Vanderbilt and Tennessee are founding members of the SEC, so when these pioneers play, everyone comes to watch. This in-state rivalry has been played for over a century as these bitter rivals have battled 109 times since 1892. Tennessee has taken 74 of those contests, but the Commodores have won two of the last three meetings.
The Rebels are Vanderbilt’s second-oldest rival as well as their annual crossover opponent. These two schools are the two smallest in the SEC, and both have a high percentage of students involved in Greek life. Ole Miss holds the all-time series lead 50-38-2. However, the Commodores record of 18 straight wins in the series from 1894 to 1938 remains the longest winning streak in the series.
The Commodores rivalry with the Wildcats is one of the most evenly contested rivalries in not only the SEC but also all of college football. The Wildcats hold a one-game lead in the all-time series with a 42-41-4 lead. The Commodores will look to even things up when these two teams meet next in Nashville.
Commodores Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
There is always an optimistic feeling surrounding the Vanderbilt tailgate as while the Commodores aren’t known for being one of the best teams in the SEC they do manage to pull their share of upsets. One of Vandy’s most recent upsets occurred in 2013 when the Commodores upended #15 Georgia 31-27. You’ll find the tailgate abuzz as everyone anticipates another upset of a ranked SEC foe.
The scene around Vanderbilt is that of a typical fraternity tailgate. You’ll see plenty of singing, dancing, red Solo Cups, and lively conversation. Unlike regular campus tailgates here at Vanderbilt, you’ll notice that everything and everyone revolve around the school’s Vandyville tailgate setup.
Vandyville is the heart of the Vanderbilt tailgate scene as you’ll find a variety of events and activities that will make your gameday experience at Vanderbilt a special one. You’ll be able to enjoy the action from all around the SEC as VandyVision will keep you up to date on what’s going on around college football. Vandyville opens three hours before kickoff, so get here early to make the most of your day.
Tailgating at Vanderbilt has grown significantly over the last decade. It used to be that you’d only find about five tents at Vandyville; however, today Commodores fans flock to Vandyville setting up a sea of tents filled with delicious game day fixins. Commodores spirit is on full display these days as everyone gets up bright and early to make a full day of tailgating at Vanderbilt. Vandy fans love their team, and they love their tailgate, so come on by to experience a great tailgating experience filled with plenty of food, drinks, and die hard fans.
One of Vanderbilt’s most fun tailgate traditions is the Star Walk. The Star Walk is a great chance for fans to see and meet the players. The band and cheerleaders lead the players’ walk through throngs of fans and students. The Star Walk is a great spectacle to take in before heading into the stadium to root on the Commodores.
Vanderbilt’s Football tailgate community. Fans can reserve tents here along the closed Natchez Trace Parkway. Here you’ll find over 100 tents filled with die hard fans and will also be able to watch all the action going on around college football on the giant video screen. This spot is a place for ‘Dores to come together, and cheer on Vandy!
VandyvilleVanderbilt’s Football tailgate community. Fans can reserve tents here along the closed Natchez Trace Parkway. Here you’ll find over 100 tents filled with die hard fans and will also be able to watch all the action going on around college football on the giant video screen. This spot is a place for ‘Dores to come together, and cheer on Vandy!
Commodores Stadium Guide
In Game
FirstBank Stadium is an intimate 40,550-seat facility located in the heart of campus, which gives you the feeling you are part of the action. The Commodores began playing home games at the current location in 1922 making them the first school in the South to have a stadium exclusively for college football. The history and aura of FirstBank Stadium along with its intimate setting create a unique feel that helps to attend a game at Vandy stand out from other SEC schools.
As a fan going to a Commodores game, it is going to be very loud. You have to try and match the intensity of the person sitting next to you because these fans wear their heart on their sleeve. Commodores haven’t had a ton to cheer about over the years, but that doesn’t stop students and fans from coming up in large numbers to support their team. The diehard fandom of Vanderbilt fans means that everyone here has an unbridled passion for the Commodores that emanates all throughout the game.
When at Vanderbilt you’ll also get to experience their awesome victory flag tradition. Following every football team victory, a solid black flag with the Vanderbilt Athletic mark is hoisted above the west side of FirstBank Stadium, where it remains for seven days. Students and fans alike love raising the flag and being able to look at the Victory Flag after every conquest.
You’ll have a blast at Vanderbilt hanging out and cheering alongside some of the most diehard fans in college football. You’ll also love the amazing intimate atmosphere you’ll find here that makes FirstBank Stadium a venue like no other.
The new and improved stadium decreased its seating capacity, but this has created an intimate feel for the audience and makes the opposing team feel completely surrounded by Commodores!
This naval horn signifies game time and is played after every Commodore score. You can hear the Admiral all throughout campus on game days allowing even those not attending the game to know when the Commodores score.
Following every football team victory, a solid black flag with the Vanderbilt Athletic mark is hoisted above the west side of FirstBank Stadium, where it remains for seven days.
Blackouts are a staple for big Vanderbilt home games. Playing in the SEC every conference game his huge. The fans here come out painted and wearing all sorts of black to get rowdy and cheer on their team.
Dynamite, Dynamite When VANDY starts to fight. Down the field with blood to yield, If need be, save the shield. If vict’ry’s won, when battle’s done, Then VANDY’s name will rise in fame. Win not lose, It’s ours to choose, And VANDY’s game will be the same. Dynamite, Dynamite When VANDY starts to fight! (YELL) V-A-N-D-Y VANDY! VANDY! GO! GO! GO!
Vanderbilt Alma Mater
On the city’s western border Reared against the sky Proudly stands our Alma Mater As the years roll by. Forward ever be thy watchword, Conquer and Prevail. Hail to thee our Alma Mater, Vanderbilt, All Hail! Cherished by thy sons and daughters, Thy mem’ries sweet shall throng Round our hearts, O Alma Mater, As we sing our song.
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