With the University of Tennessee football team kicking off fall camp tomorrow, many Vol fans are starting to make plans for the upcoming season. Today the University announced a few gameday changes to enhance the experience for fans.
Beginning with the Vols home opener on Sept. 5, the “Vol Walk” start time has been moved closer to kick-off to allow more fans the opportunity to experience the tradition and create more excitement closer to kick-off for fans and players. The “Vol Walk”, which will start one hour and 45 minutes before kick-off, will begin at the Torchbearer, the official symbol of the University, head down Peyton Manning Pass and continue on Phillip Fulmer Way to Gate 21A.
“The passion of the Tennessee fans is incredible. I want our players to be able to capitalize on that come game time. By moving the Vol Walk closer to kick-off, it will allow more of our fans to come out and support us and keep the players energy level up for kick-off, ” said Kiffin.
The band will commence their march upon completion of the Vol Walk. The band will change its route to accommodate traffic flow for fans entering campus closer to kick-off. Their march will begin at the entrance of the Joe Johnson-John Ward Pedestrian Mall, cross Volunteer, and head down Andy Holt for the traditional “Salute to the Hill” on Phillip Fulmer Way to enter the stadium at Gate 21A.
Both of these changes should alleviate some traffic congestion for fans trying to enter campus before the game.
The University is also creating “express entrances” at several major gates to allow fans who are not carrying bags to get through security faster and streamline the entrance process. More details will be released in the coming weeks.
Head Coach Lane Kiffin also announced a new addition to the team’s gameday traditions. This fall a former UT football player will lead the team in the General Neyland’s renowned maxims before each game.
“General Neyland’s maxims are a very special part of Tennessee football. I want our players to know what they’ve meant to those who played here before them. This is a great opportunity for them to understand the history and tradition and allow us to continue to connect with our former players,” said Kiffin.
The Vols begin fall camp on Tuesday, Aug. 3 with their home opener slated for Saturday, Sept. 5 versus Western Kentucky at 12:21 p.m. est with ESPN regional coverage. Season tickets and select individual game tickets are still available at www.uttix.com.
Old school: Archived photos of UT…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 70
CaliVol2009 writes:
GO VOLS!
scott_m99 writes:
I like the changes. Now let's play some football! Go Vols!
troubleinc writes:
Hope the 'express entrances' work ... get so tired of waiting for 45 minutes prior to every game outside gate 21.
armyvol22 writes:
I like the idea of the former players leading General Neyland’s maxims before each game.
32 days and a wake up.
Lets Go Vols!
ALL_VOL75 writes:
Great, selfless choice by Coach Kiffin to have alumni lead the Maxims! Shows his respect for what has happened here before him. Often it seems like Coaches in high profile jobs make it all about themselves and he is showing graciousness to things that are bigger than him. For a man that has taken hits for being tasteless, or crass, this choice is all class!!!
TSNSD4UT writes:
Smart moves all...
ALL_VOL75 writes:
well said!
FWBVol writes:
I believe Lane really has embraced the Volunteer traditions so many of us hold dear. The changes he is making, especially with the former player leading the maxims, will only enhance the Tennessee traditions for players and fans alike. Lane Kiffin has shown time after time Volunteer players from every generation are still welcome in the program they helped build.
I would love to see the General's son or one of the other men that played under General Neyland lead the team in the maxims the first game...and maybe get Al Wilson to help when they go to Gainesville.
Orangeblood13 writes:
The maxims aren't new though, we did that in the past. I agree, this young man gets it, just has many personalities to fit the SEC gambit.
I just hope he can coach as good as he can boast!
Let's win some ballgames!
ALL_VOL75 writes:
I hope Inky gets a chance to do the Maxims!
footballtime writes:
smart move Kiffin..but here is another helpful hint avoid Adams he is a snake and like all hurricane victims he has no real home and is intent on destroying our state...keep the history in mind with Tennessee and you will be fine lane
dma38256#264746 writes:
My sentiments exactly....
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Whew! I was hoping it wouldn't be a former USC player reading the maxims!!
y9since80 writes:
I agree with you Lost ball, my wife and I have had season tickets for thirty year now and I cant remember looking forward to the season this much.
footballtime writes:
I would really like to have John Ward back
one4black writes:
Maybe Fulmer will lead the reading of maxims the first time, followed by Majors at another time. That would be interesting.
