Tennessee is putting a fresh face on Neyland Stadium for the 2026 season, and the biggest changes are aimed squarely at the fan experience.
At the top of the list is a new sound system. UT worked with Danley Sound Labs, Stellar Vision and Sound and Precision Audio on the project, and Danley’s résumé already includes work at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
“The south videoboard speaker stacks were completely replaced with hundreds of individual drivers throughout larger boxes, working as a single source,” UT Athletics detailed. “Dozens of amplifiers and over a half a million watts of power will work together to blanket the stadium under the south overhang and the north side of the east and west skyboxes.
A total of 15 subwoofers, 11 large, full-range loud speakers and 27 compact outdoor loud speakers were installed to compliment the new under balcony speakers that were updated prior to the 2024 season. There were previously no subwoofers.”
Champions Corner outside Gate 9 is also getting an update. Gen. Robert Neyland’s statue is coming back, and Doug Dickey and Phillip Fulmer will each have statues unveiled later this fall.
The south endzone’s third level is part of the renovation push too. Southeast Concourse 3 is being expanded, with new concessions walk-through markets set to be installed before the Kennesaw State game. The restrooms have been redone, and the area now includes water bottle filler stations and televisions.
By that same Kennesaw State game, Tennessee plans to have yellow line down and distance technology on the videoboards as well. Notable traffic flow changes are available here.
“Year after year, we will continue to give Vol Nation the best in-venue college football experience in the country,” Tennessee Deputy Athletics Director/Chief Marketing Officer Alicia Longworth said. “We appreciate Pilot’s partnership in helping us make that a reality. From a new sound system to our new Champions Corner that honors our winning tradition, we are excited for our fans to experience these new elements at Neyland Stadium this fall.”
Tennessee opens the season at 3:30 p.m. ET against Furman, with the game airing on ESPN+/SECN+.
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