Interesting Happenings in the Visiting Team Area After the Game
Tennessee fans throughout Neyland Stadium typically greet visiting teams with scattered boos as they take the field, but there is more to the story behind the scenes. Beneath the South end, a unique drama unfolds after each game, witnessed by very few.
The current visiting team area has been in place since the stadium's 1948 expansion, with updates over nearly 80 years, including the addition of a new media room. This section remains a busy hub of activity following the game.
Across college football, visiting team areas often seem like an afterthought, yet they contribute significantly to the game’s atmosphere. For instance, some coaches conduct their post-game radio shows before meeting with the media. This can create challenges because the home team’s SID staff in the press box is eager to share the coaches’ comments with the press covering the game.
Notable Post-Game Incident in 1996
One memorable example occurred after the 1996 contest against Georgia. On the air, Georgia head coach Jim Donnan claimed that Phillip Fulmer “ran up the score” by throwing a late touchdown pass to Derrick Edmonds. Such heated moments are common.
Off the air, Donnan asked show co-host Loran Smith about dining with Archie Manning the night before and seemingly hinted at revealing parts of Georgia’s game plan.
Author's Summary
The visiting team area at Neyland Stadium holds a rich history and unpredictable post-game moments that add depth to the college football experience beyond the cheers and boos.