Interesting Happenings in the Visiting Team Area After the Game
Tennessee fans in Neyland Stadium often greet visiting teams with a scattered chorus of boos as they enter the field, but the story behind the scenes is much richer. Beneath the South end lies a less visible drama that few get to see.
The visiting team area in Neyland dates back to the 1948 stadium expansion and has seen several additions over nearly 80 years, including a new media room. It remains a bustling center of activity after games, with many unique routines and interactions.
Behind-the-Scenes Activity
While visiting team areas at most college football stadiums seem like an afterthought, Neyland’s visitors’ zone plays a key role in the game day atmosphere. Coaches sometimes do their post-game radio shows here before facing the media, which can create tension with the home school’s SID staff upstairs eager to share comments with reporters.
“Georgia head coach Jim Donnan suggested that Phillip Fulmer ‘ran up the score’ with a late TD pass to Derrick Edmonds,”
— an example of the frequent contentious moments occurring off-camera, such as during the 1996 post-game following the Georgia contest.
Off-Air Conversations
Beyond the microphones, dialogues also take place, including informal exchanges like Donnan asking co-host Loran Smith about dinner with Archie Manning the night before and hinting at Georgia’s game plan.
Visiting Team Area Legacy
- Established during 1948 stadium expansion
- Includes evolved facilities like a new media room
- Central to post-game activities and interactions
- Reflects the unique atmosphere of Neyland Stadium
“The Vol Network is not likely to make a video of great moments in the visitors area, but that should not diminish in the least what goes on there.”
Visiting team areas, often overlooked, hold their own share of memorable moments and tensions that contribute to the rich fabric of college football culture at Neyland Stadium.
Author’s summary: Behind the boos at Neyland Stadium lies a lively visiting team area filled with post-game rituals, candid moments, and hidden drama rarely seen by fans.