Miller C.
Google
Good Game Day Atmosphere, But Falling Short on Promises - 3 Stars
As a season ticket holder who attends most of the games, I’ve had the same disappointing experience time and time again.
Zero Waste Claims: Neyland Stadium claims to be a “Zero Waste Game Day” facility, and I know the University has partnered with Eastman to be their recycling partner. However, I do not feel like the facility does enough to make fans respect the policy. There are too many standard trash cans easily available and not enough well-labeled recycling bins. Most fans are not going to go out of their way to find a recycling bin in the overcrowded corridors when a trash can is readily available along the way.
Concessions & Beverage Service: The lines for concessions are outrageously long, even in the middle of a quarter. Missing more than 5 minutes of actual game time to get a beverage or a snack is unacceptable. Their ID policy is unorganized and causes massive delays in the process of trying to purchase an alcoholic beverage. Asking for an ID for every purchase may prevent some underage patrons from gaming the system, but they need to find a better method such as wristbands that can speed up the process.
Facilities & Priorities: In my opinion, the University has spent way too much money adding luxury seating and suites while continuing to ignore the need for new bathroom facilities in the areas that the average fan has to use. This past season they took away some of the best modern facilities at the top of sections U & T to cater to large donors, leaving regular folks to use troughs, shoulder to shoulder in a hot cinderblock cave. These inadequate bathrooms are all around the upper deck of the stadium, affecting thousands of fans every game day.
The University needs to reconsider its priorities and invest in the experience for all fans, not just the luxury suite holders.