VOL1SG writes:
Do they have former players lead the Vol Walk as well?
gatorhator5033 writes:
Let the blood letting begin!
gatorhator5033 writes:
This staff will have then believing they can beat anybody.
We may loose to florida Gators but it 't not only to be 70 -0.
I bet there will be a few Gators go down and go down hard,
Believe me this staff will have these boys coming out of the gate thinking they will win this game.
I'll take beats that a few gators finish their season in this game!!!!!
AllVol1 writes:
Totally agree. Well said, brother.
Doubles writes:
I loved it a few years ago when they had the players come out to midfield and lead the fans in the Game Maxims. The only problem was the cadence of the Maxims. One week former players would come out and recite them slowly, the next week fast. There needed to be some consistency to it. I feel that they should have a video of it on the Jumbo Tron that the fans recite before each home game. As a fan, I feel I'm "part of the team" on every goal line stand and every touchdown. “I give my all for Tennessee” even if it's only cheering. I'm sure there is some audio of General Neyland reciting them stored away somewhere. Combine that with some video highlights & you've got a brand new Tennessee tradition that would quickly be adopted by the fan base. I mean, come on, if Alabama can dig up the Bear for each game, shouldn't we do the same for the man that our stadium is named after?
And just maybe if there isn't any footage of General Neyland reciting it, video Coach Kiffin, or better yet, Coach O reciting it. Tell me you wouldn't get the student section riled up into a frenzy trying to keep up with the fire and excitement of the Ragin' Cajun?
Hounddog writes:
It would be cool if the same former player leads the team through the "T".
Let's play football. Hounddog
VOL_in_Florida writes:
There would be no need for express entrances if the stadium served alcohol. No one would have to bring bags to smuggle it in. Watch for the funny walkers in the express lines-mini bottles in their shorts. :)
TnScooby writes:
Outstanding!! Can't wait for some football!! I'm so glad to see CLK honor UT tradition!!
Down_The_Field writes:
i wonder who he'll pick to do the maxims on the first game?
message to CLK....pick the meanest and nastiest defensive player for the maxims when the bama game gets here.
.....rip the names off the jerseys.
.....now let's go kick some @$#.
GO BIG ORANGE!
johnlg00 writes:
JMHO, but I think the idea of the whole crowd reciting the maxims is...a bit much. It just seemed tedious to me. I DO honor and respect the maxims, but I would much rather see the TEAM honor and respect them by acting them out on the field. When I thought about how the General's teams PLAYED, they embodied the maxims. Under Fulmer...not so much. I guess it was HIM making such a big public deal out of them and then the team playing like they had never heard of them that soured me on the public recital. Let's just keep them a TEAM thing. Fans can show their support in other ways. Again, JMHO.
golfballs03 writes:
GREAT idea Kiffin! That is awesome! They should tape those, I would love to see that! Hear Peyton in there before a Florida game. Woo
GreerVol22 writes:
Nice to know that with everything he has going on, that he is taking a few minutes to think about fan experience and not leaving it all up to a bunch of marketing dweebs that assume they know what is best. Good call coach.
volchiq writes:
This might make up for him not wearing orange. :)
mdvol writes:
I'm not a former player so I'm talking out of school but I for one think the Maxim's best days are behind them. I love all the traditions but the Maxims seem like they could be replaced with possibly "new" maxims??? I mean, when is the last time we "pressed the kicking game"? Seems like Kiffin could update them or Orgeron could do something crazy right before the team prayer. Do the Maxims make you want to run through a wall??? Unless of course Al Wilson leads the Maxims at EVERY game!
deadheadvol writes:
Good idea on all fronts, Im glad they are keeping the tradition of General Neylands game day maxims, its a huge part of the tradition at UT. The list of former players that would get the team pumped is endless, Peyton, Al Wilson, Johnny Jones, Dewey "Swamp Rat" Warren, and like someone al ready mentioned, Phil and Johnny, im getting goose bumps, go orange.
littleorange writes:
Would love to have John Ward call one game a year......Oh Baby "GIVE HIM SIX"!!!!!
the10sevol writes:
umm...the reason they are called "maxims" is that they have proven successful over generations. they hold as true today as when they were written. tradition brings the responsibility of upholding it.
here's a thought...why not (closed-circuit) show the recitation of the maxims each game by the players in the locker room live on the jumbotron, for the fans' enjoyment? i think that would be awesome!
the jumbotron was expensive, let's put it to use!
and i love the time changes, let the fans fire up the team, and vice versa.
