As the University of Tennessee prepares for another high‑attendance season at Neyland Stadium, officials have unveiled a comprehensive traffic‑management plan designed to keep the flow of up to 100,000 fans moving smoothly.
The new routing, engineered by Kimley‑Horn Consulting, introduces a series of rerouted lanes and designates specific parking corridors that aim to reduce congestion and improve safety on game days.
Engineering the Flow
Fans who hold UT parking passes can consult the recommended routes for each lot on the utsports.com website, while those without passes are encouraged to park in downtown Knoxville and use the city’s shuttle network.
Knoxville Area Transit will operate paid shuttles from the Market Square garage and the Civic Coliseum, providing a convenient link between the downtown hub and the stadium.
After the final whistle, Neyland Drive will be configured with three westbound lanes, the leftmost of which will serve as a Kingston Pike Express Lane to expedite outbound traffic.
The University of Tennessee Police Department will increase its presence in key zones such as the agriculture school, the G11 and G17 garages, and along Volunteer Boulevard to direct fans and prevent bottlenecks.
Fort Sanders parking will be divided into three coordinated zones overseen by the Knoxville Police Department, ensuring that traffic from the surrounding neighborhoods is managed efficiently.
The traffic scheme was put to the test during recent events, including a Luke Combs concert and a Savannah Bananas game in May, providing valuable data for fine‑tuning the plan.
Designated pickup and drop‑off zones for ride‑share services will be located near Ayres Hall, allowing fans to transition quickly between vehicles and the stadium.
Starting in 2026, UT parking passes will transition from a tiered structure to a donor‑based ranking system, aligning access with the university’s fundraising priorities.