A revamped Big Orange Caravan will roll through Chattanooga early next month, the Tennessee athletics department announced Tuesday.
The event, which gives fans a chance to meet Volunteers coaches, will stop at the First Tennessee Pavilion on Reggie White Boulevard from 12:30-2:30 p.m. on June 3.
It will feature a question and answer session with football coach Butch Jones and athletic director John Currie hosted by UT’s radio voice, Bob Kesling. Admission is $5 in advance and $10 at the door. Children ages 12 and under will be free.
The Chattanooga stop will be the first in a statewide tour that is shorter, less expensive and later in the year than previous caravans.
The Big Orange Caravan historically stopped at the Chattanoogan Hotel in May. Registration cost $25-$35 and included dinner.
Currie wrote in a letter to fans on April 19 that he learned no caravan events were planned for this year when he started as athletic director on April 1.
The delay in planning Big Orange Caravan events prompted media scrutiny. But Currie wrote in his letter that fans should “be assured” that the athletic department is committed to being visible and accessible to fans.
Food will be available to purchase at the event, which will include music, a prize wheel and other family-friendly activities.
“We’ve revamped our traditional caravan format and have reshaped it to reflect the type of event that will allow us to give our fans a personal, fun experience and provide a greater opportunity for engagement,” Currie said in Tuesday’s announcement from the school. “We also feel it’s important to utilize these events as a way to celebrate and support UT students from each of these communities.”
Proceeds from the event go to local UT Alumni Association chapters and their scholarship funds. Personnel from UT’s undergraduate admissions office will be at the event to share information with prospective students.
The event will stop in Nashville June 10, Memphis June 11 and in the Tri-Cities at a date to be announced soon.