Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Tennessee football fans will notice several major improvements at Neyland Stadium this season, including a powerful new sound system, expanded concourse space, a new plaza honoring championship coaches and enhanced videoboard technology.
University of Tennessee Athletics announced the upgrades as part of its ongoing effort to modernize the historic stadium and improve the fan experience.
“Year after year, we will continue to give Vol Nation the best in-venue college football experience in the country,” said Tennessee Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Marketing Officer Alicia Longworth.
New Sound System Installed
The most significant enhancement is a complete overhaul of the stadium’s audio system.
Working with Danley Sound Labs, Stellar Vision and Sound, and Precision Audio, UT installed a state-of-the-art system designed to improve both volume and clarity throughout the venue. Danley Sound Labs has also worked on audio upgrades at major venues including Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
The project includes:
- Replacement of the south videoboard speaker stacks
- More than a half-million watts of amplifier power
- Fifteen new subwoofers, where none previously existed
- Eleven large full-range loudspeakers
- Twenty-seven compact outdoor loudspeakers
University officials say the upgrades will provide clearer public-address announcements, music, referee calls and other in-game audio from the lower bowl to the upper deck.
Expanded Concourse and Amenities
Fans in the south end zone’s third level will also benefit from an expanded southeast concourse area adjacent to the elevators.
New additions include:
- Walk-through concession markets
- Twelve new restroom fixtures
- Eight water bottle filling stations
- Additional television screens
The improvements are intended to reduce congestion and make it easier for fans to stay connected to the action.
Champions Corner Honors Vol Greats
A new plaza called Champions Corner has been created outside Gate 9 on the southwest side of the stadium.
The statue of Gen. Robert Neyland has been relocated to its permanent home in the plaza. Statues honoring former national championship-winning coaches Doug Dickey and Phillip Fulmer are scheduled to be unveiled later this fall.
The area also features additional restrooms, new entry points and will continue to host gameday activities including Truly’s Tailgate and Volunteer Gameday broadcasts.
New First-Down Technology
Beginning with Tennessee’s second home game, stadium videoboards will display a virtual yellow first-down line, giving fans in attendance a better view of down-and-distance situations throughout the game.
University officials say the upgrades are designed to further enhance the atmosphere and make Neyland Stadium one of the premier college football venues in the country.