GBO
volfreak#210492 writes:
Check out the SEC Preview...
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn...
Yes, it's photoshopped but funny...
sizeDD writes:
The importance of X&O's is undeniable but it is going to be awesome to have players on the field that are ready to run through a brick wall for their coaching staff. The day's of wishing Trooper was back on the sidelines chest bumping players are vanishing quickly thanks to the enthusiasm of the current staff. I'm pretty sure the Weather Channel will be reporting a possible earth quake in the Knoxville vacinity about the same time the Orange Clad Volunteers (thank you John Ward) are running through the T Sept. 5.
GO VOLS!
BeachBumVol writes:
Can you lead the maxims if your on probabtion?
- jim bob cooter
the10sevol writes:
great name. i have the "steal your face" sticker on one back window, and the power T on the other. i get some funny looks, but i just tell 'em i'm Tennessee jed...
Futurecoach16 writes:
I think changing some of these things are dumb. Knowing some people in the Pride who have been part of the pep band that performs for the Vol Walk, I know that those 30 or so members had a hard enough time making it back to the music building for the march to the stadium with the extra time the past few years. Now, it's gonna make it harder. Plus, changing the route of the Pride is not cool either. I love seeing that long route to the stadium, and last year that was the best part of Gameday.
VOLinATL writes:
Boy, y'all have really been drinking the Kool-Ade today, haven't you?
sizeDD writes:
I'm definately punch drunk!
GO VOLS!
1974Vol writes:
md When the General said "kicking game" he meant what we call "special teams" now. And if I remember that Maxim correctly it goes “press the kicking game (read special teams) because that’s where the breaks are made.” If you think about what Percy Harvin has done to us and what those blocked punts cost us last year it seems to me as true now as when the General wrote it up back in ’39 or whenever. Think about all the games that turn on a big special teams play. I’m just sayin’
1974Vol writes:
Yeah this orange juice tastes better than it has in a while!
Weatherman writes:
That is funny! I like the shades:)
sizeDD writes:
comment about "running through a wall" was about the current coaching staff not the "maxims"; also it would great to see the Vols on ESPN with hightlights of blocking a field goal attempt or punt instead of always seeing Virginia Tech. I would definitley think there is something to be said for "pressing the kicking game" as 1974 as already pointed out. Hey JMO, Let's have some fun and find out where the Lane TRAIN will take us! Might be derailed but it sure is fun right now!
rockytopatl writes:
What you said, Rabid! Maybe that will happen after Kiffin hears a replay of Bumbling Bob.
sizeDD writes:
oops, post was meant for md
sizeDD writes:
comment about "running through a wall" was about the current coaching staff not the "maxims"; also it would great to see the Vols on ESPN with hightlights of blocking a field goal attempt or punt instead of always seeing Virginia Tech. I would definitley think there is something to be said for "pressing the kicking game" as 1974 as already pointed out. Hey JMO, Let's have some fun and find out where the Lane TRAIN will take us! Might be derailed but it sure is fun right now!
reelvol writes:
Not sure - but in the past former players have recited the maxims to the crowd while the players were in locker room. I think what is changed is the past player leading the maxims to the players in the locker room.
And I don't know how the Vol Walk is going to start at the torch - I guess they will bus there from the hotel?
mdvol writes:
Hey...I was paraphrasing the maxim. And, yes, I know the kicking game means special teams but thanks for the memo. And your explaination proves my point. Virtually all the "special team" successes over the past decade have been AGAINST us. (Wardlow did block a key punt against GA). My point is the maxims are just a recital, not something the players truly feel in their hearts. Nor does the game plan typically live up to the maxims. Especially special teams.
I'd rather Kiffin usher in a new era with a modern, run thru a wall, slap your grandmother, kick some gator-tail maxim that the players actually believe in.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Another change coming is to assure never losing to a Wyoming again.
And possibly quit fumbling thru the endzone.
And maybe, play the best you have, not just the ones you like.
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