Two large brick university buildings, one with a prominent clock tower, overlook a grassy hill, framed by vibrant autumn trees under a bright blue sky.

Explore Knoxville

University of Tennessee

From the Great Smoky Mountains off in the distance to Knoxville’s vibrant downtown, there is so much to see and do during your stay at The Tennessean. But more than anything, the city is  Tennessee Volunteers (“Vols”) territory, and our hotel is no different.

Located within walking distance of Neyland Stadium and the rest of the UT campus, we welcome UT parents and fans during football season and beyond. Our elevated football experiences during UT home game weekends come with a sparkling wine welcome reception and door-to-stadium luxury motor coach transportation to and from games. We’ll have you taking on gameday like a true Vol in no time.

University of Tennessee

Gameday

Stroll down Knoxville’s central Cumberland Avenue, also known as “The Strip,” on a Volunteers gameday, and you’ll hear the sounds of UT’s unofficial fight song, Rocky Top, and see bright Vols orange splashed across storefronts.

A packed football stadium features fans in orange and white forming checkerboard patterns. Players are on the green field marked with a large "T" and "SEC" logos, surrounded by city buildings under a cloudy sky.
University of Tennessee

UT History

Volunteer Boulevard, the road that leads into UT’s campus, and the university’s athletic teams take their name from Tennessee’s reputation as “The Volunteer State,” for the many volunteer soldiers sent into the War of 1812.

Brick university buildings, including a prominent clock tower, stand partially visible amidst green trees beneath a clear blue sky.
University of Tennessee

UT Traditions

A stadium overlooking the Tennessee River, vast green spaces, historic buildings. As one of the country’s most beautiful college campuses, the UT campus is worth a visit even if it’s not gameday. But you will want to witness the energy of Neyland Stadium during one of the most spirited gamedays in the entire SEC.

A grand brick university building with a central clock tower stands on a green lawn. An American flag flies above the entrance, under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds.
University of Tennessee

The Vols

The Vols stick to some tried-and-true traditions to create memorable gamedays on nearly every fall weekend, and because our hotel is just a quick walk from the UT campus and Neyland Stadium, you can easily make the trip down to campus to experience the three events that make Vols gamedays distinctly Tennessean.

A smiling woman and a man in a Tennessee Volunteers t-shirt enjoying drinks outside on a patio.
University of Tennessee

Pregame Showcase

A pregame staple since 1989, the Pregame Showcase brings you straight to the heart of campus, and UT’s spirited student life. Beginning two hours before kickoff, the event is free of charge, open to the public, and includes complimentary refreshments and door prizes.

A close-up shot of a dark table setting featuring two cocktails, an orange and white shaker, and a small football resting on a bed of orange and white paper shreds.
University of Tennessee

The Vol Walk

Before every game, the entire football team makes their high-energy walk down Peyton Manning Pass. Witness this pregame parade and maybe even shake a player’s hand as Rocky Top echoes across campus.

A close-up shot of the Sunsphere tower in Knoxville, featuring its iconic large glowing gold glass sphere against a pale sky.
University of Tennessee

Vol Navy

Former Tennessee broadcaster George Mooney first docked his boat along the Tennessee River outside Neyland Stadium in 1962 to avoid gameday traffic. Today, a fleet of more than 200 boats “sailgate” in front of the stadium before the game.

A wide river flows under multiple arched bridges, past an urban landscape with many docked boats, under a cloudy twilight sky.
University of Tennessee

Football Cancellation Policy

Guests who book a stay at The Tennessean on football weekends have a 30-day cancellation policy. Full deposit (room and tax) is taken 30 days prior to arrival and is non-refundable. A $75.00 incidental hold fee is placed on your card at check-in. Please contact the hotel for any questions or concerns regarding our football cancellation policy.

A king-sized bed is neatly made, centered in a modern bedroom. Above it hangs a map of "KNOXVILLE", while a large window offers a city view.
Local Attractions

Let Your Interests Be Your Guide

  • Arts & Entertainment

    From operas, musicals, and comedy shows, to festivals, fairs, live music, theatre, and more, the soul of Knoxville is vibrant.

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    Two women smiling and chatting over breakfast and coffee at a modern kitchen island or cafe counter.

  • Restaurants & Bars

    The culinary options downtown Knoxville are seemingly endless, from award-winning chefs to hand-crafted bites.

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    Grilled fish with sauce, vegetables, and grains is presented on a white plate. A glass of red wine and other gourmet dishes fill a white table. Napkin reads "Malones".

  • History & Museums

    The culinary options downtown Knoxville are seemingly endless, from award-winning chefs to hand-crafted bites.

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    A couple discusses ancient pottery exhibits in a modern museum with exposed stone walls. The man gestures towards a display, surrounded by artifacts and informational panels.

  • Family Activities

    The culinary options downtown Knoxville are seemingly endless, from award-winning chefs to hand-crafted bites.

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    Hands hold an open booklet showcasing public art projects, including a dog mural and a sculpture installation, against a blurred art gallery. Text: "ART IN PUBLIC PLACES Sculptures & Murals".

In the Heart of Knoxville

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  • CafĂ© menu board with black letters on brass rails lists coffee (Drip Coffee 12oz 16oz, Espresso 4 5) and tea. It's above a pastry display case.
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The Tennessean, Knoxville

Shaped by the River and Refinement

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