Tennessee fans throughout Neyland Stadium often greet visiting teams with scattered boos, but a more complex story unfolds behind the scenes. Beneath the South end after each game, a rarely seen drama takes place that adds depth to the game day experience.
The visiting team area, established during the 1948 stadium expansion and updated over the years with additions like a new media room, has remained a lively center of post-game activity for nearly 80 years.
While visiting team sections across college football may seem secondary, their role contributes to the overall atmosphere. Sometimes, coaches begin their post-game radio shows before formally meeting the media, which can create tension. The home school's Sports Information Department (SID) staff in the press box often await quotes to share with reporters covering the game.
Following the game against Georgia in 1996, Georgia's head coach Jim Donnan, on air, accused Phillip Fulmer of “running up the score” with a late touchdown pass to Derrick Edmonds. Such contentious moments are common in the visiting area’s post-game interactions.
On air, Donnan suggested that Phillip Fulmer “ran up the score” with a late TD pass to Derrick Edmonds.
Off the air, Donnan spoke with show co-host Loran Smith about having dinner with Archie Manning the previous night and hinted at sharing elements of Georgia’s game plan.
Donnan asked co-host Loran Smith about having dinner with Archie Manning the night before and, perhaps, giving away elements of the Georgia game plan.
The visiting team area is a significant yet understated part of the collegiate football atmosphere, showcasing drama and interaction beyond the field.
Author's summary: The visiting team area at Neyland Stadium, active since 1948, hosts lively post-game interactions rarely seen, revealing tensions and behind-the-scenes drama that enrich the football experience.
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