The present day Neyland Stadium, Shields-Watkins Field had its beginning in 1919. Col. W. S. Shields, president of Knoxville's City National Bank and a UT trustee, provided the initial capital to prepare and equip an athletic field. Thus, when the field was completed in March 1921 it was called Shields-Watkins field, in honor of the donor and his wife, Alice Watkins-Shields.
The stadium, apart from the field it grew to enclose, came to bear its own distinguished name: Neyland Stadium. It was named for the man most responsible for the growth and development of Tennessee football -- General Robert R. Neyland, who served as head coach from 1926 to 1952, with two interruptions for military service. After retiring from the coaching ranks, Neyland was athletic director until his death in 1962. He was the guiding force behind additions to the stadium's capacity, and is the one most responsible for the winning tradition that Volunteer fans have come to expect over the years.
The addition of the north upper deck (10,642 seats) in time for the 1996 season opener against UNLV brought the stadium's official capacity to 102,544; a seating adjustment completed prior to the 1997 campaign added 310 seats to make it 102,854. An NCAA-record 107,608 fans packed the mammoth facility for the 1996 Florida contest. In fact, Tennessee had two of the top 10 and three of the top 15 crowds in NCAA history heading into the 1997 campaign.
CAPACITY:
102,854—Nation's largest collegiate football stadium. Has undergone 13 additions/renovations since West Stands were built in 1921, seating 3,200. Latest addition (North upper deck) added 10,642 seats in 1996. Press Box/Executive Suites were renovated in 1987.
STADIUM RECORD ATTENDANCE:
107,608—September 21, 1996—Florida 35, Tennessee 29. (NCAA Record)
FIRST NIGHT GAME AT NEYLAND STADIUM:
September 16, 1972—Tennessee 28, Penn State 21.
LARGEST COLLEGIATE STADIUMS (1997)
1. NEYLAND STADIUM, University of Tennessee 102,854
2. Michigan Stadium, University of Michigan 102,501
3. Beaver Stadium, Penn State University 93,967
4. Ohio Stadium, Ohio State University 91,470
5. Sanford Stadium, University of Georgia 86,117
How Neyland Stadium Grew
* 1921 West Stands (17 rows, 3,200 seats) 3,200
* 1926 East Stands (17 rows, 3,600 seats) 6,800
* 1929 West Stands (42 rows, 11,060 seats) 17,860
* 1937 Section X (1500 seats) 19,360
* 1938 East Stands (44 rows, 10,030 seats) 31,390
* 1948 South Stands (horseshoe, 15,000 seats) 46,390
* 1962 West Upper Deck (press box, 5,837 seats) 52,227
* 1966 North Stands (end zone, 5,895 seats) 58,122
* 1968 East Upper Deck (6,307 seats) 64,429
* 1972 Southwest Upper Deck (6,221 seats) 70,650
* 1976 Southeast Upper Deck (9,600 seats) 80,250
* 1980 North Stands (bowl 16,944 total, net gain 10,499) 91,249
* 1987 Executive Suites (42 suites) 91,110
* 1990 Seating Adjustment (792 seats) 91,902
* 1996 North Upper Deck (10,642 seats) 102,544
* 1997 Seating Adjustment (310 seats) 102,854
Will Call:
The will call booth is located at Gate 21 in the northwest corner of Neyland Stadium.
Other Information:
NO radios, bottles, cans, cameras, umbrellas, coolers or stadium chairs with arms are allowed in Neyland Stadium. The use of intoxicating liquors in the stadium is prohibited. All articles are subject to search.
All persons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. No pass out checks will be issued.
DIRECTIONS TO THE STADIUM
From Airport: Turn north on U.S. Highway 129 leaving airport. After crossing the Tennessee River bridge just outside of Knoxville, exit on U.S. Highways 11 and 70 (Cumberland Avenue). Turn right at the bottom of the exit ramp and turn right at the second light onto Volunteer Boulevard. Follow Volunteer Boulevard to stadium area.
From I-40 East (from Nashville) and I-75 North (from Chattanooga): Follow I-40 and I-75 to I-40/I-75 junction in West Knoxville. Continue on I-40 east to U.S. Highway 129 South. Follow 129 south to the U.S. 11-70 exit. Turn left off the exit ramp onto U.S. 11-70 (Cumberland Avenue) and turn right on Volunteer Boulevard at the third traffic light. Follow Volunteer Boulevard to the stadium area.
From I-40 West (from Asheville): Follow I-40 west to James White Parkway exit and exit to the left. Follow Parkway to Neyland Drive (Tennessee Highway 153) to stadium area on the right.
From I-75 South (Lexington): Follow I-75 south to I-275 south just past Merchants Road. Follow I-275 to I-40 East. Exit I-40 east at James White Parkway and follow Parkway to Neyland Drive (Tennessee Highway 153) and stadium area on the right.
Copyright 1994 by Brad Geller/Aerial Views Publishing
TELEPHONES
Telephones are located at intervals along the concourse in the West, South and East stands and upper decks.
FIRST AID STATIONS
In case of a medical emergency during today's game, the University of Tennessee and the American Red Cross have established three first-aid stations in Neyland Stadium. The stations are staffed with medical doctors, nurses and other qualified personnel. Trained first-aid teams are located throughout the stadium, ready to administer immediate care. If you need medical assistance, notify the team nearest you. If you are unable to locate a team, find a law enforcement officer or usher and he/she will direct you. This is a service provided by the University of Tennessee and the American Red Cross, a United Way agency.
RESTROOMS
Restrooms are located under the concourse in the West, South and North stands. Upper deck restrooms are located in the concourse. Ushers will direct you to the closest facility.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost articles may be turned in at the Concession Office, located behind Section R. Such items will then be turned over to the University of Tennessee Security Office, 1115 UT Drive, where they may be called for on Monday following each game (974-3114).
Source: University of Tennessee Sports Information Office
