Knoxville, TN (WOKI) – With Tennessee football set to return to Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Athletics Director Danny White is encouraging fans to prepare for the heat and take part in special tributes honoring East Tennessee icon Dolly Parton.
In a message posted on X, formerly Twitter, White told Vol Nation that game-day temperatures are expected to be warm and encouraged fans to stay hydrated throughout the day.
“Please stay hydrated,” White wrote. “We’ll have free water fill-up stations located throughout the concourse. Drink it. Please. I promise it’s free.”
The reminder comes as tens of thousands of fans are expected to pack Neyland Stadium for the Volunteers’ season opener, with weather forecasts calling for late-summer heat across the region.
Dolly Parton to Be Honored Throughout the Game
White also revealed that the university has planned multiple tributes to Dolly Parton during Saturday’s game.
While Tennessee players will wear commemorative helmet stickers honoring Parton, White said additional recognitions are planned inside the stadium.
“Our helmet stickers won’t be the only way we honor Dolly on Saturday,” White wrote.
He encouraged fans to remain in their seats through the conclusion of the Pride of the Southland Band halftime performance and again during the break between the third and fourth quarters.
While specific details about the planned tributes have not been released, the university is expected to celebrate Parton’s lasting impact on Tennessee, the university and the state she proudly represented throughout her life.
Fans Encouraged to Stay for Special Moments
White’s message specifically highlighted two times during the game when fans may want to remain in attendance.
The first will come at the end of the Pride of the Southland Band’s halftime show, while another tribute is planned between the third and fourth quarters.
The announcement has generated significant interest among Tennessee fans, many of whom continue to celebrate Parton’s legacy and her longtime support of the university and East Tennessee communities.
Excitement Building for Saturday
With kickoff approaching, White closed his message with enthusiasm for the start of another football season.
“Fired up to see everyone Saturday. Go Vols!”
The combination of Tennessee football’s return to Neyland Stadium, expected warm weather conditions and planned Dolly Parton tributes is expected to make Saturday’s game a memorable event for fans across Vol Nation.
