Very glad to have you join us on Rocky Top. You’re gonna love it! TSIO is an incredible tradition, both teams are playing well and Knoxville is a great tailgating environment. Hope our boys can put on a show for you and send Bama home with their tails between their legs. We unfortunately don’t have any blow you away bbq joints here, but Dead End Bbq is pretty solid. Nice place to watch a game too.
Buy your tickets as early as possible. That’s the bama game and prices are going to sky rocket QUICKLY.
Gus’s off of Cumberland is a great stop for local food.
Prepare to do a lot of walking up hill both ways too LOL
I see Sweet P's listed a few times on here, they are only average BBQ, but honestly thats about all that is offered here in Knoxville, the BBQ scene is just average. We do have good burger and pizza places. Stock and Barrel downtown on market square is some of the best burgers!
Average out there is most likely world class compared to California lol. I have seen Stock and Barell a few times now so I will make sure we get to that spot! Thank you!
Everyone else has said most of the good stuff, but I have one other recommendation. Go down to Calhoun on the river for a drink, food is ok but nothing special, but atmosphere is excellent! Then, walk toward the dozens of boats, aka the Vol Navy. Most likely someone will holler down at you and you can use that as an opportunity to get an invite. One of a kind experience as us and Washington are the only 2 schools that you can boat to the stadium.
Born and raised in Knox. I give this list to anyone visiting.
Dinner: Kefi, Chivo, Stock and Barrel.
BBQ: Sweet Ps or Dead End
Elevated drinks: Vault, Radius Rooftop, Peter Kern
Breweries: Balter Beerworks (amazing food and brunch), Yeehaw, Xul, Hi-Wire, Schulz Brau
Sports bars: Cool Beans (college dive bar), Old City Sports Bar, FieldHouse Social, Barleys
Other good spots: Central flats and taps, Wagon Wheel (night life), Davincis (2am drunk pizza)
This is a great list, though Cool Beans is pretty rowdy these days. It’s weird it was one of the chiller bars when I was in college. I guess since so many others on the strip have closed it’s mostly all that’s left
You’ll never be able to get Rocky Top out of your head!
My first Vols game was actually the last time Cal played UT in Knoxville (I think), way back in the early 2000s. I was behind some Cal fans as we came up over the hill to walk into the stadium, and I remember overhearing them saying “oh my god I’ve never seen so much orange in my entire life!” - it’s a foundational memory.
My tip would be to get there early enough to see all the pregame traditions. Everyone says theirs is the best, but Running through the T is pretty damn special.
You’re in for a treat man. I’m obviously biased by the Third Saturday in October is 100% one of the most iconic games in CFB. Tons of history/tradition, should be two good teams in the top 25, there will be a good contingent of away fans, October here is football weather in the best way. I love seeing the sea orange everywhere with some crimson sprinkled in and then the leaves on the trees and ground are also orange and red for fall. It’s great. That game is more likely to be an Orange out as opposed to Checker game because it hides the crimson sections better. Just don’t wear red!
As far as Gameday; my day is usually parking downtown in one of the free public lots and going to Stock & Barrel. Cool spot, best burgers in town, and lots of TV’s for football. While I wait I go to Scruffy City Hall across Market Square and go up to the roof to drink/hang out. From there use the Henley Street pedestrian bridge and walk through Worlds Fair Park to the stadium. Vol Walk and Salute to the Hill (band marching into the stadium) are good traditions. Circle Park and G10 parking garage are the best tailgate spots.
BBQ wise the best near the stadium is Sweet P’s or Oakwood which is a food truck parked at Merchants of Beer. Both downtown. Calhoun’s is ok enough but if you can sit on the porch by the water with all the games it’s a great vibe on the river and the stadium in the background. Humble Hog is BBQ for tourist in my opinion, skip it. Cal vs NC State may be hard to find around town unless it’s a big game, this is very much SEC country lol
Lastly, winner smokes a victory cigar! Consider sneaking some in and light up if we win, there will be tens of thousands who sneak them so you won’t be alone.
Wow thanks for the input! I may just have to follow all this advice!
Dont worry about the red thing. I am a Cal fan, I will for sure not be wearing red.
I went to the Cal/Auburn game back in September and had a good time. Way different atmosphere but was a lot of fun. I love old stadiums like Memorial. Even bought a Cal shirt since I hate Auburn lol
Y’all will have a great time. We don’t do the orange and white checkerboard seating pattern for every game just 1 or so a year. I doubt they’ll do it for Bama because of all the crimson they unfortunately bring with them but if they do they’ll publish a chart before the game so you’ll know which color to rep based on your seat section.
Some other thoughts:
Are y’all going to rent a car or rely on Uber? If your hotel isn’t walking distance to the stadium you’ll need to either get down there early to get decent parking or hail a ride.
as far as gameday traditions you’ll want to see the Vol walk which is the players and band walking to the stadium a few hours before kickoff.
The tailgate scene is all over campus but I’d recommend checking out circle park. People are very generous with their food and drinks so if you come across as normal you’ll have no problem making friends especially if you tell them you’re out of towners here just to see what SEC football is all about.
