The University of Tennessee reminded fans this morning that Thompson-Boling Arena is smoke-free for men's and women's basketball games and that no smoking area will be available outside the arena.
"Making Thompson-Boling Arena a smoke-free facility for athletics is in keeping with all other university athletic facilities: Neyland Stadium, Lindsey Nelson Stadium, Regal Stadium, Lee Stadium, Goodfriend Indoor Tennis Center and Varsity Courts," according to a UT press release.
The first men's exhibition game is Monday, Nov. 3, against the University of Indianapolis.
The first Lady Vols' exhibition game is Thursday, Nov. 6, against Carson-Newman College.
Tennessee is the seventh SEC school to ban smoking. Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina and Vanderbilt already require fans who exit the arena to find a place to smoke to have a new ticket to re-enter their arenas.
UT also reminded fans in this morning's release of the new ticketing system put in place last year.
A bar code on tickets will be scanned when fans enter the arena, so if tickets are lost or stolen, fans should contact the ticket office (865-656-1200) so that the bar code can be deactivated and a new ticket can be issued.
Many security measures from last year remain in place:
-- For men's games, gates open 90 minutes before tipoff.
-- For women's games, gates open 60 minutes before tipoff.
-- Students are required to enter the gates off the west ramp.
-- Large bags, backpacks and other large parcels are not allowed.
-- Artificial noisemakers also are prohibited.
-- Radios with headphones, other small electronic devices and diaper bags accompanying infants are permitted.
-- All items are subject to search or inspection, and hand-held metal detectors may be used.
Basketball fans with permits can park in designated lots adjacent to the arena. Free parking and a shuttle are available at the UT Agriculture campus.
More details as they develop online and in Saturday's News Sentinel.
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Comments » 51
pdhuff#552644 writes:
News at 6.
blitzshoot writes:
Another brick in the wall.
MANVOL writes:
They forgot add no standing and cheering. The non- fun patrol I'm sure will be back in force.
LostinNCVol writes:
What does it matter if people smoke outside? If you don't want to have a smoking,area so be it, but if fans purchase a ticket and go outside to smoke somewhere they shouldn't be forced to buy another ticket. I thought this was a free country. If I don't smoke in your house,car,office it shouldn't bother anyone if a person smokes outside.
LostinNCVol writes:
Sorry the comma should be after area not before. Please english professors don't come and arrest me.
VolinCalif writes:
How dare you make such a gross mistake.
VolinCalif writes:
See you later Guys , have to take my Grandkids to school.
threehundredbowler writes:
you are forgiven.I agree.I do not smoke ,but too many rights are being taken because of a few idiots do not agree with them.There should be a smokeing area outside like in the past.If I remember correctly,this was outside behind closed doors where only the smokers were involved.We have too many a-s ho--s in this country that want everyone to be as stupid as they are.Maybe we should remove sweets and carbs from the stores and eating establishments because someone thinks they are offended by seeing someone overweight.Or better still ban all religions except the one you agree with.
bobbyutvol writes:
This is bull. I have been a season ticket holder for many years. Smokers should be allowed to go outside to smoke. Again Hamilton is trying to control everything. My last year for tickets. You have more problems than someone smoking outside you have a football team that needs repair. You just lost my money.
pms151 writes:
Must be a scanning software issue. They were too cheap to include reentry into the program. Or maybe someone else besides the owner of the ticket might get to see the mighty Vols without paying double for the seat. Smoking areas are just that. If you don't smoke why go there? Oh and God forbid having a snort at halftime on UT property. Wouldn't that be a novel idea.
volfan#207874 writes:
I was a smoker for over 30 years, but now cannot tolerate first hand or second hand smoke. When I smoked, if I visited a home that did not have ashtrays out, then I took this as an indication that they preferred that no one smoke in their homes, and I honored that implication. You have rights, and I have rights. Mine ends where yours begins and yours end where mine begin. Personally, I do not see where it would hurt to allow anyone who wanted to smoke during a ball game, to be allowed to exit the venue and be permitted to return without being required to purchase an additional ticket. Having a section indide for smokers would be akin to having a peeing section in a swimming pool.
kyvol98 writes:
I attended the UT-Xavier game last season and we were allowed to go outside to smoke. Our tickets were re-scanned and there was no problem at all.
