Tennessee Board of Trustees approves budget increase for Neyland Stadium renovations

Tennessee on Friday announced the university’s Board of Trustees had approved a request from the Tennessee Athletic Department to increase the budget for phase one of Neyland Stadium renovations by $49 million, taking the price tag to $337 million.

“The project aligns with Tennessee Athletics’ stated goals of modernizing the fan and visitor experience through enhanced amenities and diversified seating options,” the Vols announced in a press release, “improving fan safety and security and aligning stadium features and aesthetics with campus architectural standards.”

The board also announced the approval of renovation plans for Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Neyland renovations underway this offseason includes work to partially complete increased Wi-Fi capabilities, removing South Stadium Hall and strengthening of the stadium’s south end zone. New brick cladding is also being installed inside the stadium, new restrooms under the Gate 10 ramp are being added along with an extension of the stadium footprint in the south end zone to expand the concourse.

Tennessee on Friday also released updated renderings for renovations to stadium skyboxes, scheduled to be completed by Fall 2024.

The Vols in March announced an updated look the renovation schedule, with work around the stadium continuing thanks in large part to record numbers within the Tennessee Fund.

In a press release the Vols described the “campaign momentum” that is “closing more than 135 gifts of $25,000 or larger already this fiscal year”. There was also an all-the record set for donors in a fiscal year, with more than 19,000 people donating to the fundraising effort.

Stadium-wide Wi-Fi connectivity scheduled for Fall 2024

Stadium-wide Wi-Fi connectivity is scheduled for Fall 2024, along with a stadium kitchen, commissary and loading dock, new southeast elevators vertically connecting all concourse, a new Gate 4 entry plaza, renovations and upgrade for all stadium skyboxes and initial construction for the Westside Founders Suites.

The Vols said in the press release in March that season-ticket holders with seats in sections and rows that will be impacted by the addition of the Westside Founders Suites will get phone or email communication from the Vols with instruction and resources for the 2023 relocation process.

Fall 2025 includes an expanded south concourse, with increased restrooms, enhances concessions and a wider concourse, along with completion of the Founders Suites and Tee Martin Drive shifting south of the Gate 10 ramp. 

Fundraising has ‘accelerated’ Tennessee’s ability to make progress in renovation plans

“This past fall, we introduced multiple fan amenities that elevated the gameday experience for guests throughout Neyland Stadium,” Tennessee Deputy Athletics Director/Chief Operating Officer Ryan Alpert said in the press release. “We’re excited to steadily take our next strategic steps in the modernization of the venue while also ensuring that we honor and preserve the historic pageantry of Tennessee football gamedays.

“Vol Nation’s incredible support of the My All Campaign — coupled with the excitement surrounding our football program’s rapid ascension under Josh Heupel — have accelerated our ability to make major progress in our renovation plan.”

Tennessee’s press release described the final product being “highlighted by a significant expansion to main concourse 1, inclusive of additional restrooms and an improved concessions experience. Additionally, the south end of the facility will be home to the stadium’s first-ever kitchen, commissary and loading dock.”

Tennessee noted that timelines are subject to changed “due to a variety of factors (uncertainties related to supply chain issues, product shortages, lead time variability, etc).”