Tennessee reveals new corporate sponsor whose name will appear prominently on field in Neyland Stadium

The University of Tennesse has its corporate sponsor for the Neyland Stadium renovation project, and fortunately for Tennessee Vols fans, it won't come at the price of the name of the most iconic building in the state.

On Tuesday, the university announced a multi-year corporate partnership between the school and Pilot. According to the release , the partnership is slated to last for up to 20 years with the possibility of being extended further.  It will ensure that the legacy of Neyland Stadium as the home of the Vols for over 100 years "will live on".

"As we navigate the changing landscape of college athletics, we are dedicated to building the best athletics department in the country," Tennessee Athletic Director Danny White said during the announcement. "Because we were committed to preserving the name of Neyland Stadium, finding a partner who shared this vision was essential. With deep roots here in Knoxville, Pilot recognizes the significance of Neyland and the importance of tradition to our fans and the university. Our focus continues to preserve and honor our storied past while modernizing to ensure we lead the way in college sports."

"Neyland Stadium is one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world and UT is a significant part of making Knoxville a special place that Pilot is proud to call home," added Pilot CEO Adam Wright. "Through this partnership, we will preserve the legacy of Neyland while also investing in its future to create exceptional experiences for generations to come. We look forward to seeing you out here as we cheer on the Vols in Neyland."

So, what does all of that corporate speak mean for the stadium?  Fortunately, nothing as far as the name of the stadium itself.  According to the release, Neyland Stadium is being proudly "preserved" by Pilot.

"Neyland Stadium. Home of the Vols. Proudly preserved by Pilot."

I mean, alright.  That's not so bad.  The most important thing there is that the name "Neyland Stadium" will not change.  That can never, ever, ever, ever happen.  Under any circumstances.  Ever.  (In case you were still wondering, it simply can't happen.)  This keeps the name intact and keeps Pilot's name closely involved through the slogan.  Acceptable.

Although, I'm not really sure that Neyland Stadium's legacy was ever in danger such that it needed to be preserved, but I guess that doesn't really matter.  Sure, guys.  Preserve it.  Knock yourselves out.

What it DOES mean is that Pilot's name, per the release, will be alongside the "Home of the Vols" lettering put on the press box and on both sides of the field.  They will also have "sponsored content" with Tennessee Athletics and the Vol Radio Network along with the designation of "official travel stop of Tennessee athletics".

Pilot is also, per the release, investing in the current and future stadium upgrades, with expanded concourses and gates and additional restrooms and concession areas.  They're helping to upgrade the stadium and make it an even better venue, which is kind of a separate thing from preserving the stadium's legacy, to be fair.

A major stadium sponsorship was expected to happen from someone once it was announced by the NCAA that corporate logos could be placed on the playing surface. Pilot was the one I predicted back in June that would be most logical to be such a sponsor .

So, for UT fans, it's a win to keep the Neyland Stadium name.  Danny White and the university will see a huge investment made into the stadium and Tennessee athletics.  And Pilot will get some great paid exposure.  All in all, not a bad deal at all for everyone.

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