I saw this coming when the Riverview Club was announced.
volfan#207874 writes:
Hmmm...perhaps moneybags Mikey could take another look at the possibilities regarding allowing patrons to exit an athletic venue, to smoke, and then return with a surcharge for each subsequent trip for the smokers lung exercise. Oh, but wait, the smokers in Neyland stadium are not being escorted out, or even instructed to douse the evil smelling tobacco. Look around the stadium on game day and you will see the plumes of smoke rising like indian smoke signals. Iffen ya ain't gonna enforce it, don't bother to announce it as being a rule.
jasonn1970 writes:
Amen - and I don't even smoke. But my wife does. And this really pisses her off. To me this is about the same thing as a cop pulling me over for not wearing my seatbelt. I need the police to protect me from others and to protect others from me. I do not now, nor will I ever need *anyone* to protect me from me.
volfan#207874 writes:
In my post of 11:25 please be informed that a keyboard gremlin had sneaked, unbeknownst, and attacked the 4th word in the last sentence. It should read "inside" not "indide."
Old eyes are slow to catch such glitches. Sorry 'bout that!
VolinCalif writes:
I'm a non smoker. It doesn't bother me if someone goes outside to smoke. I don't want locked in a closet while they smoke but as long as I have the right to leave then so be it. AS far as losing rights. WEll look what a few did about prayer in school, and now our pledge to our country. Cute. By the way out here I have heard about moves to band smoking in your car if the window is down. Would you believe that some people clame the smell of smoke while driving doddwn the Fwy hurt them. I just cant smell that well and with all this smog out here don't worry much about it. Not going to look for Spelling errors or miss use of comma's
VolinCalif
CrankE writes:
Breathin' like heck!
Smokin like heck!
Cheerin' like heck!
Securin' like heck!
Why, the next thing you know, they'll be telling MSU that they have to give up their cowbells. .... No wait, they did that already. (insert sarcastic chuckle here)
caskew#218608 writes:
This is a campus-wide issue, it's not just for Thompson-Boling. Smoking has been banned at all entrances/exits at every building. If you want to smoke you must walk away from the building so others won't get a big cloud of smoke in their face as they walk in/exit the doorway. The smoke also tends to drift inside the building when the doors are opened by others. Personally, I have no problem with people going outside and smoking during halftime or breaks at games. Maybe this is the University's attempt to try to get people to stop smoking, or at least curb their use.
jasonn1970 writes:
Of course they didn't have the nerve to do this when Buzz was here and there were less than 10,000 at most games....
Striker writes:
Did anyone ever attend concerts at The civic coliseum in the 70's and 80's? You couldnt see across the place! LOL and the smoke used to smell so pleasant...
1volk-nowi-tall writes:
Have seen many people smoking at Neyland this year and I don't believe that it is due to the poor season we have had to this point. Have seen no one approach these smokers and tell them to put out the butt. Smokers smoke anywhere they think that they can get away with it. Those who do this are rude and put themselves above others. They seldom place butts in any type of trash bind but prefer to just throw them on the cement,floor or ground and allow some one else to pick them up. Never enjoyed policing the area in the military.
knoxlawvol writes:
Without smoking cigarettes in the cattle coral, how will we balance out the bourbon buzz from sneaking in airplane bottles? This is a truly disturbing quandry. Oh well, at least the donors in the sky boxes can drink as heavily as they see fit, perhaps there will be a rich man's smoking section on the roof, where you have to pay money to go have a smoke. Thank God for Mike Hamilton and his mad bidness skillz. Go negotierate another one of them killer buyout clauses, Tiger! Rule #46: Play like a champion. Fire Clownshoe Hamilton.
beavbullvol writes:
What I have a problem with is how clueless smokers are about how horrible their smoke smells. Don't get me wrong, everyone should have a right to smoke OUTSIDE, but don't preach at those of us who detest the odor and bodily ramifications of such a destructive habit.
