University of Tennessee entertainment district around Neyland Stadium moves to next stage
The University of Tennessee's ambitious Neyland Entertainment District has moved to its next phase, clearing the way for the project to transform Vols game days and the Tennessee River waterfront on campus.
On Dec. 14, the state approved UT's Request for Information. The next stage is a Request for Proposals, when the university seeks a master developer to develop, finance, operate and maintain the mixed-use entertainment district through a public-private partnership.
"Our vision for this transformational project is one step closer to reality," athletics director Danny White said in a school release Thursday. "We have seen a tremendous response from a wide array of top developers to be a part of this extraordinary opportunity to create the Neyland Entertainment District.
"We are incredibly excited about the next step in the process, and bidders submit their final proposals for this massive project that will positively impact our entire campus and the city of Knoxville. The Neyland Entertainment District will be a massive boon to America's college Sports City."
What is the Neyland Entertainment District?
The district is planned for the area between iconic Neyland Stadium and Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center.
The initial development will feature a boutique hotel, condominiums and a conference space. The public-private partnership could eventually include a tabletop area above the existing G10 parking garage for tailgating, restaurants, retail and other entertainment.
It could be a money-making opportunity for the university. But White told Knox News that enhancing the experience of Vols fans is the top priority.
Elements of the Neyland Entertainment District first appeared in UT’s 10-year-plus master plan, which was presented to the UT System Board of Trustees in February.
At the time, it was designated as a “near-term priority,” meaning it would come into play within five years. In May, UT announced that it had started the exploratory phase of the project. Now it moves to the next step.
How project would improve Tennessee game days
Tennessee sees benefits far beyond game days, but the impact starts with those select Saturdays during the football season.
The project would improve the aesthetic of the Neyland Stadium exterior façade and enhance the game day experience.
Neyland Stadium is an icon on UT’s campus. It’s the eighth-largest stadium in the world with a capacity of 101,915, and it’s already amid a $340 million renovation.
UT also touts an eye-popping fan experience on game days from Vol Walk to performances of “Rocky Top” and a sea of orange and white throughout tailgating areas.
UT hopes to tap into that energy, and there are recent examples where similar projects have done that.
The Battery surrounding Atlanta Braves’ Truist Park has become a template of how to build hotels, restaurants and retail around a stadium to maximize fans’ experience. That includes watch parties for road games, for which White said the Neyland Entertainment District would be utilized.
How project would be used beyond Tennessee games
White said there’s ample opportunities for more concerts, conferences and events to utilize the Neyland Entertainment District.
Thompson-Boling Arena and Neyland Stadium have hosted concerts, and the entertainment district would better connect the venues.
The proposed hotel site would be on the south side of Neyland Stadium. The G10 garage, where tabletop restaurants and retail could be built, is located between the hotel site and Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center.
“I'd love to use the stadium more than seven or eight days a year,” White said. "There's a whole host of opportunities that open up if we can create all these things working together."
A hotel next to a stadium isn’t a new concept. But it’s more common in pro sports than on college campuses. There are a few examples in the SEC, but none like what Tennessee proposes.
How Neyland district could transform riverfront
White said UT and Knoxville need to take advantage of the riverfront.
It’s an idyllic part of the campus scenery. And on gamedays, it gets plenty of attention as home to the Vol Navy, the famous group of Tennessee fans who tailgate on boats of all sizes.
“The waterfront has been top of mind for us because it has been underutilized as a campus asset and as an asset for the athletics department and fan experience,” White said. “But for the whole community and the city of Knoxville, it’s something that can be utilized throughout the year.”
A proposed pedestrian bridge would cross the Tennessee River from Thompson-Boling Arena to properties owned by the city, university or other partners.
That bridge project, estimated between $55 million and $70 million, would work wonderfully with the Neyland Entertainment District, White said.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Neyland Stadium entertainment district update for Tennessee football
