The gates at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville were open at 9 a.m., alcoholic beverages were 50% off, and the vibes amongst Tennessee Volunteers fans were extremely high as their SEC matchup against No. 1 Texas comes with the arrival of President Donald Trump.
While there are heightened security protocols, road closures and more that will surely cause some delays compared to a normal gameday on campus, Vols fans were able to enter Neyland Stadium at 9 a.m., allowing them more than ample time to get into the stadium before 12 p.m. ET kick-off.
And as an incentive to get fans in the doors, Neyland Stadium offered 50% beers between 9-10 a.m. Only two were allowed at each purchase, but you were allowed to come back as many times as you wanted within that hour for the special deal.
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But while Vols fans are already enjoying this deal, they’re more excited for the 47th president traveling to watch a premier college football matchup that will occur for only the fifth time in each team’s history.
“Glad he’s here. I hope he stays the whole game, we’ll see how it goes. Go Vols!” one fan told OutKick’s Trey Wallace after he and two friends took advantage of the 50% off alcohol sale at the concession stands.
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“[It will be a] great time and enjoy it. Glad he’s here,” another Vols fan said.
Another added: “MAGA, go Trump, baby. Let’s go!”
The hype surrounding this game was large well before Trump announced his expected attendance. Texas gained top-team status in the AP poll after a thrilling second-half comeback against Ohio State, the previous No. 1 team in the country, two weeks ago. They have the targets on their back now, and they enter a hostile Neyland Stadium environment where Tennessee, the 14th-ranked team in the country, is hoping to upset them at home.
Led by freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon, the Vols possess a tremendous offense and could use their home crowd like Texas did in Austin against the Buckeyes to remain undefeated and pick up a great SEC victory.
Of course, those Vols fans who spoke to Wallace believe that will be the case. Their final score predictions, though, might be a little hard to believe.
“67-0,” one said before his friend added, “68-0.” Then, a more reasonable score was put out there.
“34-21, Vols,” the Tennessee supporter said confidently.
Will Trump and the rest of the nation be watching a Vols victory, or will Arch Manning and Texas continue to shine in this blockbuster matchup on Saturday afternoon in Knoxville?
