Second Annual “Salute to Service Week” Celebrations, Recognitions Begin Sunday

Salute to Service - UT / Credit: UT Athletics

Second Annual “Salute to Service Week” Celebrations, Recognitions Begin Sunday

Salute to Service – UT / Credit: UT Athletics

A week to celebrate the history of the Tennessee Volunteers and the Volunteer Spirit by honoring those who serve begins Sunday, Nov. 24.

Following the popularity of the inaugural 2018 Salute to Service Weekend, Tennessee Athletics is proud to expand its efforts into a week-long “Salute to Service” campaign, Nov. 24 – Dec. 1. In 2018, UTAD welcomed more than 2,100 military members and veterans from across the southeast for the three-game weekend and hopes this year’s extended initiative will attract upwards of 5,000 proud Volunteers.

Salute to Service Week includes special recognitions, ceremonies, celebrations and opportunities for veteran and military families to attend a football (allotment exhausted), men’s basketball, women’s basketball and volleyball game free of charge (additional details provided below).

Volleyball vs. Missouri (Nov. 24) and Volleyball vs. Auburn (Nov. 27)
Cadet Bryce Miller, a member of the University of Tennessee Air Force ROTC Program, will kickoff Salute to Service Week celebrations with an “Honorary First Serve” at the Tennessee volleyball match on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. ET against Missouri at Thompson-Boling Arena. Current military members and veterans may present their military ID or DD 214 at the ticket tent located outside of Gate B for complimentary admission for themselves and their immediate families to both Sunday and Wednesday’s matches.

For a ticket to cheer on Tennessee volleyball at Thompson-Boling Arena during Salute to Service Week, click HERE.

Men’s Basketball vs. Chattanooga (Nov. 25)
Fans can catch Tennessee’s nationally ranked and undefeated men’s basketball team in action Monday at 7 p.m. ET as the Vol host the Chattanooga Mocs. The Big Orange are proud to host a joint contracting ceremony at halftime for cadets from both the University of Tennessee Army and Air Force ROTC programs. The game also features a special “Welcome Home Hero” recognition and the honoring of two Volunteers of the Game.

Current military members and veterans may present their military ID or DD 214 at the ticket tents located outside of Gate B, Gate D and the tent located at the main ticket office on Phillip Fulmer Way for complimentary admission for themselves and their immediate families. To purchase tickets to Feed the Floor and honor the great men and women of our military, click HERE.

In addition to complimentary admission for active military and veterans, free parking and shuttle service is available from UT’s Ag Campus.

Women’s Basketball vs. Arkansas Pine-Bluff (Nov. 26) and Women’s Basketball vs. Air Force (Dec. 1)
Led by first-year head coach Kellie Harper, the undefeated Lady Vols are in action on Tuesday and Sunday during Salute to Service Week, incorporating the theme into both competitions.

On Tuesday night, as part of Military Family Appreciation Month, families representing different branches of the military will be honored on the court.

For both games, in conjunction with the Office of UT Veterans Services, a Lady Vol “Lady Vet of the Game” was selected to participate in a behind-the-scenes guest-coaching experience, which includes seats behind the team bench and an inside look at what it’s like to be a Lady Vol on gameday.

Current military members and veterans may present their military ID or DD 214 at the ticket tents located outside of Gate B, Gate D and the tent located at the main ticket office on Phillip Fulmer Way for complimentary admission for themselves and their immediate families.

In addition to complimentary admission for active military and veterans, free parking and shuttle service is available from UT’s Ag Campus.

For tickets to Get Lady Vol Loud during Salute to Service Week, click HERE.

Football vs. Vanderbilt (Nov. 30)
Head coach Jeremy Pruitt and the Tennessee Volunteers football team welcomes more than 2,000 veteran and military families to experience the final 2019 home game in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 30. Special tributes are planned throughout gameday, beginning with the Vol Walk at 1:45 p.m. ET. Leading the Volunteers down Peyton Manning Pass and into the stadium will be a representative from each branch of the military. Cadets from the University of Tennessee Air Force and Army ROTC programs will march with the Pride of the Southland Band on the way to stadium. Two UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopters are expected to fly over iconic Neyland Stadium to add to the gameday pageantry during the pregame performance of The National Anthem.

The “Volunteer of the Game” provides tribute to the history of the Tennessee Volunteers nickname and the proud heritage of The Volunteer State. This season’s final Volunteer of the Game will be honored in a unique way for their tremendous story and sacrifice, sure to inspire Vol Nation and fans in attendance.

The Pride of the Southland’s halftime performance, “A Salute to our Armed Forces,” is a collection of patriotic tunes.

Additional gameday elements are planned to delight fans and honor many of East Tennessee’s finest, including the fan-favorite UT Medical Center “This is Tennessee” videoboard feature.

Tickets to the Salute to Service football game against Vanderbilt on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 4 p.m. ET are available HERE.

Military and First Responder Discount Offer
Veterans, military members and first responders are able to purchase discounted tickets to UT’s home football finale vs. Vanderbilt at a 20-percent-reduced rate with an exclusive promotional code. The discount offer also applies to all available men’s and women’s basketball games.

Discounted tickets are limited and based on availability. Restrictions may apply. Military units or veteran organizations wishing to receive an organizational discount code, may click HERE. Discounted tickets must be purchased in advance of gameday at AllVols.com or at the Tennessee Athletics ticket window. Discounted tickets are not available on gameday.

Seats for Service Members
Through the overwhelming generosity of Vol Nation and the support of the “Seats for Service Members” campaign, Tennessee Athletes matched more than 550 tickets purchased by Vol fans, providing 1,500 complimentary tickets to East Tennessee service members, veterans and their families for the 2019 home-opener against Georgia State and an additional 2,000 tickets to the Salute to Service football game against Vanderbilt.

Additional Salute to Service promotions and details can be found at UTsports.com/Fan HQ.

-UT Athletics

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