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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Tennessee-Kentucky Rivalry
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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Tennessee-Vanderbilt Rivalry
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.
