Just In: Tennessee Announces 100 Percent Capacity for Lindsey Nelson Stadium Ahead of Top-Five Showdown

Matt Ray | May 10, 2021

While the capacity at Lindsey Nelson Stadium was reduced when the Vols hosted their first top five matchup of the year against Vanderbilt, the crowd was still in full effect. This weekend, the Vols host Arkansas and there will be no capacity restrictions in place, according to the latest press release from the University.

"Following weeks of responsibly and gradually loosening capacity restrictions for Tennessee home athletic events, Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White announced Monday that the Vols are expanding baseball attendance to 100 percent at Lindsey Nelson Stadium for this weekend's series against top-ranked Arkansas."

"As vaccination numbers continue to rise and other stadiums throughout the Southeastern Conference have demonstrated the ability to safely host events without attendance restrictions, Tennessee Athletics is taking this final step in its phased approach to creating an impactful homefield advantage, which will also enhance the gameday experience for fans supporting the fourth-ranked Vols heading into postseason play."

"As preparations for a full-capacity stadium are finalized this week, Tuesday's home game against Tennessee Tech will be contested with limited attendance restrictions still in place. Friday's series opener against Arkansas, with first pitch set for 6:30 p.m. ET, will be the first home game of the season for which capacity restrictions will be lifted (aside from ESPN broadcast guidelines and mandatory SEC event protocols). Tickets for this weekend's games are available for purchase at AllVols.com or by calling the UT Ticket Office at 1-800-332-8657."

The Vols have a strong chance to host an NCAA Regional next month, and that would not allow a full-capacity crowd, according to the release.

"Should the Vols earn hosting privileges for an NCAA Regional next month, it should be noted that the NCAA has mandated that host venues cap attendance at 50 percent of capacity for those games."

Published May 10, 2021

MATT RAY

Matt Ray is the publisher of Sports Illustrated-FanNation's Volunteer Country, serving as a beat reporter covering football, recruiting, and occasionally other sports. Matt also is a lead analyst at Sports Illustrated All-American, Sports Illustrated lead authority in high school recruiting coverage. When not at work covering the Tennessee Volunteers or the recruiting trail, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife Destiny traveling the country.