As the Tennessee Volunteers gear up for their football season, fans are encouraged to plan ahead to avoid the typical game day traffic and parking challenges at Neyland Stadium. For those attending the season opener against Furman on September 5, 2026, utilizing public transportation can significantly ease the journey.
The Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) is providing shuttle services to Neyland Stadium, allowing fans to park at various downtown locations and catch a ride to the game. Fans can use the Market Square Garage or other nearby lots, with shuttle services operating from Krutch Park to the Walters Life Sciences Building, which is conveniently located a short walk from the stadium. A round-trip shuttle pass is available for $10 and can be purchased through the KAT Transit app.
On game days, parking rates in downtown Knoxville can reach up to $40 at several city-owned garages, including the City County Building and the Dwight Kessel Garage. Notably, the Market Square Garage, which typically charges a flat rate of $3 on Saturdays, is not included in the higher pricing for game days. For those looking for more affordable options, the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum garages offer parking for $30 per vehicle, which also includes shuttle service to Neyland Stadium.
For Southeastern Conference (SEC) matchups, beginning with the highly anticipated game against Texas on September 26, KAT will introduce a shuttle service that picks up fans on Willow Avenue near Covenant Health Park, providing another convenient option for reaching the stadium.
The shuttle services will commence three hours before kickoff and will continue throughout the game, with return trips starting during the fourth quarter and running for approximately one hour after the game concludes. Additionally, fans can purchase a $2 day pass on the Transit app, which allows unlimited rides on KAT's fixed routes. KAT recommends connecting to Route 11, which stops near the stadium, making it easy for fans to reach the game.
For those preferring rideshare services, designated drop-off and pick-up areas are available on the Hill near Ayres Hall. Fans with campus parking passes for specific lots, such as the new lot on Stephenson Drive, can also take advantage of shuttle services to Neyland Stadium. An accessible shuttle will operate from the Business Incubator Building, ensuring that all fans have the opportunity to attend the game.
This season, Tennessee Athletics has implemented new traffic patterns to enhance the flow of vehicles after games. For instance, Neyland Drive will feature three westbound lanes directing traffic toward Alcoa Highway, Interstate 40, and Kingston Pike, with a special lane designated as the "Kingston Pike Express Lane" to facilitate quicker departures. Fans are advised to be prepared for these changes and follow the new traffic directives to ensure a smooth exit from the stadium.
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