University Of Tennessee Tabs Knoxville As "America's College Sports City"

In a big campaign across all of its athletics, the Tennessee Volunteers labeled Knoxville, Tennessee, as “America’s College Sports City” on Saturday.

It’s a big, big claim. Calling your city “America’s College Sports City” is not something to be likely. That’s what the University of Tennessee did across its teams’ social media platforms on Saturday. Along with it came billboards in Knoxville, a full page taken out of the Knoxville News Sentinel, and a line of merchandise ranging from t-shirts to koozies and everything in between. This move by Tennessee Athletics came somewhat out of nowhere, but it should not be as surprising after the success that Tennessee has seen lately and in its history across such a wide range of sports.

The timing of this is interesting. It is the summertime, so it prevents this from seeming like a move directed towards any one team in particular, which was likely the goal. Even still, all Vol fans know football season is right around the corner, so why not do this before that begins?

Tennessee HC Josh Heupel during SEC Media Days in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 19, 2023. (Photo by Denny Simmons of The Tennessean)

Another key aspect that fans should consider is the University of Tennessee’s plans to create a first-of-its-kind entertainment district. This new district will connect Neyland Stadium to Thompson-Boling Arena. In addition to providing great amenities, it will physically and metaphorically connect Tennessee’s biggest sports. This “America’s College Sports City” campaign looks to do the same, making University of Tennessee athletics more unified and showcasing the amazing place that the University and its fans make the city of Knoxville.

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