as well. Even if you’re attending a men’s basketball game do yourself a favor and view all of the women’s team’s tributes and accomplishments over the years.

No matter whether it’s a women’s or men’s basketball game, the Vols fan support is top notch. The Rocky Top Rowdies student section will give the Vols a great home court advantage no matter who the opponent is and the alumni fans get into the game day spirit as well.

You’ll also experience an outstanding in-arena experience at Thompson-Boling Arena, where its large size gives it an NBA feel. The facility is equipped with luxury suites, a state-of-the-art scoreboard, and a wide variety of concession stands that feature local cuisine as well as your standard fare.

Additionally, if you’re looking for pre or post game entertainment, you’ll find plenty in Knoxville. The city is home to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and many incredible bars and restaurants. You can even stop by the Sunsphere from the 1982 World’s Fair if you’re looking to enjoy something you won’t see anywhere else.

Tennessee provides an incredible basketball atmosphere where the women’s team’s history takes center stage, so make your travel arrangements today.

Things to check out

Pat Summitt Plaza

Before entering Thompson-Boling Arena make sure to stop by Pat Summitt Plaza and get a picture with the Pat Summitt statue. The plaza pays tribute to arguably the greatest coach in women’s basketball history, so don’t miss your opportunity to see it.

Pat Summitt Court

Tennessee is one of the few places where the women’s basketball team overshadows the men's’ team, and as a result, the court is named after the greatest women’s basketball coach in program history. Take a minute to remember all of your favorite Lady Vols moments by taking in the Pat Summitt Court before the game.

Banners

Take a minute before the game starts to check out all of the banners hanging from the rafters of Thompson-Boling Arena. The banners honor the best teams and players in Vols and Lady Vols history, including the the Lady Vols 8 national championships.

Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame

Women’s basketball has a large footprint in Knoxville and is home to Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Take some time before the game to visit the Hall of Fame and enjoy exhibits dedicated to all of the greatest women’s basketball players and coaches.

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Smokey the Mascot

Smokey, the Dog, leads cheers throughout the game and howls to get the crowd pumped up at halftime. Smokey is a staple at every Tennessee game, so look for him to energize the team and crowd.

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Pep Band

Tennessee’s Pride of the Southland Marching Band puts on an incredible show at football games and the pep and is no different. The band plays a variety of songs including fan favorite “Rocky Top” as well as Tennessee’s fight song “Down the Field,” so enjoy their musical stylings when attending a Vols basketball game.

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Rocky Top Rowdies

The Tennessee student section can go toe to toe with any of the best student sections in the SEC. The fans here show an undying support for their team and are sure to get into the heads of opposing players, so enjoy the incredible atmosphere provided by the students.

Fight Songs

  1. Rocky Top

    While not the official fight song of Tennessee “Rocky Top” is perhaps the most beloved song by Tennessee fans. The Pride of the Southland Band began playing it in the 1970s, and today it is one of the most widely recognized in college sports. Come to Knoxville prepared to belt out this tune as it is a time-honored tradition.

    Tennessee
    “Down the Field” (Played after a touchdown)

    Here’s to ole Tennessee
    Never we’ll sever
    We will pledge our loyalty
    forever and ever
    Backing our football team
    faltering never
    So cheer and fight
    with all your might for Tennessee!
    (repeat)

    “Rocky Top” (Played after the PAT)

    Wish that I was on old Rocky Top
    Down in the Tennessee hills.
    Ain’t no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top
    Ain’t no telephone bills.
    Once I had a girl on Rocky Top
    Half bear, the other half cat,
    Wild as a mink, but sweet as soda-pop
    I still dream about that.
    Chorus:
    Rocky Top, you’ll always be
    Home sweet home to me.
    Good old Rocky Top,
    Rocky Top, Tennessee.
    Rocky Top, Tennessee.
    Once two strangers climbed old Rocky Top
    Lookin’ for a moonshine still.
    Strangers ain’t come down from Rocky Top,
    Reckon they never will.
    Corn won’t grow at all on Rocky Top
    Dirt’s too rocky by far.
    That’s why all the folks on Rocky Top
    Get their corn from a jar.
    (Repeat Chorus)
    I’ve had years of cooped up city life,
    Trapped like a dog in a pen.
    All I know is it’s a pity life
    Can’t be simple again.
    (Repeat Chorus)
    Rocky Top, Tennessee!

  2. Down the Field

    The Vols’ fight song

    Here’s to old Tennessee
    Never we’ll sever
    We pledge our loyalty
    Forever and ever
    Backing our football team
    Faltering never
    Cheer and fight with all of your might
    For Tennessee.

