UT ‘Preserving’ Neyland Stadium’s Name with Pilot Partnership

UT ‘Preserving’ Neyland Stadium’s Name with Pilot Partnership

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The University of Tennessee is “preserving” Neyland Stadium’s name through a partnership with Pilot Flying J.

University of Tennessee Athletics making the announcement Tuesday morning, billing the change as a “preservation partnership.”

“This will always be Neyland Stadium. Is now, always has been, always will be,” said UT Athletics Director Danny White in a video posted Tuesday on “X,” formerly Twitter. “Pilot can be a huge part of preserving that and then help us reinvest in our fan experience to make sure that it stays Neyland Stadium for decades to come.”

White added that the extra funding from the partnership will be going right back into the stadium, promising changes centered on improving the fan experience.

“Through this partnership, we will preserve the legacy of Neyland while also investing in its future to create exceptional experiences for generations to come,” Pilot CEO Adam Wright said. “We look forward to seeing you out here as we cheer on the Vols in Neyland.”

The sponsorship deal inked between Pilot and University of Tennessee Athletics is slated to be in force for at least the next 20 years.

While the deal will not change the names of Neyland Stadium and Shields-Watkins Field, the stadium as a whole will be known as Neyland Stadium. Home of the Vols. Proudly preserved by Pilot.

The historic home of the Vols is now Neyland Stadium Preserved by Pilot. (Courtesy: WVLT)

Tennessee Athletics and Pilot Announce Transformative Partnership to Preserve Neyland Stadium
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Tennessee Athletics and Pilot Announce Transformative Partnership to Preserve Neyland Stadium

Neyland Stadium has been home of the Vols for more than 100 years and that legacy will live on thanks to a transformative partnership with Tennessee Athletics and Knoxville-based Pilot, the largest network of travel centers in North America.

Football August 13, 2024

Neyland Stadium has been home of the Vols for more than 100 years and that legacy will live on thanks to a transformative partnership with Tennessee Athletics and Knoxville-based Pilot, the largest network of travel centers in North America.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/70J7eQEvQ-Q

Tennessee Athletics and Pilot are breaking new ground in college sports by entering a multi-year partnership that preserves the iconic venue’s name and enhances the stadium experience for future generations. Under the terms of the agreement, which is slated for up to 20 years and could extend further, the names of Neyland Stadium and Shields-Watkins Field will remain unchanged. Pilot is designated as the presenting partner of the Neyland Stadium renovation project and the official travel stop of Tennessee Athletics.

“As we navigate the changing landscape of college athletics, we are dedicated to building the best athletics department in the country,” said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White. “Because we were committed to preserving the name of Neyland Stadium, finding a partner who shared this vision was essential. With deep roots here in Knoxville, Pilot recognizes the significance of Neyland and the importance of tradition to our fans and the university. Our focus continues to preserve and honor our storied past while modernizing to ensure we lead the way in college sports.”

Neyland Stadium. Home of the Vols. Proudly preserved by Pilot.

“Neyland Stadium is one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world and UT is a significant part of making Knoxville a special place that Pilot is proud to call home,” said Pilot CEO Adam Wright. “Through this partnership, we will preserve the legacy of Neyland while also investing in its future to create exceptional experiences for generations to come. We look forward to seeing you out here as we cheer on the Vols in Neyland.”

New signage on the east side of Neyland Stadium will feature a return of the iconic “Home of the Vols” along with Pilot’s logo. Pilot’s branding will also be on each side of Shields-Watkins field and in sponsored content with Tennessee Athletics and the Vol Network.

“Vol fans know better than anyone the magic of Neyland on game day and the feeling of singing Rocky Top in the same stadium where the greatest Vol legends made their name,” said UT Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman. “Our partnership with Pilot is all about preserving and enriching that experience to make sure fans and their families will continue to make these same kinds of memories for decades to come.”

Pilot’s transformative sponsorship underscores its dedication to the Knoxville community by ensuring Neyland Stadium remains a flagship destination for future generations. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pilot is committed to showing people they matter at every turn and building strong relationships within the communities it operates. Pilot employs over 2,500 team members in the greater Knoxville area and has a long-standing relationship with the University of Tennessee.

