Tennessee goes high tech with latest Neyland Stadium renovations

The Univ. of Tennessee's ongoing Neyland Stadium renovations will “bring back tradition and add high-tech features under the latest version” of AD Danny White's project to “improve the fan experience,” according to Mike Wilson of the Knoxville NEWS SENTINEL. The plan includes a “new stadium WiFi network” and “improvements to the south end entrances and south concourse.” Among the elements that will be completed prior to the ‘22 season include a “standing-room-only section underneath a new north end video board, and and an improved south end video board to match the new one on the north end” and a “new ‘premium’ seating experience behind the Vols bench.” The plan and budget “were approved” Thursday by the finance committee. Since White arrived at UT in January ‘21, he has “long been interested in how facilities and fans interact,” and Thursday's plan is the “latest step.” The renovations include a “12,000-square-foot indoor club space that will be functional” in ‘22, but "not in its final form." The north plaza area will include “tiered seating and additional food and beverage services.” To come over the course of the next four years are additional improvements, including “additional bathrooms, including more for women, additional concession stands and widened concourses.” White told sources that UT “wants the WiFi to be free.” Tennessee has “updated its plans to renovate skyboxes with operable windows and improved interiors.” The first phase is “expected to be done” by Fall ’26 (Knoxville NEWS SENTINEL, 6/24). The SENTINEL’s Wilson in a separate piece wrote the stadium’s capacity will decrease to 101,915 for the ‘22 season after some renovations are completed. The previous capacity was 102,455 (Knoxville NEWS SENTINEL, 6/24).