You are in for a good time! I would recommend going to the strip for tailgating because unlike ISU, there is absolutely zero greenspace except for World's Fair Park and they don't allow parking there. Most of the tailgating consists of popup tents around the stadium and in parking ramps/pay lots within a 2 mile radius. If you are students, the Strip is about double or three times the size of Welch. If I have my directions right, its about a 1/2 mile northwest of the stadium (just follow the students and wear Tennessee colors). Catch the Vol Walk on the west side of the stadium 2 or 3 hours before kickoff, its really cool and will be especially electric for this weekends' game (first sellout in years). If you get there Friday afternoon, go around the south end of the stadium and where the visitors tunnel leads on to the field, there might still be an old guy who works the tunnel who is from Iowa. We told him we were from Iowa and he took us through the tunnel right to the edge of the south end zone (even if he's not there, sometimes if you chat them up and tell them how far you've traveled, they will take you through the tunnel anyways) Seeing the stadium from on the field is incredible. On gameday, check out the Vol Navy on the Tennessee River. There is no other college stadium in America where people tailgate on a river a stones' throw from the stadium. Use a koozie or keep your mixed drinks in a cup and you shouldn't have a problem walking around the area. Cab it from your hotel if possible. Knoxville is an old city and can be kind of rough at night. I wouldn't recommend walking too far north if you guys hit up the Old City nightlife. The Old City bars are actually a pretty decent time (just east of the Tennessee Valley Authority building and the Crowne Plaza where the Vols stay the night before the game). For food, the Copper Cellar on the Strip and Downtown Brewery seem to be popular. Also Gus' Goodtime Deli is good food. No matter who tells you, don't eat at a Krystal's burger. There are some nice little cafes in downtown and a Big Tomato Pizza thats open late night. While tailgating or at the game, remember that football in the south is most importantly a social engagement and a chance to be seen. The culture is different but the people have been great every time I've been down there. Wear Big Orange, sing Rocky Top, and try to avoid any Gator fans wearing jorts or sporting mullets.