“For more than 65 years, we have fueled fans across North America as they hit the open road for big games,” said Pilot’s chief marketing officer Adrienne Ingoldt. “There’s nothing like Neyland Stadium packed with passionate fans who’ve traveled from near and far to root for the beloved Vols. Pilot is out here to fuel them up, fill them up and lift them up on the way to victory.”

Neyland Stadium Renovation Project

One of the many unique aspects of this partnership is the investment in the Neyland Stadium renovation project, which will continue to modernize and enhance the fan experience. Future updates will include necessary upgrades to the south side and perimeter of the stadium, such as widening concourses, constructing expanded gates and entryways, and adding additional restrooms and concessions areas.

This element of the partnership will dramatically improve fan comfort and safety, reduce wait times, and allow for more food and beverage offerings. There will also be a Pilot-sponsored Fast Favorites refreshment and snack stand located inside the main stadium entrance at Gate 21.

Fans can expect to see the new “Home of the Vols” signage with Pilot branding and many of the completed renovations in Neyland Stadium with the start of the football season, which kicks off on August 31.

Historic Neyland Stadium

In 1962, the UT Board of Trustees voted to have the stadium bear the name of its most famous and winningest coach, General Robert R. Neyland, whose combined win total was an astounding 173-31-12. Neyland was informed of the board’s decision only weeks before his death and was appreciative.  

Neyland, a US Army Brigadier General, served notable stints in both World Wars and is regarded for his military and coaching careers.

The magnificent venue with Neyland’s name has undergone multiple expansions since its opening in 1921. Neyland’s engineering background has had a lasting impact – the master design plans were all orchestrated by Neyland himself, with his vision that the mighty cathedral would one day be fully enclosed, feature double decks on all sides and seat over 100,000 fans.

Six Tennessee teams that captured national championships have called Neyland Stadium home, while 22 players and four head coaches authored careers worthy of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame on Neyland’s hallowed ground. The 2024 season will be the 103rd in the venue that has seen historic upgrades.

In the fall of 2021, Tennessee Athletics celebrated 100 years of Volunteers football at historic Neyland Stadium. During its first century of service to the Big Orange faithful, the venue grew in both capacity and reverence while evolving into one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world.

Recent decades have brought significant investments in expansion, the development of innovative premium-seating sections and stadium-wide amenity enhancements, including Wi-Fi.

Introducing the new lower-west club and upper-north social deck spaces in 2022 brought Neyland Stadium’s seating capacity to 101,915—the sixth largest among college football venues.

Other recent stadium enhancements include the restoration of the historic V-O-L-S letters along the top of the facility’s south end (2022), a second video board on the upper-north deck (2022) and bronze statues honoring four of Tennessee’s football trailblazers (2021).

For more information about Tennessee Athletics, visit UTSports.com, and to learn more about Pilot, visit pilotflyingj.com. The agreement was negotiated by Tennessee Athletics’ multimedia rights partner, The Vol Network, and Intersport. Financial details of the sponsorship will not be made public

State Leaders Asking for Feedback on ELA Standards for Tennessee Students

State Leaders Asking for Feedback on ELA Standards for Tennessee Students

Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) As students across East Tennessee head back to class, parents and teachers are getting the chance to weigh-in on what their kids are being taught, focusing specifically on English Language Arts (ELA).

This comes in the form of a survey that anyone can access. Topics on the survey could directly impact what’s being taught in the classroom and what makes its way onto the TCAP test.

“This is going to be the key because you’re going to be looking at the standards that you set, the curriculum that gets adopted, and ultimately what the test will measure,” said Executive Director & CEO of Professional Educators of Tennessee JC Bowman.

The State Board of Education is required to review and assess the curriculum every eight years; soliciting stakeholder feedback through an online survey is part of that process.

The survey will go toward decision-making for the curriculum that could be implemented for the 2029-2030 school year.

If you’d like to take part in the state’s survey you can do so by clicking here.

The survey will remain open until September 8.

The Tennessee State Board of Education released a survey for families to weigh in on how ELA standards for students moving forward. (Courtesy: WSMV)

Secondary Unit Thrives On Cohesion, Competition Through 10 Fall Practices
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Secondary Unit Thrives On Cohesion, Competition Through 10 Fall Practices

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee’s revamped secondary was the topic of conversation on Monday after the Vols completed their 10th practice of preseason training camp. Defensive backs coach Willie Martinez spoke to local reporters about his unit’s cohesiveness, competition and consistency through the first two weeks of fall practice.

