USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Last week’s happy hour at Neyland Stadium was a success, and the school is bringing it back.
Ahead of last week’s game vs. Texas, Tennessee opened its doors three hours early and offered half off drinks for the first hour to encourage fans to beat the security nightmare caused by President Trump’s arrival.
The happy hour was so well received that Tennessee Athletic Director Danny White announced the school will implement it for the entire 2026 season.
“Should we make it a thing? Feels like we should make it a thing,” White said via X. “Inspired by Vol Nation’s incredible response to unusual pregame circumstances last week, Happy Hour at Neyland Stadium will be in effect for the remainder of the season! Gates will open three hours early, with half-priced concessions available for the first hour. I hope this is a small way we can show our appreciation to the best fans in the country. See y’all Saturday!”
Should we make it a thing? Feels like we should make it a thing.
Inspired by Vol Nation’s incredible response to unusual pregame circumstances last week, Happy Hour at Neyland Stadium will be in effect for the remainder of the season!
Gates will open three hours early, with…
— Danny White (@AD_DannyWhite) September 30, 2026
Tennessee will host Auburn on Saturday at Neyland Stadium and will be allowed into Neyland Stadium at 12:30 p.m. for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff, and half-priced concessions (including alcohol) will be available until 1:30 p.m.
Tennessee fans seem excited about the happy hour.
Great idea by Tennessee to keep opening the gates earlier and incentivizing fans to show up.
I’ve said before, one of my big takeaways from the Savannah Bananas is how they open the gates an hour earlier than MLB and convince people to show up (and buy things). https://t.co/Sy1pyxsu28
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) September 30, 2026