Knoxville’s Neyland Stadium: A Concert Venue with Big Dreams and Big Challenges
Knoxville, Tennessee, is buzzing with excitement and speculation following the recent record-breaking concerts by country music superstar Morgan Wallen at Neyland Stadium. Holding the title of the sixth-largest stadium in the U.S. and the eighth-largest globally, Neyland has long been a place for thrilling college football games. However, you might now be wondering why more artists don’t take advantage of this massive venue’s capabilities for their world tours!
Success Against The Odds
Neyland Stadium’s capacity allows it to hold about 80,000 fans, making it a prime candidate for large-scale concerts. So, when Wallen’s concerts were finally confirmed, it seemed like a match made in heaven. Alicia Longworth, the executive associate athletics director of external operations for Tennessee Athletics, indicated that the concerts were not only a financial boon for the university but were also seen as a success in terms of overall atmosphere and fan experience.
However, hosting concerts at Neyland is easier said than done. As Longworth explained, the logistics can be challenging, especially juxtaposed with the regular college football schedule. For example, the night before the Wallen concerts, Tennessee kicked off against Kent State at a late hour. Longworth commented, “We kicked off against Kent State at 7:45 on Saturday, which probably couldn’t have been a worse game time for those of us that were getting ready for the concert.”
Logistical Challenges
The turnover time between a football game and the concert was incredibly tight. Workers had to be on-site from as early as 2 a.m. to prep the stadium for the influx of concertgoers arriving later that week. By dawn on September 15, crews were already setting up the flooring required for Wallen’s electrifying shows. Long hours and a tireless team effort were necessary, and even some staff chose to remain at the stadium through the night.
While Tennessee Athletics has mentioned that they consider the Wallen concerts a success, it doesn’t come without a hefty dose of hard work and planning. Longworth noted, “I don’t think any of us are ready to do it again any time soon. Let’s focus on football.” It seems everyone’s heads are still spinning from the whirlwind of activities!
A Perfect Storm of Timing
Fans first got a glimpse of the concerts back in June when Wallen congratulated the Tennessee baseball team on their historic victory. Official announcements came in July, and collaboration between Tennessee Athletics, Visit Knoxville, and Live Nation began in earnest. Of course, the scheduling needed to be just right to avoid clashes with classes and other major campus activities. The successful timing of Wallen’s concerts—sandwiched between a home game and a bye week—was essential.
Working Through Challenges
While attendance figures rocked the stadium, the challenges of maneuvering through Neyland’s narrow concourses were felt by many. For numerous fans, this was their first visit to such a historic venue, meaning additional signage was necessary to help people navigate the somewhat constricted walking space. Long lines for restrooms, merchandise, and food were common due to limited entry points, something that the stadium has worked to address in future renovations.
Unlike other concert-friendly venues, like Nissan Stadium, Neyland’s location right in the heart of a college campus adds another layer of complexity, especially regarding parking and accessibility. While Tennessee Athletics may consider hosting more concerts in the future, they have no plans to make it a frequent occurrence. According to Longworth, “Our priority is making Neyland the best fan experience that we can make it. Football will always be the focus.”
A Bright Future Ahead
As Neyland Stadium looks forward to its next moves, it’s clear that while catering to world-famous musical acts can create excitement, it does not overshadow the traditional passion for college football. For now, the smaller but highly capable Thompson-Boling Arena will remain the go-to venue for a diverse set of concerts, hosting a roster of renowned artists who already draw sizable crowds without the logistical headaches.
As fans reminisce about the unforgettable weekend of Morgan Wallen’s concerts, we can’t help but wonder what the future holds for music and entertainment at Knoxville’s Neyland Stadium. The spectacle and energy of a live concert are definitely something everyone can get behind—just as long as it fits neatly into the busy schedule of college football!
