KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Tennessee football fans heading to Neyland Stadium this fall will encounter a new traffic management plan designed to improve vehicle flow before and after games.
The University of Tennessee announced Tuesday that it will implement the same traffic patterns successfully used during the Luke Combs concert and Savannah Bananas event held on campus earlier this year.
University officials say the plan is aimed at reducing congestion and improving the overall gameday experience for fans leaving the stadium.
“This project has required close collaboration with numerous local partners, and we are excited to see the plan realized this fall,” Tennessee Athletics Director and Vice Chancellor Danny White said. “Enhancing the fan experience when leaving Neyland has been a key focus for us, and this initiative marks a significant step forward.”
Regional Partnership Behind the Plan
The traffic strategy was developed through a partnership involving:
- Tennessee Athletics
- Visit Knoxville
- City of Knoxville
- Knox County
- Tennessee Department of Transportation
- Knoxville Police Department
- University of Tennessee Police Department
- University leadership
- Transportation engineering consultant Kimley-Horn
Officials said the effort involved hours of traffic analysis and planning designed to move tens of thousands of fans away from campus more efficiently after games.
Fans Encouraged to Use Downtown Parking and Shuttles
University officials are encouraging fans without reserved parking permits to avoid the campus corridor altogether.
Instead, fans are being urged to park downtown and take advantage of Knoxville Area Transit shuttle services.
KAT will continue operating gameday shuttles from:
- Civic Coliseum Garage
- Market Square Garage
Additional shuttle service from the Old City will be available for SEC home games.
Officials say using shuttle services can help reduce traffic backups on campus roadways.
New Routing Recommendations
One of the biggest changes involves how vehicles leave campus after games.
Traffic officers may direct drivers along routes different from their normal travel patterns in an effort to keep traffic moving.
Transportation planners are encouraging drivers headed west to consider traveling east or south initially before connecting with Interstate 40.
According to Kimley-Horn, some fans may experience faster travel times by using:
- Alcoa Highway southbound
- Pellissippi Parkway westbound
- Interstate 40 westbound
Officials said these routes could be significantly quicker than remaining in traditional postgame traffic around Cumberland Avenue and Neyland Drive.
Restricted Access Near Stadium
The university reminded fans that several access restrictions will remain in place:
- Only vehicles with permits for Lot 9 and Middle Drive may enter Phillip Fulmer Way from Cumberland Avenue.
- No vehicles will be allowed to enter Lot 9 via Peyton Manning Pass.
- Only approved or commercial vehicles will be permitted on portions of Phillip Fulmer Way from Lake Loudoun Boulevard.
Ride-share users also should note that pickups and drop-offs will occur at The Hill before and after games.
Parking Eligibility Requirements
Season-ticket holders seeking parking permits must meet donation requirements.
Fans must contribute at least:
- $100 to the Football Priority Fund, or
- $100 through a My All donation
Premium season-ticket holders may qualify for parking based on the number and type of tickets they own, while non-premium season-ticket holders receive parking eligibility based on ticket quantity.
The university also announced increases in parking inventory in some areas, including Lot 14.
Goal Is a Better Fan Experience
University leaders say the new traffic system is intended to ease one of the biggest frustrations associated with Tennessee football weekends: leaving campus after a sold-out game.
Officials are encouraging fans to review specific lot exit maps before arriving on campus and to follow directions provided by police officers and traffic personnel on gameday.
The new traffic patterns will debut when the Volunteers open the 2026 home football season at Neyland Stadium.
