Enjoy my "pauper's guide to Neyland." A couple decades of enjoying the Vols without touching the nest egg. We'll use this handy-dandy decision matrix to plan the experience.
Decision matrix #1: spring for that 50 yard line seat, nosebleed, or happy medium. Answer, what do you think since I'm writing the "pauper's guide" not the "pauper who just hit the lotto's guide".
We'll go with the online ticket app aftermarket for a safe bet, but also you can find some good scalped choices all over. Like that one time we scored YY seats "in the dry" $20/pair, or the free tickets for Vandy, or $15/ea this year. This is about the whole experience, and since it's a good seat everywhere why mortgage the farm?
I'm all about the deal, and still kick myself for not taking the free halftime tickets in the rain we passed up for the '98 Arkansas game... ("Oh my goodness he dropped the football...he stumbled and fumbled!")
Enough memory lane. Decision matrix #2: You'll need to park unless you're one of those "live on campus" types--so spend $50, spend $10, spend $0? Hmmm okay I'll go with $50 just kidding. We'll need to balance that parking spot price with Griswold planning skills to be first out postgame. Part art, part skill, part maps app, thankfully Fort Sanders is safer than the old days for some $10-15 gems.
*Tip: check out Summit Hill Drive for night games to score some FREE road spots. Quick jaunt over some walking bridges will put you at Neyland in about 20 mins which sounds worse than it is.
Decision matrix #3: eat inside, before, or after. "I think...both". Hit the Cumberland Ave strip for that exclusive typical college gameday long wait. Or stop 5 mins away for as good as it gets, not on campus.
For those inclined to eat inside the hallowed Neyland halls, breaking news: now 68% more beer sales areas! That's right all you stadiums with only 67% more beer spots--we're killing it with 68! Reminiscent of those '68 Vols that went 8-2-1 and other stuff!
Okay, better have some carbs with that drink: just know you're *not* getting filet mignon, but for filet mignon prices. Did you expect differently? No worries, just hit that beer location again and check out my food blog amazing.Neyland.food.blogspot for stadium food tips later (no this doesn't exist).
Remember, "Pay these prices AND PLEASE PAY NO MORE!"
After singing Rocky Top infinity times, watching Prrriiiiiiiiiiiide of the Southland Band! and seeing several Thiiiiiiiiiiirrrrd Dooooownnn stops, you'll hopefully escape with a win (or a no-sir-ree, final score Tennessee 20, Florida 17, pandemonium reigns, if you're a FL sheep). Then enjoy the stroll down Tee Martin Drive postgame.
Look for me at Krispy K's with the Big Orange hot light on, blowing those savings on a double duz. Then it's time for the trek back to The ATL--maybe I'll drive this time, but hate to spend that gas money! read more