Tennessee Athletics has a rich history of supporting East Tennessee’s active military members and veterans and is proud to announce “Salute to Service” weekend Nov. 9-11 and additional military initiatives.
POW/MIA Chair of Honor
Installed in Neyland Stadium for the 2018 season and beyond, the POW/MIA Chair of Honor is a single black chair which will remain unoccupied in honor of service members declared as prisoners of war or those missing in action. The Chair of Honor symbolizes that there will be a place saved in Neyland Stadium awaiting their return. The POW/MIA Chair of Honor was unveiled earlier this season for the Florida game on the heels of National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The Chair of Honor is located in the north upper endzone, to provide an expansive view of the gameday and pageantry in Neyland Stadium.
Volunteer of the Game
A new initiative announced earlier this fall, Tennessee Athletics is proud to recognize a pre-selected service member or veteran as the “Volunteer of the Game” at each football home game. The Volunteer of the Game honors the history of the Tennessee Volunteers nickname and the proud heritage of The Volunteer State.
Seats for Service Members
Fans now can team-up with Tennessee Athletics to help East Tennessee service members, veterans and their families enjoy a game in Neyland Stadium by contributing to the purchase of a ticket for a service member. Just $35 purchases a single ticket, and contributions of any amount will be combined to purchase seats. Tennessee Athletics will match every ticket purchased for the Kentucky game, up to 750 tickets. Tickets to the Tennessee-Kentucky football game on Nov. 10 will be donated directly to 10 local and state military and veterans’ organizations that Tennessee Athletics has identified as longstanding partners (the same was done for the UTEP game on Sept. 15). Fans interested in contributing to “Seats for a Service Members” are encouraged to call 1-800-332-VOLS.
Tennessee Athletics does not facilitate individual requests for tickets. Rather, tickets are distributed directly to UTAD partner organizations.
Salute to Service Weekend – Nov. 9-11
In conjunction with Veterans Day and to recognize the sacrifice of Tennessee fans who have served or are currently serving in all branches of the military, Tennessee Athletics is proud to host its first-ever Salute to Service Weekend on Rocky Top, spanning three days and three games.
Men’s Basketball vs. Louisiana – Nov. 9
When the defending SEC Champion Volunteers host the Ragin’ Cajuns on Friday, Nov. 9, current military members and veterans may present a Military ID or DD 214 at Gate C, Gate E or the ticket tent located on Phillip Fulmer Way prior to entering Thompson-Boling Arena for complimentary admission for themselves and any immediate family members.
Halftime of that game features the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon – a 24-man rifle platoon that performs a unique precision drill exhibition. This highly disciplined platoon exemplifies the professionalism associated with the United States Marine Corps.
Also on Friday, Nov. 9, the “Remembering Our Fallen Memorial” will be displayed on UT’s Pedestrian Walkway to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while wearing our country’s uniform.
The memorial includes 31 Tribute Towers with photos of more than 5,000 of our nation’s fallen since Sept. 11, 2001. The memorial was unveiled nationally at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., in September 2017.
In addition to complimentary admission for active military and veterans, free parking and shuttle service is available from UT’s Ag Campus.
Additional game promotions will be updated at UTSports.com/FanExperience.
Football vs. Kentucky – Nov. 10
Complimentary tickets purchased—along with those matched by Tennessee Athletics—through the Seats for Service Members initiative will be donated to East Tennessee military and veterans organizations to attend Tennessee’s football clash with Kentucky on Nov. 10.
On that date, the United States Marine Corps celebrates its 243rd birthday. On Nov. 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress.
The Pride of the Southland Marching Band will perform a special halftime show dedicated to Veterans that will include a performance by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.
Plans for a flyover performed by the 134th Air Refueling Wing, a unit of the Tennessee Air National Guard stationed at McGhee Tyson, are in the works, but are dependent on kickoff time and conditions.
To purchase tickets to the Salute to Service game, visit AllVols.com.
Women’s Basketball vs. Presbyterian – Nov. 11
When the Lady Vols host Presbyterian on Sunday, Nov. 11, current military members and veterans may present a Military ID or DD 214 at Gate C, Gate E or the ticket tent located on Phillip Fulmer Way prior to entering Thompson-Boling Arena for complimentary admission for themselves and any immediate family members.
Fans in attendance wishing to show their support for veterans, may stop by the Kids’ Corner located on the arena concourse at Gate F / Section 116 during pregame to write or draw a card for a Tennessee veteran. Cards will be delivered to East Tennessee VA centers and clinics.
During a scheduled timeout in the game, a deserving family from each branch of the military will be recognized on the court to honor and celebrate Military Family Appreciation Month.
And in conjunction with the Office of UT Veterans Services, one “Lady Vet” will be selected to enjoy the game from premium seats with access to the Ray Mears Courtside Club.
In addition to complimentary admission for active military and veterans, free parking and shuttle service is available from UT’s Ag Campus.
Additional game promotions will be updated at UTSports.com/FanExperience.
-UT Athletics
