Fans heading to Saturday’s Texas-Tennessee football game have been told to allow substantially more time to enter Neyland Stadium after the University of Tennessee confirmed that President Donald Trump is expected to attend. The sold-out game in Knoxville is scheduled to kick off at noon Eastern time on 26 September, with security screening at every stadium gate.
In a specific game-day security advisory, Tennessee Athletics says all gates will open at 9 a.m. and that Secret Service officers will conduct enhanced checks before entry. There may also be checkpoints and identity verification around the stadium. The university warns that queues are likely to grow as kickoff approaches and asks ticket holders to have their mobile tickets ready.
Two opening times in university guidance
There is one detail fans should double-check. A separate university guide to the game still lists the gate opening time as 9:30 a.m. The dedicated security advisory, which specifically addresses Trump’s expected attendance, says 9 a.m. Fans travelling to Knoxville should follow the latest updates from Tennessee Athletics and campus police. The change in security arrangements was also reported by BroBible.
Once a ticket has been scanned, spectators will not be allowed to leave and re-enter. The security advisory also asks fans to travel light and check the stadium’s bag and prohibited-item policies before setting off. Restricted items cannot be stored at the gates, while temporary road closures and pedestrian diversions may add to delays around campus.
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A major game already drawing a crowd
The additional measures come on a busy day even without a presidential visit. Top-ranked Texas face Tennessee in the Volunteers’ Southeastern Conference opener, and ESPN’s College GameDay is due to broadcast from campus before moving inside Neyland Stadium for its final hour. Tennessee Athletics says the game is sold out for the stadium’s 30th consecutive football fixture. There has been no confirmation that Trump will appear on the ESPN programme.
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