KNOXVILLE — Fans attending the Tennessee-Florida game Saturday are being asked to arrive early and be good sports.
Kickoff for the nationally televised game is 3:30 p.m. The team’s Vol Walk to the stadium is set for 1:15 p.m., and the band will march to the stadium at 1:50.
Philip Scheurer, UT vice president for operations, said Saturday’s crowd likely will be the largest since additional security measures went into effect last September.
“Because attendance for the Florida game is usually the largest of the season, we are appealing to fans to arrive early in order to give security personnel the time they need to check purses and other items that are permitted in the stadium,” Scheurer said.
Scheurer and Athletic Director Doug Dickey also are appealing to fans to be on their best behavior Saturday. Newspaper advertisements that call for good sportsmanship will appear in local newspapers later this week.
“This is one of the nation’s top football rivalries, and we want fans from both schools to support their team enthusiastically,” Scheurer said. “At the same time, we expect the same level of sportsmanship in the stands and outside the stadium as will be demonstrated on the field.”
Stadium security measures and traffic and parking procedures used at the Sept. 7 Middle Tennessee State University game will be in effect.
Backpacks and other large parcels will not the permitted inside the stadium, and no items can be stored or left at stadium gates. Stadium seats without arms, cushions, binoculars, small cameras, pagers, cell phones, radio headsets and diaper bags that accompany an infant are permitted.
All items, including purses, are subject to being searched, Scheurer said.
Phillip Fulmer Way from Middle Drive to Tee Martin Drive, Peyton Manning Pass, Middle and Lower drives and Estabrook Drive will be closed 30 minutes before kickoff. These streets will not reopen until after the game is over.
Directional parking will be used in Area 9 and lots 1, 2, 4, 5A and 5B, Scheurer said.
The Federal Aviation Administration has approved airspace restrictions of three miles away from Neyland Stadium and 3,000-feet altitude for the Tennessee-Florida game, Scheurer said. Solicitation along Phillip Fulmer Way is prohibited.