In the spring of 2004, the University of Tennessee Athletic Department commissioned a master plan to serve as a long-term solution to issues currently facing Neyland Stadium and prepare the stadium for the next 75 years.

Major goals for the project included:

  • Maintaining the collegiate integrity of the stadium and recognizing the heritage of Tennessee football
  • Taking a fiscally responsible approach to renovations
  • Improving and modernizing concourse, bathroom and concession areas for all UT fans
  • Providing infrastructure for basic amenities - water, electric and sewer
  • Enhancing safety and addressing ADA compliance issues

Before beginning the master plan, the athletic department visited six stadiums across the country that are similar in age to Neyland. They also received feedback from more than 3,000 fans through an online survey.

The long-term master plan will improve the Neyland Stadium experience for all fans while enhancing safety and security. The improvements include the renovation and widening of the concourse areas to assist in traffic flow and make fans' experience more enjoyable, the addition of family restrooms, increasing the current number of restroom facilities by almost 300 percent, the addition of concession outlets, the creation of entry plazas, the addition of club seats, the updating of the infrastructure for water, and electric and sewer systems. Numerous ADA issues have been addressed to improve access for all fans, including the addition of nine elevators.

The master plan was created in a phased approach. Each phase is independent so we can ensure that funding is available for each phase before we begin it.

One key goal of the master plan was to find a way to fund the renovations without financially impacting all Tennessee fans. Several specific revenue streams have been designated to fund the future of Neyland Stadium and the continuance of Tennessee's prominence on the national stage. The addition of club seating will be the primary funding source for the renovations, providing more than $28 million in private gifts and over $2.6 million in annual revenue to cover debt. Although the renovations will affect the location of some of our season tickets, all season ticket holders affected by the changes will be offered seats in other areas of the stadium.

Other funding sources will include the additional contributions from the 2004 sideline seating policy change along with other philanthropic gifts.