Law enforcement prepares for Morgan Wallen concerts at Neyland Stadium

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Law enforcement and state officials are preparing for Morgan Wallen’s concerts in Knoxville, and making arrangement to help concertgoers stay safe.

University of Tennessee Police said both shows are expected to bring up to 80,000 people to campus. Both concerts are scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m., and UTPD asked concertgoers to not arrive on campus before 2 p.m.

UT Police said the campus lots will be opening to concertgoers with parking passes at 2 p.m., and the university shared that those with commuter or staff parking permits who need to be on campus after 2 p.m. on Friday should use the park-and-ride location at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum and shuttle to campus. Non-commuter lots will not be impacted.

The university also shared a map of where concert parking permits will be allowed, which includes the location of shuttle loading and unloading areas.

University of Tennessee added that overnight parking will not be allowed between shows and violators will be towed. To view the full list of information concert goers need to know, such as what items are prohibited, visit the university’s news webpage.

Knoxville Police spokesperson Scott Erland explained that the department is treating Wallen’s concerts similar to how it treats Tennessee football games. He said KPD will be offering some in-stadium support, and there will be officers and staff assigned to traffic positions around Neyland Stadium before and after the concerts.

In the Old City, Fort Sanders, and Cumberland Avenue areas, KPD will also have increased patrols and officers before and after the concert to manage calls and maintain order. Erland added they will be working alongside UTPD to respond to and address any issues that might come up.

TDOT spokesperson Mark Nagi shared on social media platform X that TDOT held an operations meeting Tuesday morning.

During the concerts on Friday, September 20 and Sunday, September 22, TDOT HELP trucks will be assisting motorists, helping to ensure everyone can get to and from campus as safely as efficiently as possible.

Wallen initially announced in July that he would be be “coming home” to perform in Knoxville with HARDY and ERNEST. Just a few days later, he shared that a second night in Knoxville had been added due to the overwhelming demand.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated.

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