Martinez leads a group of young, athletic defensive backs that have steadily improved their instincts and playmaking ability throughout the course of fall camp. He noted that each position in the secondary has depth and competition, and the DB rotation will depend on the group’s versatility and consistency.

“I think we have multiple guys at multiple positions that we want to feel good about, and are feeling good about,” Martinez said. “Being on the 10th practice, we want competition, and we have that at every position … Our versatility that we’ve recruited allows us to be able to move guys around and play the best players: the guys that are performing and making the plays on a consistent basis. We’re in a good place right now. We just have to continue to improve each and every day like they’re doing right now.”

When asked about the cohesiveness of the secondary, Martinez emphasized the leadership, accountability and culture of the room. Veterans like Will Brooks and Andre Turrentine – who both saw extensive action late in the 2023 campaign – have stepped up to bring the young players along and expedite the group’s overall development.

“The cohesiveness will come from consistency and guys making plays,” Martinez said. “I love the room, I really do … They care about each other, and they hold each other accountable. It’s not a bunch of yelling and screaming. It’s very structured, and it’s really cool.”

Full comments from Martinez and select quotes from Brooks, redshirt junior defensive back Christian Charles and sophomore defensive back Jermod McCoy can be viewed below.

Tennessee Football Press Conference | Aug. 12, 2024

Secondary Coach Willie Martinez

On what Will Brooks has done this offseason to allow him the opportunity to get more playing time…
“His preparation. He’s an everyday, consistent player who is very detailed. Whether that is in meetings, off the field or whether we are taking a day off, he’s somebody that we are leaning on for leadership because he’s been here for a long time and has done it the right way. His teammates respect him tremendously. He’s been very consistent; that’s the best thing I can say about Will. There’s no up-and-down. The players are being led the right way.”

On how close he feels like the staff is to figuring out the defensive back rotation… 
“I think we have multiple guys at multiple positions that we want to feel good about and are feeling good about. Being on the 10th practice, we want competition, and we have that at every position. I’m not just saying corner, I’m just talking about whether it’s two corners on each side or two guys at STAR, two guys at the boundary safety or two guys at the strong safety. There are more guys. Our versatility that we’ve recruited allows us to be able to move guys around and play the best players: the guys that are performing and making the plays on a consistent basis. We’re in a good place right now. We just have to continue to improve each and every day like they’re doing right now.” 

On the STAR competition…
Christian Harrison and Boo Carter are taking the bulk of the reps. We know in the back of our minds that we have others who have played the position whether it’s Will Brooks or Andre Turrentine — we have the versatility. The two guys that are competing are Christian and Boo. They’re doing a really good job.” 

On the development of Jordan Matthews
“Jordan has done a really nice job. It started back in the spring. You can see the improvement and the confidence. You’re seeing a lot more consistency in the playmaking, but he’s had a tremendous summer. He’s one of the guys that we singled out as having a great summer in the weight room. Obviously, on the field, he’s a smart player. He’s making a bunch of plays here in camp and has built some confidence. It’s really great to see. He’s a guy who is smart, has great size, great ability. To see his consistency, it’s obviously good to see.”

On what he thought of the new coaching aids implemented during the scrimmage Friday night… 
“We’re getting used to it right now. We’re trying to practice that, and we did it for the first time. From an efficiency standpoint, we just have to be better at organizing it. When we come off, it’s easier to show a picture of something and see the play as if it just happened five minutes ago. It’s going to be a good thing for all of us once we get it to where we feel comfortable in doing it, how fast you’re doing it and the organization. You’re showing them a picture as opposed to drawing it on the board, and they can actually see where they lined up. I think it’s going to be very efficient.” 

