There are few greater gatherings of people in the country than game day at Knoxville’s Neyland Stadium. Being the sixth largest stadium in the United States (and the eighth largest in the world to fully fill out its brag sheet), Neyland packs in a mighty crowd of attendees more populous than the town of Bend, Oregon, within its official capacity of 101,915. Under the glitter of those Saturday night lights, surrounded by panoramic views of orange and white, you’re never more connected to what it means to be a Volunteer than when you join in the chorus of 100,000-some voices belting out “Rocky Top.” Whether your favorite part of game day is loading up on wings and dip at a pre-game tailgate in a campus parking lot, or watching The Pride of the Southland Band turn into a human etch-a-sketch during their Circle Drill, weekends during football season are the highlight of fall in East Tennessee.
When it comes to looking for places to stay near Neyland Stadium, you may be searching for a quiet place to retire after the day’s festivities, or an energetic home base to keep the momentum of a great game going. No matter your preferences, we’ve curated a list of stays sure to satisfy the needs of any crew. Below, the 11 best places to stay near Neyland Stadium just ahead of the 2025 football season.
FAQ:
What is the best area of Knoxville to stay in?
Knoxville itself is just over 100 square miles, and great places to set up camp are plenty. But if you’re specifically in town to see a game, you’ll want to stay close to Neyland, which is located in Knoxville’s downtown. You’ll find a handful of cozy spots used to hosting big events around Gay Street, Market Square, and World’s Fair Park.
When is the best time to go to Knoxville, Tennessee?
With a temperate climate, Knoxville experiences all four seasons. If you want to see flower blossoms in the spring, you can drive through nearly 90 miles of the city’s dogwood trails. Fancy yourself more of a winter person? On a chillier night, there’s no better evening than catching a show at the Tennessee Theater or skating around at the Ice Chalet. Come summer, enjoy the wealth of natural beauty the city has to offer at the Ijams Nature Center or botanical garden. During autumn, right in the heat of football season, you’ve arrived at the best time to leaf peep in the Smokies just an hour and 15 minutes away from city center. The foliage turns into a wonderful medley of gold, sienna, and orange and stretches out for as far as the eye can see.
What are the best things to do in Knoxville?
While you’re downtown, be sure to roam around Market Square, Knoxville’s central plaza that houses quaint shops like Nothing Too Fancy, where you can get some of the best personalized souvenirs from the city; Knoxville’s best restaurants, such as Emilia’s where you can savor your butterscotch budino on the patio; and free live concerts. You can also take a step back into the ‘80s by visiting the Sunsphere, a structure the city originally built in honor of the World’s Fair. UTK’s McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture provides a fascinating look into local anthropology and archaeology if you fashion yourself a bit of history geek.
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