Video: Tennessee Football updates the construction in and around Neyland Stadium

Tennessee Athletics officials on Thursday offered an updated look at Neyland Stadium construction ahead of No. 15 Tennessee opening the 2024 season at home against Chattanooga on Saturday (12:45 p.m. Eastern Time, TV: SEC Network).

Construction will continue during the season, as the multiyear renovation plan continues to come to life. Tennessee’s board of trustees in June 2023 approved a new $337 million budget for the stadium’s renovations.

The Fall 2023 phase included removal of South Stadium Hall, structural strengthening of the stadium’s south end, partially completed WiFi capabilities in the stadium and brick cladding around in-bowl vomitories, as well as new restrooms under the G10 ramp on the south end of the stadium. 

This year’s renovations included completion of the completion of the in-stadium WiFi network, new televisions and speakers, renovated sky boxes on the west side as well as the start of construction on the west side Founders Suites. There are also new restrooms and concessions in the north concourse area and a new stadium kitchen, commissary and loading dock. 

The plan for next fall is an expanded south concourse, with increased restrooms, enhanced concession offerings and wider concourses. The Founders Suites will also be completed. Completion of new entry plazas is scheduled for Fall 2026.

A closer look at what’s new at Neyland Stadium this season

Tennessee on Wednesday announced more details of the new “fan experience enhancements” in Neyland Stadium this season:

Rocky Top WiFi: Tennessee debuted its partially completed in-stadium WiFi during the 2023 season. RockyTopWiFi is fully functional this season, according to the Vols, who noted that “fans are encouraged to utilize the network and stay connected on their mobile devices during the game.”

Upgraded Speakers: The upper portions of Neyland’s lower bowl, beneath the upper-deck overhang, have what Tennessee described as “new, enhanced speakers.”

New TVs: New televisions are in the stadium along the north and east concourse on Level 1 as well as in the east and south concourse on Level 3. The inside of Gate 21 also has new TVs, along with the NIL Vol Shop inside Gate 24. 

Vintage Volunteer Shop: The VolShop has a new ‘Vintage Volunteer Shop’ inside the Truly’s Tailgate located outside Gate 9. “Classic gamey merchandise with all (the fans’) favorite marks and logos” will be available for purchase, according to Tennessee. Truly’s Tailgate opens at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and closes at the end of the third quarter.

Trading Cards: Sets of Tennessee football trading cards will be available for purchase in vending machine inside Gate 24 outside of the NIL VolShop.

Concession Enhancements: New concession offerings in the stadium include Pilot FastFavorites (drinks and snack in a “quick service” setting inside Gate 21; CheckerboardCheese (various grilled cheese sandwiches, snacks and drinks); Vol Classics (now including pulled buffalo chicken sandwiches, Korean BBQ pork sandwiches, chips, peanuts, candy and Coke products); K-Town Dog Pound (new options for the Smokey Dog include a pimento cheese dog and a buffalo chicken dog); The General’s Grill (braised Philly beef, snacks and bottle Coke products); Cookies & Coffee.

Yee-Haw Ole Smoky Social Deck: A new multiyear deal is in place with Yee-Haw Brewing Company and Ole Smoky Moonshines, making Yee-Haw the exclusive craft beer of the Vols and Ole Smoky’s moonshine the official craft beer and moonshine of the Vols. The social deck in the north end zone, which was added before the 2022 season, is now the Yee-Haw Ole Smoky Deck and will include Yee-Haw beers as well as Ole Smoky drinks on tap. Yee-Haw’s new Vol Lager, Tennessee’s first officially licensed, co-branded craft beer, will be available throughout the stadium. 

Commemorative Tickets: Fans can purchase commemorative game tickets following each home game this season, with the tickets being custom to each fan’s seat. Additional details will be announced later.

General Neyland Statue: As construction is ongoing on the east side of the stadium, the General Neyland statue has been moved to a new temporary home outside the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center.