NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Football is back in Tennessee and today you get to see that on full display in the Music City.
The Nashville Sports council says the game has officially sold out, so tens of thousands of fans to Nissan Stadium for what promises to be an exciting and memorable match up between these two outstanding programs.
Broadway is currently a sea of orange as Volunteers and Cavaliers supporters have taken over the city in their quest to support their team.
"Nissan Stadium is going to be filled with the right color orange tomorrow," said Sarah Evers, a UT fan.
The University of Tennessee and the University of Virginia open the season on Saturday by facing each other for the first time since 1991.
The game isn't until tomorrow but the trash talking, and team spirit started today.
"We came over here to watch the Vols open up the season with their national championship season. Big Joe Milton at quarterback. Can’t wait," shared another UT fan.
However, the excitement doesn't end with the fans.
The 10th season of SEC Nation is setting up shop on Broadway for the weekend.
Tim Tebow, Jordan Rodgers, Marty Smith and other notable names will be here with live coverage of the season opening game between the Tennessee Vols and the Virginia Cavaliers.
Jim Madison, a Cavaliers fan, drove nine hours from Virginia to cheer on his team.
"We haven’t missed a game in 24 years," he said.
Surprisingly, there are fans who were born in Nashville but are proudly backing Virginia and vice versa.
"We’re really excited; we’re actually from Virginia. We live in Florida now, and our son goes to the University of Tennessee," said Evers. She said, "It’s just a great place. We’re so thankful that the city of Nashville is welcoming us here for the game and go Vols."
Tomorrow will mark the third time Tennessee has played in a regular season non-conference game at Nissan Stadium since taking on Bowling Green in 2015 and Wyoming in 2002.
The Vols, who are coming off an 11-2 season, last played at Nissan Stadium in the 2021 TransPerfect Music City Bowl. That game saw a record-breaking attendance of just under 70,000 fans.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early Saturday and be aware of Nissan Stadium policies like the clear bag policy and the fact that no containers can be brought into the stadium. This included coolers, glass bottles and cans. This game and display at the stadium will broadcast live at 11 a.m.
