Travel Advisory for the Upcoming UT Game Weekend
With the anticipated visit of President Donald Trump and the highly awaited matchup between the University of Tennessee and Texas at Neyland Stadium this Saturday, travel plans are essential to avoid significant congestion and ensure a smooth experience.
Airport Traffic Surge
McGhee Tyson Airport has announced that this weekend is expected to be among the busiest in its history. Key highlights include:
- Peak Rental Car Day: Thursday is expected to see the most car rentals.
- Record Passenger Volume: An estimated 10,000 travelers are projected to pass through the airport on Sunday.
Tips for Travelers:
- Arrive at least three hours prior to your flight, especially on Sunday.
- Download your airline’s mobile app.
- Pre-book ground transportation and anticipate longer wait times throughout the airport.
Game Day Traffic Insights
For fans attending the game, historical precedent indicates that presidential visits may warrant road closures, including potential rolling roadblocks on Alcoa Highway. Expect limited traffic updates from mobile apps.
Recommended Routes:
- Consider using Pellissippi Parkway to access I-40 East or alternate backroads to avoid congestion.
UT officials are advising fans to arrive early due to expected heavy traffic and pedestrian activity several hours before kickoff.
Arriving at Neyland Stadium
Don’t miss out on pre-game festivities, including ESPN’s GameDay broadcasting live from Ayres Hall starting at 9 a.m. Remember:
- All stadium gates open at 9 a.m.
- Enhanced security and longer waiting times are anticipated due to additional procedures implemented by Secret Service.
Preparation:
- Have mobile tickets ready before approaching the gates.
- Review the clear bag policy and prohibited items list to avoid delays; prohibited items cannot be stored on-site.
Airport Expansion News
McGhee Tyson is also moving forward with a Gate Expansion Project, adding a 13th gate to accommodate increasing passenger numbers.
- Renumbering Schedule:
- Gates 11-13 have already begun renovations.
- Gates 9-11 will transition starting the week of Sept. 28.
- Gates 7-9 will start changes the week of Oct. 5.
During this time, temporary signage will be displayed, and airport staff will assist travelers.
For More Information:
Visit TYSFlightPlan.com to learn about the airport’s growth and modernization initiatives.
Stay tuned and plan accordingly to enjoy a successful game day experience!