On if he can tell the cohesiveness of a secondary before they play a game together… 
“We have the same standards and expectations at each position. It’s no different for us at defensive back. We have a great mixture of guys who have been here. We have the young, talented players who are coming in inexperienced that lack the reps. We’ve done a really good job from the time they’ve stepped on campus with that leadership and every day holding them up to the standards and expectations. Obviously, it’s a lot easier when you have a really good room and a good culture. They’ve seen others do it who have had success in the past. The cohesiveness will come from consistency and guys making plays. I love the room, I really do. I love the group. I think it’s one of the best groups I’ve ever been around in my career. They care about each other, and they hold each other accountable. It’s not a bunch of yelling and screaming. It’s very structured, and it’s really cool. This staff has said it, but it’s a lot different than it was the first year or the second year. It’s running on its own gas now. It’s hard for me to get my own points in when somebody does make a mistake, somebody is correcting it and standing right there saying, ‘I got it coach.’ That’s kind of cool to see. If you have that with the talent and the skill that we have, we just have to be consistent every day.”

On what has stood out about the room after 10 practices… 
“We had four turnovers today. The playmaking on the ball and actually catching it. We had a couple of drops a couple of practices ago. They’re having fun. You can see, whether it’s a young guy or an older guy, the encouragement and not letting guys get down when things go wrong. The next-play mentality of their personality is kind of cool to see. It’s not perfect, but there’s a lot more of that going on than the other way. It was a really good day. Got some turnovers today, and that always helps on defense changing the momentum of the game.”

On what Jermod McCoy has done to impress coaches and how he’s grown since being on campus…
“First thing I’ll say about Jermod is he’s such a great teammate. You come from a different situation. Obviously, in the dynamics of college football now, on a different team last year and comes to our program. He is who he says he is, high character. He’s a great player, but he’s a great kid and a great young man. Coming into our room, he got a good feel for the room and the awareness of fitting in. He’s led. He’s not the loudest guy, but just little things, where guys are maybe complaining or not sure about something. He always has a positive spin to it. He sees that glass half full, and I have noticed that from the beginning. The consistency, every day. He’s a very competitive person, both on and off the field. He’s a playmaker. He’s one of the guys that got one of the turnovers today. When he doesn’t get something or it doesn’t happen for him, he’s harder on himself, and teammates see that and players see that. He’s not much of a talker. He’s kind of more of a, ‘I’m going to do what I’m saying I’m going to do’ (type leader). He leads by great example. He’s setting the example every day.”

On how Kaleb Beasley has rebounded after missing spring ball… 
“He’s rebounded really well. Obviously, it’s great to have Beasley out there. He’s versatile, he’s a smart player and he has really shown some consistency. Obviously, he was really rusty because he didn’t have the reps some of the young players had from January. Again, you can see the playmaking ability that he had when he was in high school. He’s made some of those plays. He’s really good. He’s gotten better and better each day.”

On how guys like Chris Brazzell II test his DBs in practice…
“Every day, his speed and his competitiveness. Brazzell is very competitive and plays with a lot of fire and energy. We better do that on our side of the ball. You have to have great energy and stuff like that. He’s very competitive and a high-level player, so that’s only going to make us better. We have a great group of wide receivers that, again, are going to be playing on Sunday, so it’s easy for my job to tell the kids, ‘hey man, you want a great resume? Put it on video. Put it on video against these guys that are going to be playing on Sunday.’ Brazzell is one of those guys. He’s a highly competitive and physical player. He’s not very quiet, which is kind of cool. That’s kind of like we like it, but he’s making us better.” 

On what Jalen McMurray has brought to the room and what his planned role is for the season… 
“Small details matter to him. Locked in and focused in a meeting. Coaching the younger players that are sitting right next to him, and not just when they make a mistake but also pointing something out and saying, ‘listen just look at here,’ and kind of tell them that they had this called and played like this. He’s a great teammate. He wants everybody to be really good, and then on the field, he’s got a lot of energy. He wears it on his sleeve. His personality is really cool. He’s totally different when he is on the field, and guys feel that, the opponent feels that and our offense. It’s great to have Jalen here. He’s another guy that is really consistent, and coming back he had a little bump in the road here, but he’s really come on strong in the last couple of practices.”

On why Boo Carter has positioned himself to contribute as a true freshman…
“He’s a really good player. That guy is so talented. He’s really competitive, and I just said it, he’s very athletic so he’s versatile. Boo can play a lot of positions, and we are just putting him in a position where you have to make plays. You have got to be really good to be the STAR. That’s the position in our defense, schematically, he’s going to be involved almost in every play. I start off by his athleticism, his competitiveness and his love for the game. You can see it both on and off the field. It’s great to have it because he is going to compete on every play.”

