Tennessee-Auburn Set to Tip Off Despite Snowstorm, with SEC Momentum and Familiar Faces in the Spotlight
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Snow may be blanketing much of East Tennessee, but the action inside Food City Center will be heating up tonight. Despite the winter weather, Tennessee’s nationally televised SEC clash with Auburn is set to go on as scheduled, with tipoff locked in for 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
While the game itself remains untouched by the weather, fans heading to the arena should be prepared for some changes. Due to the snow, all campus shuttles-including those from the Ag campus-have been suspended for the evening.
Parking adjustments are in place: the top level of the G10 garage is closed, though passholders can still access the lower levels. G5 and G30 lots are also out of commission, with G3 and G4 designated as alternatives for those with passes.
For fans without a parking pass, open lots include Lot 9, Lot 23B behind the Natalie Haslam Music Center, and Lot 22 at the corner of Volunteer Boulevard and Todd Helton Drive.
On the court, the stakes are climbing for the Vols. Coming off a milestone win on Wednesday-Rick Barnes’ 850th career victory, earned against Georgia-Tennessee is eyeing its third straight SEC win. The Vols are starting to find their rhythm in conference play, and tonight’s matchup offers another opportunity to build momentum against a quality opponent.
Auburn, meanwhile, brings its own storyline to Knoxville. First-year Tigers head coach Steven Pearl returns to the place he once called home.
Pearl suited up for Tennessee from 2007 to 2011, playing under his father, Bruce Pearl, during one of the more memorable eras in program history. Now he’s back-this time in a suit and tie on the opposing bench-looking to make a statement in his first season at the helm.
Between Tennessee’s push to climb the SEC standings and Pearl’s return to Rocky Top, there’s no shortage of intrigue tonight. The snow may be piling up outside, but inside Food City Center, expect things to heat up fast.