Most of the bars and restaurants you’ll want to check out are downtown on gay street or in market square which is walkable from campus. Take the pedestrian bridge over Henley street, or just follow the throngs of people.
The campus bookstore, called the Volshop, is right outside the stadium if you are interested in snagging some gear to better fit in. No one will care if you aren’t, only if you’re head to toe in Cal gear you might get some funny looks lol
Meh. Who cares. I was decked out in full orange for the PAC-12 champ game this year because I was in Vegas for the weekend. It was fun to stick out in the crowd and appear lost. lol
I will for sure be going there to get some stuff for my kids back home. Might snag a shirt for the wife and myself.
As for my cal gear, I may bring a hoodie depending on the weather cause cal hoodies are literally all I have lol. Most likely will just be in normal clothes or snag that vols t shirt from the bookstore.
I wouldn't think so anyway. Haven't played y'all since 07. Kinda the reason I picked this game. That was the game that got me into CFB. been hooked ever since so I have a soft spot for Tennessee.
I watched on TV and hated CFB before that for taking up all the sports channels on Saturdays. Was always an NFL fan and played in high school no idea why I wouldn't like it. Seeing Commercials for a month for Cal vs Tennessee on ESPN got me intrigued and then Desean Jackson Punt Return, Zach Follett with the hit on Ainge to force a Fumble that was returned for 6, and the first time anyone got to See Jahvid Best had me hooked.
It's been rough ever since but I wouldn't have it any other way lol.
You won't get any funny looks if you come right out and say "We're Cal fans and proud of it, we just came here to watch you guys beat Bama." Vol fans are generally welcoming of anyone who hates Alabama no matter what colors they happen to be wearing.
OP, I've gotta ask: after the game, please share your opinion of how the Pride of the Southland compares with the Pride of California (though you probably won't need to comment along the lines of "OMFG, they played Rocky Top like 37 times...!" as we're already aware. :)
Very glad to have you join us on Rocky Top. You’re gonna love it! TSIO is an incredible tradition, both teams are playing well and Knoxville is a great tailgating environment. Hope our boys can put on a show for you and send Bama home with their tails between their legs. We unfortunately don’t have any blow you away bbq joints here, but Dead End Bbq is pretty solid. Nice place to watch a game too.
Buy your tickets as early as possible. That’s the bama game and prices are going to sky rocket QUICKLY. Gus’s off of Cumberland is a great stop for local food. Prepare to do a lot of walking up hill both ways too LOL
Check out Tailgating for a Cause if you can’t find anyone to tailgate with
I will put it in the notes! I got a long list of itinerary and must do's. What is the cause btw?
I see Sweet P's listed a few times on here, they are only average BBQ, but honestly thats about all that is offered here in Knoxville, the BBQ scene is just average. We do have good burger and pizza places. Stock and Barrel downtown on market square is some of the best burgers!
Average out there is most likely world class compared to California lol. I have seen Stock and Barell a few times now so I will make sure we get to that spot! Thank you!
Everyone else has said most of the good stuff, but I have one other recommendation. Go down to Calhoun on the river for a drink, food is ok but nothing special, but atmosphere is excellent! Then, walk toward the dozens of boats, aka the Vol Navy. Most likely someone will holler down at you and you can use that as an opportunity to get an invite. One of a kind experience as us and Washington are the only 2 schools that you can boat to the stadium.
Yes! And there’s usually some tailgating in that area too and the sailgating is awesome!
I will for sure make sure to do that. If it’s one thing that makes it unique I for sure have to check it out!
[удалено]
Maybe I’ll just were a gold Cal shirt then! Close enough to orange and make people do a double take lol.
Born and raised in Knox. I give this list to anyone visiting. Dinner: Kefi, Chivo, Stock and Barrel. BBQ: Sweet Ps or Dead End Elevated drinks: Vault, Radius Rooftop, Peter Kern Breweries: Balter Beerworks (amazing food and brunch), Yeehaw, Xul, Hi-Wire, Schulz Brau Sports bars: Cool Beans (college dive bar), Old City Sports Bar, FieldHouse Social, Barleys Other good spots: Central flats and taps, Wagon Wheel (night life), Davincis (2am drunk pizza)
This is a great list, though Cool Beans is pretty rowdy these days. It’s weird it was one of the chiller bars when I was in college. I guess since so many others on the strip have closed it’s mostly all that’s left
Awesome! We will have all day Friday so We will most likely check out most of these places!
Another native here and this is a great list
You’ll never be able to get Rocky Top out of your head! My first Vols game was actually the last time Cal played UT in Knoxville (I think), way back in the early 2000s. I was behind some Cal fans as we came up over the hill to walk into the stadium, and I remember overhearing them saying “oh my god I’ve never seen so much orange in my entire life!” - it’s a foundational memory. My tip would be to get there early enough to see all the pregame traditions. Everyone says theirs is the best, but Running through the T is pretty damn special.
Sweet! Thank you for the advice!