On if there was a point in Will Brooks’ career that made him think he can help on defense…
“Again, we are the backend and we deal with space. What better example if you are doing it on special teams? I’m telling you, my entire career the great players that I have been very blessed to be a part of in their lives, were great special teams players. I mean really, and especially in space. Any time a guy is making consistent plays in space, it doesn’t matter what team he is on, it’s got transferable skills to play offense and defense. For us, most of it is all defense. Some of the same terminology that’s on special teams is on defense. Him being a smart player and translating that to defense, it’s always been simple for Will. Again, he’s a consistent guy that you can count on every day and every drill. I just heard him, like I said a little while ago, I can’t get a word in. Especially if Will Brooks is in my pod and these special teams groups. Obviously, we have got eight to 10 guys, and I want to go correct a guy and Will has already beaten me there. Sometimes he says it better than I do from a standpoint of personality because he keeps me in check about not losing it with trying to correct somebody. You saw from the beginning because he made some plays in space. Then, you watch him in the meeting room, and gosh, he’s all over the scheme. He understands it and you knew that he was going to have success here.”

RS-Senior DB Will Brooks

On if having so much experience from past seasons has benefitted him this fall camp…
“Yeah, I think it does. Just, you know, having game experience playing in the games. Just being in the program awhile. Learning the defense, knowing a lot of knowledge and trying to pass it to the guys around me. I think it will definitely help.”

On how much time he has spent at the STAR position compared to the safety position…
“I did a lot more STAR last year. This camp, honestly, I have been doing a lot more safety. Our coaches feel comfortable playing all of us in all the different positions, so just knowing what to do at every position whether it is strong (safety), free (safety) or STAR, I think it has been good.”

On how playing special teams has benefitted him as a defensive player…
“Special teams, we always talk about transferable skills. A lot of times, running down on kickoff, you’re defeating a block. Same thing of defense, defeat a block and make a tackle, so I definitely think playing on specials teams and getting the reps in at special teams definitely helps prepare you to play defense.”

RS-Junior DB Christian Charles

On coming back from injury and getting comfortable again…
“Coming back from last year, I sustained a pretty significant injury, but I feel good, my body feels good. I wouldn’t be practicing if I didn’t feel 100 percent healthy and 100 percent confident in my ability. Coming back initially, I hadn’t practiced in about a year and played in about a year, so those jitters are more so coming from the excitement of being back on the field and doing what I love. I took about a practice to get my feet wet but honestly I’ve been rolling just fine.”

On cohesiveness within the defensive back group…
“I definitely see the cohesiveness. In our room, we’re very supportive of each other and want to see each other learn and grow. There’s no animosity in the room. We all just want to see each other be our best because if we’re all at our best and being great teammates, that helps us be more successful.”

On Jermod McCoy as a player…
“A very explosive guy. He’s a guy that has a ton of ability and so far he’s shown flashes of being able to get the ball and be a playmaker for our team, so I’m very excited for what he’s going to bring this season for sure.”

Sophomore DB Jermod McCoy

On starting to feel comfortable in the defensive scheme…
“I would say it probably took me two weeks to get comfortable with it. From there, I had to learn to know what was about to come from the offense and how to make plays from that.”

On how going against QB Nico Iamaleava in practice has made him better…
“I feel like Nico is making me better. He is reading my eyes and I need to learn how to give a different look than what he thinks is coming. He’s definitely made me better.”

On how Will Brooks has helped him learn the defensive scheme…
“Yeah, if I don’t know something, I go to Will. He knows everything. If anybody doesn’t know something, they go ask Will.

New High Rise Coming to Downtown Knoxville

New High Rise Coming to Downtown Knoxville

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Despite recent protest, another high rise is coming to downtown Knoxville.

The Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission approved the development last week. It’s going to be on the corner of West Hill Avenue and Locust Street, extending down toward the river.

The high rise will be 18 stories with 270 apartments on top of a parking garage.

Neighbors in the area had protested the proposal for the past few months, claiming it would block their views and is against downtown design guidelines.

(Pexels)
One Dead in Alcoa Highway Motorcycle Crash, City Says

One Dead in Alcoa Highway Motorcycle Crash, City Says

Blount County, TN (WOKI) Authorities cited one person involved in a fatal motorcycle accident that bogged down the morning commute Monday.

