The gates at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville were open at 9 a.m., alcoholic beverages were 50% off, and the vibes amongst Tennessee Volunteers fans were extremely high as their SEC matchup against No. 1 Texas comes with the arrival of President Donald Trump.
While there are heightened security protocols, road closures and more that will surely cause some delays compared to a normal gameday on campus, Vols fans were able to enter Neyland Stadium at 9 a.m., allowing them more than ample time to get into the stadium before 12 p.m. ET kick-off.
And as an incentive to get fans in the doors, Neyland Stadium offered 50% beers between 9-10 a.m. Only two were allowed at each purchase, but you were allowed to come back as many times as you wanted within that hour for the special deal.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE
Fans of the Tennessee Volunteers are seen during the first half against the Furman Paladins at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Sept. 5, 2026. (Getty Images)
But while Vols fans are already enjoying this deal, they’re more excited for the 47th president traveling to watch a premier college football matchup that will occur for only the fifth time in each team’s history.
“Glad he’s here. I hope he stays the whole game, we’ll see how it goes. Go Vols!” one fan told OutKick’s Trey Wallace after he and two friends took advantage of the 50% off alcohol sale at the concession stands.
THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE. DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!
“[It will be a] great time and enjoy it. Glad he’s here,” another Vols fan said.
Another added: “MAGA, go Trump, baby. Let’s go!”
The hype surrounding this game was large well before Trump announced his expected attendance. Texas gained top-team status in the AP poll after a thrilling second-half comeback against Ohio State, the previous No. 1 team in the country, two weeks ago. They have the targets on their back now, and they enter a hostile Neyland Stadium environment where Tennessee, the 14th-ranked team in the country, is hoping to upset them at home.
President Donald Trump, accompanied by Navy Midshipmen co-captain linebacker Colin Ramos, holds up a football during a Commander-in-Chief Trophy presentation ceremony for the Navy Midshipmen football team in the East Room of the White House on April 15, 2025. (Getty Images)
Led by freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon, the Vols possess a tremendous offense and could use their home crowd like Texas did in Austin against the Buckeyes to remain undefeated and pick up a great SEC victory.
Of course, those Vols fans who spoke to Wallace believe that will be the case. Their final score predictions, though, might be a little hard to believe.
“67-0,” one said before his friend added, “68-0.” Then, a more reasonable score was put out there.
“34-21, Vols,” the Tennessee supporter said confidently.
A general view of Neyland Stadium before the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Tennessee Volunteers on Sept. 26, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. (Getty Images)
OUTKICK IS NOW AVAILABLE ON THE FOX NEWS APP: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
Will Trump and the rest of the nation be watching a Vols victory, or will Arch Manning and Texas continue to shine in this blockbuster matchup on Saturday afternoon in Knoxville?
SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY OUTKICK NEWSLETTER