Interesting Happenings in the Visiting Team Area After the Game
Tennessee fans at Neyland Stadium typically greet visiting teams with scattered boos as they enter the field, but a more complex story unfolds behind the scenes. Beneath the South end, rare moments of post-game activity occur that few spectators witness.
The current visiting team area was established during the 1948 stadium expansion and has seen improvements over the nearly 80 years since, including a new media room. This space becomes a lively hub of activity in multiple ways after the final whistle.
In college football, the zones reserved for visiting teams often seem secondary, yet they contribute significantly to the atmosphere of the game day experience. For instance, coaches sometimes conduct their post-game radio shows before facing the media, which can create issues. The home team’s SID staff in the press box is eager to promptly share coaches' comments with journalists, leading to some tension.
Notable Post-Game Incident from 1996
A memorable example occurred after the 1996 game against Georgia. On air, Georgia’s head coach Jim Donnan accused Tennessee’s Phillip Fulmer of “running up the score” by throwing a late touchdown pass to Derrick Edmonds.
Jim Donnan said, “Phil Fulmer ran up the score” with the late TD pass.
Such disagreements are common in these settings. Off air, Donnan mentioned to show co-host Loran Smith about dining with Archie Manning the night before, possibly revealing parts of Georgia’s game plan.
Visiting Team Area: A Behind-the-Scenes Insight
- Originally built in 1948 with later additions including a media room
- A focal point for post-game activities rarely seen by fans
- Coaches sometimes prioritize radio interviews before press conferences, causing media logistics challenges
- Contentious exchanges between coaches often arise during these moments
Off the air, Donnan asked about having dinner with Archie Manning and hinted at giving away Georgia’s game plan.
Despite its secondary appearance, the visiting team area plays a critical role in the narrative of the game beyond the field.
Summary: The visiting team area at Neyland Stadium, rich with history and post-game drama, hosts crucial behind-the-scenes moments that shape the atmosphere and tensions of college football.
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