Authorities say they responded to Alcoa Highway near Hillside Drive about 7:20 Monday morning and found 44-year-old Russell Swanson Jr. lying next to his motorcycle. He was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead.

Investigators say Swanson was riding his motorcycle north when he tried to merge, hitting the back, left side of another merging car. The driver of that car was not injured but was cited for failure to yield, city representatives said.

The Alcoa Police Department is investigating the crash, asking anyone with information to call (865) 981-4111.

The northbound direction of Alcoa Highway was shut down in Blount County.
Knoxville Bank Robbery Suspect Detained, Charges Pending, Police Say

Knoxville Bank Robbery Suspect Detained, Charges Pending, Police Say

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The FBI and Knoxville authorities are investigating a bank robbery that happened on Monday, August 12.

Authorities say the robbery happened at the Truist Bank at 4931 Kingston Pike, in the Homberg area, Monday afternoon around 1:15.

Investigators say the armed suspect handed a bank teller a note demanding cash and was last seen running from the building with an undisclosed amount of money.

Late Monday evening, KPD reported the suspect had been identified, located, and detained and that charges are pending.

The teller reportedly gave the man the money, and he left on foot. (Courtesy: KPD)
‘Armed and Dangerous’ Man Captured in Loudon County, Sheriff’s Office Says

‘Armed and Dangerous’ Man Captured in Loudon County, Sheriff’s Office Says

Lenoir City, TN (WOKI) An armed and dangerous man has been taken into custody and a school lockdown lifted Monday morning in Loudon County.

Officials with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office say Caiden Hall was arrested in Lenoir City following a search for him near the area of Highland Park Drive.

As a precaution, nearby Highland Park Elementary was briefly placed on lockdown; that lockdown has since been lifted.

Neither Hall’s age nor further information about the circumstances surrounding the incident have been released.

Caiden Hall (Courtesy: LCSO)
Johnson City Man Found Safe, TBI Says

Johnson City Man Found Safe, TBI Says

Carter County, TN (WOKI) UPDATE: The man at the center of a TBI Silver Alert early Monday morning out of Carter County has been found safe.

Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation say 86-year-old Arthur Bruce was located in Arkansas and is safe.

A Silver Alert was issued after Bruce was last seen Sunday in Johnson City. Officials say he has a medical condition that may have hindered him from getting back home safely.

ORIGINAL STORY: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a Silver Alert for a missing Carter County man.

TBI says 86-year-old Arthur Bruce went missing from Johnson City and was last seen Sunday, August 11.

Bruce is 5’3″, weighs 140 pounds, has gray hair and brown eyes. There is no known clothing description at this time. Bruce has a U.S. Navy tattoo on his arm.

Officials say Bruce may be driving a 2024 silver gray Ford Ranger with Tennessee temporary tag QH9YN1V8 and that he has a medical condition that may keep him from getting back home safely.

(Courtesy: TBI)

If you see Arthur Bruce or know where he may be, please call the Carter County Sheriff’s Office at 423-542-1845 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Arthur Bruce, 86 (Courtesy: TBI)
Death Penalty Trial Begins for Anderson County Man Accused of Torturing, Killing Woman, Storing Body in Freezer

Death Penalty Trial Begins for Anderson County Man Accused of Torturing, Killing Woman, Storing Body in Freezer

Clinton, TN (WOKI) Jury selection begins Monday, August 12 in the death penalty case involving an Anderson County man.

Sean Finnegan is accused of murder, rape and exploitation of a child.

Investigators say Finnegan and his girlfriend Rebecca Dishman lured Jennifer Paxton into their home in August of 2020 with the promise of giving her a place to stay, and they paid her $100 to have sexual relations with them.

Once Paxton entered the home, officials say she was held against her will, tortured, strangled and left to die.

The couple was formally indicted for murder by an Anderson County Grand Jury in June of 2021.

