Interesting Happenings in the Visiting Team Area After the Game
Tennessee fans at Neyland Stadium often greet visiting teams with scattered boos, but there is much more happening behind the scenes in the visitors' area. This part of the stadium, established during the 1948 expansion and updated over nearly 80 years, remains a lively center of activity after each game.
The visitors' area at Neyland Stadium is not usually in the spotlight. The Vol Network rarely features it in highlight reels, but the events there are significant for those involved. Across college football, visiting team areas tend to be overlooked, yet they contribute uniquely to the game-day atmosphere.
Post-Game Dynamics
After games, coaches sometimes hold post-game radio shows before facing the media, creating tension with the home school's SID staff eager to release official comments quickly. A memorable example occurred in 1996 after the game against Georgia. On air, Georgia head coach Jim Donnan accused Phillip Fulmer of "running up the score" with a late touchdown pass.
“Phillip Fulmer ‘ran up the score’ with a late TD pass to Derrick Edmonds,” said Donnan.
Such tense exchanges are common. Off air, Donnan spoke with co-host Loran Smith about having dinner with Archie Manning the previous night and may have inadvertently revealed aspects of Georgia’s game plan.
Visitors' Area Importance
- Established during the 1948 stadium expansion
- Includes a media room and other additions over time
- Functions as a post-game activity hub
- Often overshadowed but vital to the game experience
“There’s drama underneath the South end after each game precious few people get to witness.”
The visiting team area reflects the intensity and behind-the-scenes stories that add depth to the football experience at Neyland Stadium.
Author's summary: The visitors' area at Neyland Stadium, a hub of overlooked post-game drama and interaction, uniquely shapes the college football atmosphere beyond the public eye.