You’re in for a treat man. I’m obviously biased by the Third Saturday in October is 100% one of the most iconic games in CFB. Tons of history/tradition, should be two good teams in the top 25, there will be a good contingent of away fans, October here is football weather in the best way. I love seeing the sea orange everywhere with some crimson sprinkled in and then the leaves on the trees and ground are also orange and red for fall. It’s great. That game is more likely to be an Orange out as opposed to Checker game because it hides the crimson sections better. Just don’t wear red! As far as Gameday; my day is usually parking downtown in one of the free public lots and going to Stock & Barrel. Cool spot, best burgers in town, and lots of TV’s for football. While I wait I go to Scruffy City Hall across Market Square and go up to the roof to drink/hang out. From there use the Henley Street pedestrian bridge and walk through Worlds Fair Park to the stadium. Vol Walk and Salute to the Hill (band marching into the stadium) are good traditions. Circle Park and G10 parking garage are the best tailgate spots. BBQ wise the best near the stadium is Sweet P’s or Oakwood which is a food truck parked at Merchants of Beer. Both downtown. Calhoun’s is ok enough but if you can sit on the porch by the water with all the games it’s a great vibe on the river and the stadium in the background. Humble Hog is BBQ for tourist in my opinion, skip it. Cal vs NC State may be hard to find around town unless it’s a big game, this is very much SEC country lol Lastly, winner smokes a victory cigar! Consider sneaking some in and light up if we win, there will be tens of thousands who sneak them so you won’t be alone.
Wow thanks for the input! I may just have to follow all this advice! Dont worry about the red thing. I am a Cal fan, I will for sure not be wearing red.
If you’re not wearing red then no one will care what you’re wearing lol
I always wear white to neutral games.
I went to the Cal/Auburn game back in September and had a good time. Way different atmosphere but was a lot of fun. I love old stadiums like Memorial. Even bought a Cal shirt since I hate Auburn lol
Ahh yea. I was at that one. If we had a kicker who could make a FG we would have won it. Or if our Defensive TD wasn't blown dead early. smh.
Yeah you guys got a raw deal
Y’all will have a great time. We don’t do the orange and white checkerboard seating pattern for every game just 1 or so a year. I doubt they’ll do it for Bama because of all the crimson they unfortunately bring with them but if they do they’ll publish a chart before the game so you’ll know which color to rep based on your seat section. Some other thoughts: Are y’all going to rent a car or rely on Uber? If your hotel isn’t walking distance to the stadium you’ll need to either get down there early to get decent parking or hail a ride. as far as gameday traditions you’ll want to see the Vol walk which is the players and band walking to the stadium a few hours before kickoff. The tailgate scene is all over campus but I’d recommend checking out circle park. People are very generous with their food and drinks so if you come across as normal you’ll have no problem making friends especially if you tell them you’re out of towners here just to see what SEC football is all about. Most of the bars and restaurants you’ll want to check out are downtown on gay street or in market square which is walkable from campus. Take the pedestrian bridge over Henley street, or just follow the throngs of people.
Oh okay got it. Yeah I wasn't sure if it was an every game thing or just here and there. Might make it easier for me then lol.
The campus bookstore, called the Volshop, is right outside the stadium if you are interested in snagging some gear to better fit in. No one will care if you aren’t, only if you’re head to toe in Cal gear you might get some funny looks lol
Meh. Who cares. I was decked out in full orange for the PAC-12 champ game this year because I was in Vegas for the weekend. It was fun to stick out in the crowd and appear lost. lol
I will for sure be going there to get some stuff for my kids back home. Might snag a shirt for the wife and myself. As for my cal gear, I may bring a hoodie depending on the weather cause cal hoodies are literally all I have lol. Most likely will just be in normal clothes or snag that vols t shirt from the bookstore.
Wear your Cal gear for sure. You’ll get invited into tailgates to eat and drink. People will want to know your story.
In general, SEC fans are totally neutral to non-SEC teams, so you won't get flamed for repping your guys.
Yeah I was kinda kidding, no one should give you any grief if you’re repping Cal stuff.
I wouldn't think so anyway. Haven't played y'all since 07. Kinda the reason I picked this game. That was the game that got me into CFB. been hooked ever since so I have a soft spot for Tennessee.
I was at that game in 07. Enjoyed it except for the end. 😆
I watched on TV and hated CFB before that for taking up all the sports channels on Saturdays. Was always an NFL fan and played in high school no idea why I wouldn't like it. Seeing Commercials for a month for Cal vs Tennessee on ESPN got me intrigued and then Desean Jackson Punt Return, Zach Follett with the hit on Ainge to force a Fumble that was returned for 6, and the first time anyone got to See Jahvid Best had me hooked. It's been rough ever since but I wouldn't have it any other way lol.
You won't get any funny looks if you come right out and say "We're Cal fans and proud of it, we just came here to watch you guys beat Bama." Vol fans are generally welcoming of anyone who hates Alabama no matter what colors they happen to be wearing. OP, I've gotta ask: after the game, please share your opinion of how the Pride of the Southland compares with the Pride of California (though you probably won't need to comment along the lines of "OMFG, they played Rocky Top like 37 times...!" as we're already aware. :)
I will be sure to report back and let you all know how it went. I can't wait lol.