Additionally, if we, as taxpayers, didn't have to pick up such a large portion of the health related tab of smokers' insurance claims, I'd be far more tolerant as well (see Medicare and Medicaid).
ncvol writes:
As a former smoker, I want you to know that some people do have an allergic reaction to smoke. I quit smoking because my Mother came to live with me. She has small airways disease and the smoke really caused her to cough and she had to use an inhaler to get some relief. Since I quit, her symptoms have improved. That being said- I don't see a thing wrong with anyone smoking outside away from others.
It gets so cold sometimes and I felt like a criminal when I smoked and I hated that feeling.
Smokers and Non-Smokers can still spend the same amount of money to watch a game. Cut the smokers some slack. Enjoy the game and Go Vols !
Striker writes:
I dated a girl that smoked a few years ago and she was SMOKIN HOTT! I was able to completely tolerate her skinky habit. So i suggest we create a law that only very attractive people can smoke then that way we can accept our differences and bad habits. It worked for me for a LONGGGGGGGGGG time.
Our romance ended in time when her drama became a much more annoying habit than the smoke. After some counciling, alcohol, and the gal across the hall, I was able to pull through in a day or so.
Anyway give them ole' Smokers a break... There good people, they just stink
knoxfrox writes:
smokin' stinks
MOOREVOLS writes:
The article doesn't say anything about having to present a new ticket to re-enter right now. It just says the other schools mentioned are requiring you have another ticket. It doesn't say anything about paying for that extra ticket either.
Some people on here love to make alot more out of something than there really is.
jcherrie#219531 writes:
Where I work there are designated outside smoking areas that are at least 30 feet from any entrance. But as the weather gets bad the smokers start 'cheating' - smoking right outside the door or in the low-ceiling parking garages. The problem is that one can't walk through these areas without the smoke stinking up ones clothes.
Also, the problem with re-entry passes is that students drink outside the building.
I know that many smokers would love to quit if they could and they need to get the nicotine fix. But repeatedly I see smokers push the boundaries of the smoking areas. Also, many of the smoking areas have cigarrette butts stewn all over the place. Smoking does not give anyone the right to litter. Smokers have demonstrated that they cannot be held at their honor to obey the law.
I would support a smoking area if it was a monitored area that is away from the main entrances of the building. This requires extra expense to set up and monitor these areas and this should come at the expense of the smokers.
newtonrail writes:
This is not a new policy on Neyland or or TB. I saw some violations at Neyland this year with people moving, and saw Ushers stop them. I'm ex smoker, so I see both sides. But this is a State law. TB used to have exit people could go out and smoke. The Bar Codes and State law did away with that last year. And MooreVols the article does say that: "Tennessee is the seventh SEC school to ban smoking. Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina and Vanderbilt already require fans who exit the arena to find a place to smoke to have a new ticket to re-enter their arenas."
Part of the reason I'm sure is to prevent people from gathering several previously scanned tickets inside, and one person could go out to smoke. Then pass them out and several re enter under the premise they had all come out to smoke. How many who are old enough to remember drive in theatres never slipped someone in without paying? Not saying I did, since the statute is long up.
MOOREVOLS writes:
I still don't see where the article says you have to present a new ticket to re-enter from the smoking area at T.B. Arena. I guess you're supposed to "read" that into it?
newtonrail writes:
Technically you are right. I was going to reply again but you beat me to it. I have heard the announcement for at least 3 years at Neyland, and this will be 2 at TB that you must have a new ticket to enter, that I ASSUMEd it said it. I put the slashes in for what happens when I assume, but the morality police flagged it.
MOOREVOLS writes:
I don't smoke, so I really don't know much about, except for what I read or see at the games.
Do you have to pay for the new ticket to get back in, do you request it with your season tickets or do you get it some other way?
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
Smokins bad...mmmmmmmmmmkkkkk
HoustonVol writes:
One item everyone is missing regarding the smoking issue. The smoking area has to be cleaned. Smokers, as a whole, are not the neatest people in the world. The put their butts out on the pavement, creating litter and leaving dark spots all over the walls and the grounds. Then there are the ones that put lit cigs into trash cans and start fires. The last item is the one I hate most about smokers - they stink to high heaven. When the smokers at work head outside to have a break, I can hardly breath when they walk back in because of the odor rolling off of them. It would ruin my game experience if some chain smoker had the seat next to me and would walk back in one/twice a half reek of smoke. I would have to get up and walk away. How is that for fare? That one smoker is now ruining the game experience for everyone that sits around him/her. If you don't like the rules, then guess what? It was your choice to smoke.
