KNOXVILLE – The University of Tennessee announced Friday that it will sell alcohol during football games at Neyland Stadium starting with the Volunteers’ matchup against BYU on Sept. 7.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., and it will be the second home game of the season. The Vols open against Georgia State at 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 31.
At the 2019 Southeastern Conference spring meetings in Destin, Florida, the 14 member schools’ presidents and chancellors voted to allow individual institutions the authority to “make decisions relative to the sale of beer and wine in public areas at athletic events” on their campuses, with some schools having already sold such beverages in designated premium areas at their athletic venues.
This summer, a group put together by new Tennessee chancellor Donde Plowman developed “policies and infrastructure to support responsible alcohol sales in accordance with all applicable laws,” according to a Tennessee release announcing the decision.
“I appreciate everyone whose efforts have helped us develop what we believe is a comprehensive and responsible plan for alcohol sales at home football games,” athletic director Phillip Fulmer said in the release. “The game day experience at Neyland Stadium is historic and unrivaled, and I’m confident these new concessions options will aid our continued efforts to enhance that experience for Tennessee fans and visitors throughout the stadium.