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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
Salute to the Hill
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.
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