Moaninglikeheck writes:
I have smoked off and on my adult life. Yeah, I'm weak. Went through periods where I didn't, only to have temptation slap me in the face. Something about pretty girls, bars, and cigarettes.
Anyway, We are reaching IMHO the threshold of acceptable "Your rights end where mine begin" mentallity. I hear the arguments about health insurance, but what about others who engage in risky behavior? Should we ban sky diving? Should chemists and chemical plant workers be unemployed because they risk exposure to toxins? Should high heel shoes be banned because women risk twisting their ankles? Should tattoos and piercings be illegal because some risk of infection occurs? Should we rethink "Prohibition" because of all the alcohol related accidents? I'd bet lots of nonsmokers would be tiffed if they couldn't drink their adult beverages.
I am glad we are out of the dark ages where smoking is concerned. I ALWAYS thought it was rude to smoke on an airplane, or in a restaurant, or in an office with other employees or customers. Only 20 years ago it was not uncommon to see people light up anywhere. Now, many smokers even go outside to smoke in their own homes.
But that's the key. Outside, in a designated area, this should be a no brainer. Smokers aren't leppers, they aren't criminals, they aren't sub-human. Most are good people with an undesireable habit. Nose-picking is just as disgusting but I see no laws against THAT. LOL
Why can't we all just get along?
LostinNCVol writes:
I have a job I have insurence and as far as I can tell have never asked you to pay any of my bills. Also I don't remember anyone saying anything other than smokers should be aloud to smoke outside. I don't like your cologne but don't need to ban you because you stink that is your right as an american
ladivolfan writes:
One reason it matters - others that have asthma. My daughter is a high school varsity player and when we exit the high school gyms after a game we have to wade through a sea of cigaratte smoke. She always thought it was fun to fake coughing, wheezing and gasping for breath so the smokers would know their smoke was bothering her............until she had an actual asthma attack due to the smoke. It's not so funny anymore.
LostinNCVol writes:
You a Kentucky fan talking about inbreeding. Careful your wife/sister is going to kick your butt.
PennVol writes:
Let's change Smokey's name to Spot to support this initiative.
LostinNCVol writes:
The smoking section at TBA was in the rear of the building so only smokers had to be there. I'm all for not smoking at the entrances.
scott_m99 writes:
AMEN!
threehundredbowler writes:
every one has a bad habit of some sort.You talk about people smelling of cigarettes,how about the Jack Daniel crowd that sit behind me and drink so much they puke and spill drink all over my wife and I?I often smell of alcohol so bad I worry about being stopped for a traffic violation and have to take an breathalizer test due to whisky odor on my clothes.Do you go along with that?My rights to an alcohol free enviorment is being violated but no one gives a damn about that.
mempuss writes:
haha Very Nice!
LoftonsNut_s writes:
I've got Lower Level seats on the 12th row on center court for the Memphis vs Tennessee game on Ebay. Check them out!
http://cgi.ebay.com/Tennessee-vs-Memp...
kyvol98 writes:
As a smoker, I understand the "smell" argument many have made. That said, when will obnoxious perfume be banned in public?
smallcities#227768 writes:
Please dont fart. Go John McLame!!!
THE_VOL writes:
Actually OBAMA won't be able to attend because he'll be busy being PRESIDENT and undoing all of Bush's screw-ups!
As a smoker, I really don't give a rat's butt about this. What's the big deal about not smoking for 2 hrs???? The bible beaters can just pretend your doin' double time in church, the fat ones can get an extra bucket of popcorn, and the rest can just sit back close your eyes and remember what it was like when you had a 401K with money in it - you know B4 BUSH!! See there - problem solved!
THE_VOL writes:
Gee, I'm sure you'll be missed! (about as much as Bush!)
BigOrangeVol writes:
We should have started with your Tabooster parents and their mongoloid child.
BigOrangeVol writes:
Can't blame W for that one. look to your Congress. Take a Civics 100 level class and you'll understand.
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