Sean Finnegan, 56 (Courtesy: Anderson County Sheriff’s Office)

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UT ‘Preserving’ Neyland Stadium’s Name with Pilot Partnership

UT ‘Preserving’ Neyland Stadium’s Name with Pilot Partnership

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The University of Tennessee is “preserving” Neyland Stadium’s name through a partnership with Pilot Flying J. University of Tennessee Athletics making the announcement Tuesday morning, billing the change as a “preservation partnership.” “This will always be Neyland Stadium. Is now, always has been, always will be,” said UT Athletics Director Danny White…Continue Reading

Tennessee Athletics and Pilot Announce Transformative Partnership to Preserve Neyland Stadium
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Tennessee Athletics and Pilot Announce Transformative Partnership to Preserve Neyland Stadium

Neyland Stadium has been home of the Vols for more than 100 years and that legacy will live on thanks to a transformative partnership with Tennessee Athletics and Knoxville-based Pilot, the largest network of travel centers in North America. Football August 13, 2024 Neyland Stadium has been home of the Vols for more than 100…Continue Reading

State Leaders Asking for Feedback on ELA Standards for Tennessee Students

State Leaders Asking for Feedback on ELA Standards for Tennessee Students

Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) As students across East Tennessee head back to class, parents and teachers are getting the chance to weigh-in on what their kids are being taught, focusing specifically on English Language Arts (ELA). This comes in the form of a survey that anyone can access. Topics on the survey could directly…Continue Reading

Secondary Unit Thrives On Cohesion, Competition Through 10 Fall Practices
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Secondary Unit Thrives On Cohesion, Competition Through 10 Fall Practices

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee’s revamped secondary was the topic of conversation on Monday after the Vols completed their 10th practice of preseason training camp. Defensive backs coach Willie Martinez spoke to local reporters about his unit’s cohesiveness, competition and consistency through the first two weeks of fall practice. Martinez leads a group of young, athletic defensive backs that…Continue Reading

New High Rise Coming to Downtown Knoxville

New High Rise Coming to Downtown Knoxville

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Despite recent protest, another high rise is coming to downtown Knoxville. The Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission approved the development last week. It’s going to be on the corner of West Hill Avenue and Locust Street, extending down toward the river. The high rise will be 18 stories with 270 apartments on top…Continue Reading

One Dead in Alcoa Highway Motorcycle Crash, City Says

One Dead in Alcoa Highway Motorcycle Crash, City Says

Blount County, TN (WOKI) Authorities cited one person involved in a fatal motorcycle accident that bogged down the morning commute Monday. Authorities say they responded to Alcoa Highway near Hillside Drive about 7:20 Monday morning and found 44-year-old Russell Swanson Jr. lying next to his motorcycle. He was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead.…Continue Reading

Knoxville Bank Robbery Suspect Detained, Charges Pending, Police Say

Knoxville Bank Robbery Suspect Detained, Charges Pending, Police Say

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The FBI and Knoxville authorities are investigating a bank robbery that happened on Monday, August 12. Authorities say the robbery happened at the Truist Bank at 4931 Kingston Pike, in the Homberg area, Monday afternoon around 1:15. Investigators say the armed suspect handed a bank teller a note demanding cash and was…Continue Reading

‘Armed and Dangerous’ Man Captured in Loudon County, Sheriff’s Office Says

‘Armed and Dangerous’ Man Captured in Loudon County, Sheriff’s Office Says

Lenoir City, TN (WOKI) An armed and dangerous man has been taken into custody and a school lockdown lifted Monday morning in Loudon County. Officials with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office say Caiden Hall was arrested in Lenoir City following a search for him near the area of Highland Park Drive. As a precaution, nearby…Continue Reading

Johnson City Man Found Safe, TBI Says

Johnson City Man Found Safe, TBI Says

Carter County, TN (WOKI) UPDATE: The man at the center of a TBI Silver Alert early Monday morning out of Carter County has been found safe. Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation say 86-year-old Arthur Bruce was located in Arkansas and is safe. A Silver Alert was issued after Bruce was last seen Sunday…Continue Reading

Death Penalty Trial Begins for Anderson County Man Accused of Torturing, Killing Woman, Storing Body in Freezer

Death Penalty Trial Begins for Anderson County Man Accused of Torturing, Killing Woman, Storing Body in Freezer

Clinton, TN (WOKI) Jury selection begins Monday, August 12 in the death penalty case involving an Anderson County man. Sean Finnegan is accused of murder, rape and exploitation of a child. Investigators say Finnegan and his girlfriend Rebecca Dishman lured Jennifer Paxton into their home in August of 2020 with the promise of giving her…Continue Reading