  3. Salute to the Hill

  4. Tennessee Alma Mater

    On a Hallowed hill in Tennessee
    Like Beacon shining bright
    The stately walls of old UT
    Rise glorious to the sight.

    So here’s to you old Tennessee,
    Our Alma Mater true
    We pledge in love and harmony
    Our loyalty to you.

    What torches kindled at that flame
    Have passed from hand to hand
    What hearts cemented in that name
    Bind land to stranger land.

    O, ever as we strive to rise
    On life’s unresting stream
    Dear Alma Mater, may our eyes
    Be lifted to that gleam.

Tennessee Volunteers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Downtown Grill & Brewery

    Downtown Grill and Brewery

    With a menu ranging from pastas to Mexican cuisine to seafood to the finest steaks, Downtown Grill & Brewery is guaranteed to please.

    424 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

    865-633-8111​

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Half Barrel

    Half Barrel

    Offering the best beer selection and atmosphere on campus.

    1829 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916, USA

    865-595-4848

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. O’Charley’s Restaurant & Bar

    OCharleys Restaurant and Bar

    This is more than just good Southern drinks and food, it's also all about connecting with other people.

    117 Cedar Ln, Knoxville, TN 37912, USA

    865-675-4244

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Hannah’s Café

    Hannahs Cafe

    Hanna’s has the ’80s and ’90s retro dance party every weekend. Features three fully stocked bars, two floors for dancing and a huge outdoor patio.

    102 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

    865-637-8909

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Cotton Eyed Joe

    Cotton Eyed Joe

    Four bars to serve your favorite beverages and the hottest, new music with the largest dance floor in town!

    11220 Outlet Dr #10, Knoxville, TN 37932, USA

    865-675-3563

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Preservation Pub

    Preservation Pub

    Live music, pub food & beer served on 2 stories with a speakeasy vibe & a rooftop garden deck.

    28 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

    865-524-2224

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $$

  7. Cafe 4

    Cafe four

    Located in the heart of downtown Knoxville is Cafe 4, a pioneer of modern food and drinks.

    4 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

    865-544-4144

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$

  8. Pete’s Coffee Shop Restaurant

    Petes Coffee Shop Restaurant

    If you’re looking for wholesome and delicious breakfast and lunch options, quality service, and a comfortable environment, then Pete’s Restaurant is at the top of the list.

    540 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

    865-523-2860

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  9. Gus’s Good Times Deli

    Gus Good Times Deli

    News and specials brought to you from Gus's Good Times Deli on the UT strip!

    815 Melrose Pl, Knoxville, TN 37916, USA

    865-525-9485

    Bar website

    american - $

  10. Stock & Barrel

    Stock and Barrel

    A quality burger location that is driven by the Knoxville community using fresh, local ingredients.

    35 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

    865-766-2075

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Chandler’s Deli

    Chandlers Deli

    Amazingly delicious Southern food!

    3101 E Magnolia Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914, USA

    865-595-0212

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $

  12. Dead End BBQ

    Dead End BBQ

    Your search is over for exceptional American neighborhood barbeque in East Tennessee!

    3621 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37919, USA

    865-212-5655

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  13. Ye Olde Steak House

    Ye Olde Steak House

    Their juicy steak house has become especially well known to University of Tennessee Football fans.

    6838 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA

    865-577-9328

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  14. Litton’s Market and Restaurant

    Littons Market and Restaurant

    Litton's has been a Knoxville, TN destination for the region's best burgers and desserts.

    2803 Essary Dr, Knoxville, TN 37918, USA

    865-688-0429

    Bar website

    american - $$

  15. The Original Louis’ Drive-in

    JB Dawsons Restaurant Bar spaghetti

    Our made-from-scratch spaghetti sauce, salad dressings, and hand-breaded onion rings are our specialties, but we have a wide selection of great dishes that are sure to please the entire family.

    4661 N Broadway St, Knoxville, TN 37918, USA

    865-688-4121 / 865-687-9921

    Bar website

    asian - $

  16. The Copper Cellar

    The Copper Cellar

    It is the place where the food is always delicious, memories are made, and time is savored bite by bite.

    1807 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916, USA

    865-673-3411

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$

  17. Calhoun’s on the River

    Calhouns on the River

    Try the best BBQ, steak, and ribs in Tennessee, and make some sweet memories.

    400 Neyland Dr, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

    865-673-3399

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$