Tony Vitello makes pitch for Knoxville to host Super Regional

Tony Vitello believes the Tennessee Volunteers deserve to bring a Super Regional to Knoxville.

After Tennessee took care of business over the weekend at the Clemson Regional, the Volunteers leader believes it’s time for this season’s team to get their deserved recognition. Speaking with the media after defeating the Charlotte 49ers on Sunday, Vitello made his pitch for Knoxville to host next weekend.

“I think the case is the way the city has handled it in the past,” explained Vitello. “Obviously it’s of good size, and has handled many events. I mean heck, the events we get to go to in that arena itself. But then also you know, what these guys have done on the field. Competing in our league. I don’t know what you all were saying because I don’t read too much of it, but going into that game at Hoover, I like to think that if we win that game at Hoover, we’re in the conversation for hosting one of these deals ourselves.

“So it’s one of those things that are out of our control. I think we’ve kind of grown as a program. Learning different things. Control what you can, and don’t worry about what you can’t.”

Of course, it’s no surprise Vitello has Tennessee in the right mindset. The Volunteers will be ready to play, wherever they end up. One thing Vitello knows is they’ll have plenty of fan support behind them, whether Tennessee plays in Knoxville, or if they once again have to go through another team’s home to move forward.

“So I don’t know where they’re going to send us, if we’ll play on our field, which I do think we’re deserving of. I know our fans will follow,” stated Vitello. “(Clemson) Coach [Erik] Bakich made a great comment before the game last night, about how our fans travel, and cautious to not take that for granted, because it’s kind of become the norm. Even for just your average game, or a fall game or something.

“But it helps these guys, and it makes it more fun, regardless of how the outcome turns out.”

Tennessee fans have a ton of pride in their baseball team, especially over the last couple of seasons. While it didn’t work out in the end for the Volunteers in 2022, this season’s team could be something special.

It remains to be seen how far Tony Vitello can take Tennessee in 2023, but the Vols are going to be a tough out, regardless of where they’re playing.