Information checked September 24, 2026. All times below are Eastern.

Coming to Knoxville for Tennessee vs. Texas? Plan more than the kickoff. With College GameDay, Tennessee traditions, and a full weekend of music and dancing, there is plenty to enjoy before and after the game. Here is what to know before you head out.

When: Saturday, September 26, 2026, at noon ET (11 a.m. Central).
Where: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville.
TV: ABC.
Stadium gates: Open at 9 a.m.

No. 1 Texas visits No. 14/13 Tennessee for the Volunteers’ SEC opener and the Longhorns’ first trip to Neyland Stadium. That makes this a major weekend for both fan bases.

On the field, watch Tennessee’s secondary against Arch Manning and receivers Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo. Texas’s downfield passing and Tennessee’s response to the Longhorns’ defensive front are key parts of the matchup.

Saturday starts early on the Hill. The area opens at 5 a.m., with the GameDay pit opening at 6:30 a.m. The show runs from 9–11 a.m. on the Ayres Hall lawn, then moves inside Neyland Stadium from 11 a.m. until noon.

Pit access is first come, first served and subject to screening. No overnight camping is allowed. Bags, food, drinks, and signs on sticks are not permitted in the pit.

Arriving Friday? Bussin’ and Pate On Campus is scheduled for 2–3 p.m. at Ayres Hall, followed by College Football Live from 3:30–4 p.m. The Friday Pat McAfee show inside the stadium is closed to the public.

The orange and white seat assignments have switched from previous years. Look up your section before choosing your shirt.

With President Trump expected to attend, fans should plan for screening at every gate and additional checkpoints. Temporary road closures and pedestrian diversions may affect your route. Gates open at 9 a.m.; arrive early with your mobile ticket ready.

There is no stadium reentry and no storage for prohibited items. Review the game-specific instructions before leaving home, even if you regularly attend Tennessee games.

Many campus lots near Neyland Stadium require a parking permit. Check your parking location before heading toward campus.

KAT’s game-day shuttles begin at 9 a.m. Choose the pickup that fits your plans:

Market Square/Krutch Park: Board on Clinch Avenue. Round-trip shuttle fare is $10 per person.
Old City: Board on Willow Avenue near Covenant Health Park. Round-trip fare is $10 per person.
Civic Coliseum: Garages A and B cost $30 per vehicle, including parking and shuttle service.

For Market Square and Old City, buy your shuttle pass in the Transit app and activate it just before boarding. At the Coliseum, pay the attendant using a cashless payment method; do not buy an extra shuttle pass.

Return shuttles leave from Walters Life Sciences beginning in the fourth quarter and continue until approximately one hour after the game. Check the destination before boarding. KAT’s regular $2 day pass is separate from game-day shuttle fares.

Save your ticket to your phone’s wallet; screenshots will not work. Standard permitted bags include a clear bag up to 12 × 6 × 12 inches, a one-gallon clear resealable bag, or a clutch up to 4.5 × 6.5 inches. Check additional security restrictions for this game.

Before leaving, charge your phone, make sure everyone can access their own ticket, and save your parking and return-trip instructions. Wear comfortable walking shoes, check the forecast, and agree on a meeting spot in case your group gets separated.

8:30 a.m.: Volunteer Village opens at Humanities Plaza with music, food trucks, and games; no game ticket is required.
9:45 a.m.: The Vol Walk begins at the Torchbearer.
10:20 a.m.: The band march begins.

Families should pack diaper supplies in a clear bag. Visitors needing accessible parking, shuttles, or entry should review Tennessee’s game-day guide before traveling.

The Tennessee–Texas matchup also highlights two broadcasters who have helped Spanish-speaking fans experience college football with passion and excitement.

José Carlos López, born in Venezuela, made history as the first Spanish play-by-play voice of the Tennessee Volunteers. His energetic calls and #VamosVols platform have helped connect Tennessee football with Knoxville’s growing Hispanic community. Fans can hear Tennessee’s Spanish-language broadcast locally on WNML AM 990.

On the Texas side, Rubén Pizarro is the longtime Spanish voice of the Longhorns. For more than 25 years, his enthusiastic broadcasts have brought Texas football to Spanish-speaking fans through the Longhorn Radio Network’s Cadena Deportiva.

​Their voices represent more than football—they reflect the influence, pride, and growing presence of Hispanic communities in Tennessee, Texas, and across the United States.

Let football fill your afternoon and Latin music fill your evening. Whether you are a visiting fan or a Knoxville local, join us for a lesson and a night of dancing. Come solo, with a partner, or with friends.

Location: 2300 N Central Street, #101, Knoxville.
Lesson: 8 p.m.
Social dancing: 8:30 p.m.–midnight.
Admission: $10 for the lesson and party.
Ages: 18+.

Start your Knoxville weekend with salsa. No partner or previous dance experience is needed—join the lesson, learn a few steps, and stay for the party.

Location: 4028 Papermill Drive, Knoxville.
Lesson: 8 p.m.
Social dancing: 8:30 p.m.–1 a.m.
Admission: $10 in advance—save $5 compared with the door.
Ages: 18+.

Keep the weekend going with bachata, salsa, cumbia, and merengue. Free parking and a water station are available. No partner or previous experience is required.

Bring your game-day energy, take your first steps with us, and enjoy another side of Knoxville. Check the party pages for current details before you arrive.