Tailgating will be allowed on Tennessee’s campus in a limited capacity during the 2020 football season, the UT athletic department announced in a released set of guidelines on Tuesday.
“Relying on the expertise of public health authorities, the state of Tennessee, appropriate university and government agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we are implementing a number of new initiatives on Tennessee football gamedays this fall,” the guidelines stated. “The well-being of our student-athletes, fans and staff are our top priorities and guide our decisions.”
The University will not sponsor any tailgating events. Large gatherings with inherent social-distancing challenges will not be allowed on campus either. Small gatherings that follow current health and safety guidelines will be permitted, however, subject to the following:
- Fans are asked to perform a health self-screen and stay home if they feel sick or may have been exposed to COVID-19. Review the CDC list of COVID-19 symptoms.
- Parking lots will open four hours before kickoff.
- Gatherings should only include family or individuals who plan to sit together in the stadium, at their own spaces.
- Only permit-holders may park on campus on gamedays.
- Tents larger than 10×10 pop-ups are prohibited. Only one tent per vehicle is allowed. Tents cannot block a parking space or block entry and exit lanes in a parking area.
- Fans should wear masks except when eating and should maintain social distancing. Masks are required in the stadium.
- University-sponsored tailgates will not occur this year.
Tennessee will continue to evaluate these guidelines, and they are subject to change if recommended safety measures are not followed.
All water fountains and “Water Monsters” will be closed throughout the stadium for the 2020 season. Therefore, fans may bring one factory-sealed, unopened clear water bottle per person.
Tennessee is scheduled to open its season on the road against South Carolina on Sept. 26. The Vols will then return home a week later on Oct. 3 for their home-opener against Missouri.
UT released its ticketing plan for the 2020 football season on Tuesday morning.
