As if Tennessee football fans needed another excuse to party, now they have one.

The Big Orange Blast is coming to downtown Knoxville.

It’s a mega pep rally scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept 6 on Market Square.

Kimberly Ainge, Waycross and Jason D. Williams will provide live entertainment for the free event.

The UT Athletic Department, in conjunction with Host Communications/The Vol Network, will announce plans for the event today.

“Tennessee has a tremendous fan base,” UT athletic director Mike Hamilton said in a release. “This event is a great opportunity for us to get into the community and celebrate the start of football season with the fans that fill our stadium every week.”

The Big Orange Blast is set up like Sundown in the City to help UT fans prepare for the Vols’ home opener at 7 p.m. Sept. 8 against Southern Miss.

UT officials hope to make it an annual event.

Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer and a few UT players will be at the “Blast” along with the Pride of the Southland Marching Band, UT cheerleaders and mascot Smokey.

Erik Ainge’s older sister, Kimberly, is scheduled to help kick off the musical entertainment.

Waycross recently released a song and video titled “Nineteen” that features lyrics about playing football at Tennessee.

Williams, a Memphis native, is another singer/musician with Tennessee ties.

“The Big Orange Blast is a great way to kick off the 2007 home football season and celebrate the passion of our loyal fans,” said Steve Early, vice president and general manager of the Vol Network.

Special “Big Orange Blast” T-shirts will be available at utsports.com and at the event for $10. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Jason Foundation, an organization geared to educating people on the prevention of youth suicide.

Fulmer became national spokesperson for the Jason Foundation in 1998.

“We are blessed to have great, supportive fans at Tennessee,” Fulmer said. “I’m especially pleased that we will be able to help out the Jason Foundation at the same time.”

Besides Host Communications, the event is being co-sponsored by Mayfield Dairy, Regal Entertainment Group and Lowe’s Ferry.

Food vendors will include Texas Roadhouse, Domino’s Pizza, Wild Wing Café and other restaurants located on Market Square.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.