Law enforcement prepped for huge crowds ahead of Vols home opener

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — We are just three days away from the return of football time in Tennessee once again.

University of Tennessee will Chattanooga in front of a sold-out crowd at Neyland Stadium on Saturday. As the team has prepared for months ahead of the season, so has local law enforcement.

“We want everybody to follow our clear bag policy. We want them to hydrate with water. Lock their vehicles before they leave. Be aware of their surroundings and just overall if something looks suspicious, let us know,” said University of Tennessee Police Chief Sean Patterson.

The Knoxville Police Department is assisting UTPD on game days. KPD Deputy Chief Brian Evans encourages people to be patient.

“Getting people to and from the stadium safely and hopefully quickly or in a timely manner,” Evans said.

Graduate student Rachel Aycock is concerned about the weather and parking.

“I think it’s going to be really hot so the weather especially a 12:45 game, so it’s going to be pretty tough,” Aycock said. “Also parking, just because I didn’t go here for undergrad. So I don’t know the places to park.”

Chief Patterson told 6 News UTPD does have a plan for inclement weather and severe heat.

“We do have robust shelter in place policies that we’re constantly monitoring whether at our emergency operation center or our stadium command post,” Chief Patterson said. “The weather and heat related emergencies and we make adjustments.”

Student Carley Bivens biggest concern is the large crowd.

“It’s going to be super hectic,” Bivens said. “I feel like hopefully the University does a good job of keeping everybody safe.”

Just days before kickoff, Evans said his best piece of advice is to have a plan.

“Plan where you are going to park. Don’t just show up and think ‘hey, I need to find a place to park at that point,'” Deputy Chief Evans said. “I think the best is advice is if you can plan your arrival, plan you exit from the stadium.”

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