Tennessee Traditions:
Pride of the Southland Marching Band
The Pride of the Southland Marching Band has been a must see tradition for any true Vols fan. With over 300 members, the band can be seen at every football game and leading the team through the "Vol Walk" before games on Saturdays. The band has also represented the state of Tennessee at each of the last 12 presidential inaugurations.
Smokey
Smokey is the official mascot of the Tennessee Vols. He is a blue tick hound dog and can be found roaming the sidelines at every home football game. Smokey was first seen on the sidelines in 1953 and Tennessee is currently on Smokey IX, as the previous eight have unfortunately passed away over the years.
Rocky Top
Rocky Top is listed as the unofficial fight song of the Tennessee Vols, but if you've ever attended a game you'd think otherwise. This song is played on average 38 times a game and sung by all 100,000 + in attendance.
Running Through the "T"
Running through the "T" has become a fan favorite pre-game ritual that the team does before every home game. After the band has finished their pre-game routine on the field, they form a "T" in front of the home locker room entrance at Neyland Stadium. The players run out onto the field to the roar of 100,000 + screaming fans. It is one of the coolest traditions in college football.
The Vol Walk
The Vol Walk gives Tennessee fans a chance to see and interact with the coaches and players three hours before every home game. The team starts walking from the Gibbs Hall athletic dorms through a crowd that has gotten up to 60,000 fans all the way to Neyland Stadium.
Game Maxims
One of the oldest traditions at the University of Tennessee is the recitation of Gen. Robert Neyland's game maxims before every football game. The entire team gathers and recites each maxim together before they run out onto the field. General Neyland created these maxims as important keys to winning each game when he was the head coach at Tennessee in the 1930's.
|
|