Tennessee led the nation in combined football, men’s, and women’s basketball attendance for 2024-25, drawing 1,234,843 fans across 41 home games.

The University of Tennessee has long been recognized for its passionate fan base, but the 2024-25 athletic season proved historic even by Volunteer standards. Tennessee officially led the nation in combined attendance across football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball, drawing an incredible 1,234,843 fans across 41 home games.

This accomplishment not only reflects the loyalty of Tennessee fans but also the continued success of the athletic programs on Rocky Top. Across three major sports, the Volunteers have established themselves as a powerhouse, with their efforts now matched by unmatched support from the stands.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Tennessee’s impressive 1,234,843 total attendance figure comes from the cumulative crowds at Neyland Stadium for football games, Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center for men’s basketball, and the same arena for women’s basketball.

Here’s how the numbers break down:

• Football: Tennessee football, under head coach Josh Heupel, continues to be one of the hottest tickets in the country. Neyland Stadium, one of college football’s largest venues, regularly approaches or hits capacity with over 100,000 fans. In 2024, Tennessee football hosted seven home games, each drawing massive crowds, including sellouts against Alabama and Georgia.
• Men’s Basketball: Rick Barnes’ men’s basketball team entered the 2024-25 season coming off another strong NCAA Tournament run, and expectations remained high. The Vols’ consistent success, along with marquee non-conference matchups and fierce SEC play, drove tremendous attendance figures across their home slate.
• Women’s Basketball: The Lady Vols, coached by Kellie Harper, continue to honor the legacy of Pat Summitt by fielding nationally competitive teams. A rejuvenated squad and high-profile matchups against top SEC foes ensured robust turnout for women’s games throughout the season.

The cumulative effect was an unmatched display of fan dedication, culminating in Tennessee boasting the nation’s top overall attendance figure across the three sports.

Neyland Stadium: A Beacon of Football Passion

When it comes to Tennessee football, passion runs deep — and Neyland Stadium remains a cathedral of the sport. After undergoing several renovations over the past decade, Neyland now boasts modern amenities while maintaining its iconic atmosphere. In 2024, fans packed Neyland for key matchups, including unforgettable Saturday nights under the lights.

One of the highlights of the season was the Vols’ victory over Alabama, when over 101,915 fans turned the stadium into a sea of orange and white. The energy was electric, the noise deafening — a perfect illustration of why Tennessee is one of the toughest places to play in college football.

In a season that saw Tennessee fighting for a spot in the College Football Playoff, fans showed up in record numbers, with Neyland averaging nearly full capacity attendance despite occasional challenging weather conditions late in the year.

Thompson-Boling Arena: Basketball’s Heartbeat

Meanwhile, Thompson-Boling Arena continues to be one of the largest and loudest venues for college basketball. For both the men’s and women’s teams, the arena played host to some of the most intense environments in the nation.

Rick Barnes’ men’s basketball team rewarded the fans’ commitment with another strong season, highlighted by big wins over SEC rivals like Kentucky and Arkansas. Newcomers and veteran players alike fed off the energy, turning Thompson-Boling into a true home-court advantage.

On the women’s side, the Lady Vols returned to national prominence with a thrilling blend of seasoned leadership and dynamic young talent. Facing perennial powers such as South Carolina and LSU, Tennessee’s women’s team drew some of the largest crowds seen in women’s college basketball this season, keeping the Lady Vol tradition alive.

A Testament to Fan Loyalty

Tennessee’s record-setting attendance wasn’t just a reflection of winning teams — it was a testament to the bond between the programs and their supporters.

Even during challenging seasons in past years, Volunteer fans remained among the most loyal in the country. That unwavering support laid the groundwork for the 2024-25 explosion in attendance. Now, with competitive teams across football and basketball, the energy reached new heights.

“It’s not just the wins that bring them out — it’s the tradition, the pride, and the connection they feel to the teams,” Tennessee Athletic Director Danny White said. “Our fans are the heartbeat of Tennessee athletics.”

Indeed, the environment on campus on any game day — whether fall or winter — proved unlike any other, with tailgates, traditions, and an infectious spirit that engulfed Knoxville.

Comparisons to National Rivals

Tennessee’s accomplishment is even more impressive when considering the fierce competition from other major programs. Schools like Michigan, Ohio State, LSU, and Alabama traditionally post massive football attendance figures. Meanwhile, Kansas, Kentucky, and UConn consistently draw huge basketball crowds.

But Tennessee’s ability to combine high attendance across all three sports set it apart. Few schools can claim elite-level attendance in both football and men’s and women’s basketball, making Tennessee’s 2024-25 feat particularly remarkable.

At a time when many programs struggle to fill arenas for women’s sports or mid-week basketball games, Tennessee bucked the trend. The university’s culture of supporting all athletes — regardless of sport or gender — stood out on the national stage.

Key Moments That Fueled Attendance

Several signature moments during the year helped push attendance figures higher:

• Football: The October showdown against Alabama was not just a marquee matchup but a sellout weeks in advance. A thrilling win in front of a packed house elevated the season’s energy.
• Men’s Basketball: An early-season upset of a top-five opponent brought national headlines and ignited the fanbase.
• Women’s Basketball: Hosting UConn and defeating the storied Huskies marked a major moment, with over 20,000 fans turning out to witness history.

Every packed game added to Tennessee’s rising attendance figures, creating a compounding effect as buzz grew across campus and the state.

Community Impact

The influx of fans had a positive ripple effect across Knoxville and the surrounding region. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses benefited from the constant stream of visitors. Game days became full-blown economic events, with the university estimating tens of millions of dollars in economic impact over the course of the season.

Beyond economics, the communal aspect of sports shone brightly. Families, alumni, students, and lifelong fans gathered together in one of the country’s most passionate college towns, strengthening bonds that went beyond wins and losses.

Looking Ahead

With 2024-25 setting a new standard, Tennessee is poised to continue building on its momentum. Major recruiting wins across football and basketball suggest that the Vols’ competitive future remains bright.

Meanwhile, upgrades to facilities and fan experiences — from enhanced concession options to improved parking and entertainment zones around Neyland Stadium and Thompson-Boling Arena — aim to make attending games even more enjoyable in the coming years.

Athletic Director Danny White has made fan engagement a central priority, and the results speak for themselves. As White noted, “We’re not just aiming to be the best in the SEC — we’re aiming to be the best in the country.”