Ticket Info & Promotions Schedule Unveiled

Ticket Info & Promotions Schedule Unveiled

Posted on October 8, 2018
Credit: UT Athletics

Single-game tickets for Tennessee men’s and women’s basketball home games go on sale Tuesday. With both squads expected to enter the year as top-10 teams and several exciting promotions planned, it’s sure to be a fun-filled season at Thompson-Boling Arena.

Though we’re only one week into the month of October, multiple games are less than 1,000 tickets away from being sellouts at UT’s 21,678-seat riverfront venue.

Single-game tickets will be available for purchase on Tennessee’s ticketing website AllVols.com. Pricing varies by game and seating location, with affordable ticket options in the 100-level (lower bowl) ranging from $5 to $30 per ticket.

Fans interested in bringing a group or team to Thompson-Boling Arena to cheer on the Big Orange are encouraged to call 865-974-7000 to inquire about discounted group ticket pricing, available for groups of 15 or more.

TICKET PACKAGES
Tennessee sold out of the popular Vol Pass ticket option for men’s games last week, but the Lady Vols Pass remains available and is entering its third season as a fan-favorite. The season-ticket alternative offers a ticket to every regular-season home game for just $99—less than $6 per game. Prior to each game, fans are reminded via email to select their seat from the best available inventory, including 100-level seating. Additionally, fans can easily add extra tickets next to their seating location, if available, for any game.

The Double-Double Deal is a two-game ticket and concessions bundle designed to offer Lady Vol fans and families a great view and a great value. The package includes two 100-level tickets and $8 meal vouchers for each game. The bundle, priced at just $45, provides fans a savings of up to $20. The Double-Double Deal is available for marquee matchups between the Lady Vols and Stanford, Notre Dame, LSU, South Carolina, Vanderbilt and Missouri.

The customizable Voliday Package offers Big Orange fans the option to select any three games—men’s or women’s—between Dec. 18-30. The $50 package also includes a voucher to enjoy a future game free of charge, excluding SEC matchups on Saturdays, and comes with an exclusive holiday t-shirt.

500th GAME AT THOMPSON-BOLING ARENA
Tennessee’s contest vs. Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday, Nov. 28, will be the men’s basketball program’s 500th game at Thompson-Boling Arena. To celebrate that milestone, 500 tickets for that game will be sold for only $5, beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 9.

WE BACK PAT
This year’s “We Back Pat” contest takes place Jan. 21 when Arkansas comes to Thompson-Boling Arena for a 7 p.m. ET tipoff. Join us in support of the Southeastern Conference’s “We Back Pat” week-long initiative.

LIVE PINK, BLEED ORANGE
Tennessee’s annual “Live Pink, Bleed Orange” game is Jan. 27 when LSU visits Knoxville for a 1 p.m. ET showdown. This event helps educate the public and increase awareness in the fight against breast cancer.

FREE TICKET INITIATIVES
Multiple opportunities exist for Tennessee basketball fans to attend a game free of charge this season.

Anyone who attends Tennessee’s preseason Rocky Top Tipoff event on Oct. 19 will receive a voucher for a free ticket to the men’s regular-season opener vs. Lenoir-Rhyne on Tuesday, Nov. 6 or the women’s opener against Presbyterian on Sunday, Nov. 11.

As a part of Tennessee Athletics’ Salute to Service Weekend, current military members and veterans may present a Military ID or DD 214 at the gates upon entry to Thompson-Boling Arena for complimentary admission for themselves and an immediate family to the men’s game against Louisiana on Friday, Nov. 9 or the women’s home-opener against Presbyterian on Sunday, Nov. 11.

In support of local teachers and education, fans may donate two new school supply items and receive one complimentary admission on Tuesday, Nov. 6 when the Vols face Lenoir-Rhyne or on Sunday, Nov. 18, when the Lady Vols host Florida A&M. All supplies collected benefit the Knox County School Supply depot.

New this season and in conjunction with Knox County Schools’ winter break, kids 12 and younger can celebrate school being out with complimentary admission on Friday, Dec. 21, for the Lady Vols game against ETSU.

The final free-admission opportunities of the season fall on Dec. 29 for the men’s game against Tennessee Tech and Dec. 30 for the Lady Vols game vs. Belmont. Fans can donate two non-perishable food items and receive one complimentary admission to either game. The Hoops for Hunger initiative supports the Second Harvest Food Bank feeding East Tennessee families in need.

The most up-to-date information on this season’s initiatives and game promotions is available at: UTsports.com/FanExperience

FOR THE KIDS
A new Kids Combo Meal is available at concession stands inside Thompson-Boling Arena for both men’s and women’s games this season. Priced at just $6, little Big Orange fans age 12 and younger can enjoy a kid-sized drink, a corn dog and bag of chips.

And for all Sunday women’s home games, young Lady Vols fans are invited to stop by the Kids Corner, located on the concourse at Gate F. Activities are free for all kids and include face painting, the Big Orange Prize Wheel, visits from Smokey and cheerleaders, arts and crafts and more.

At the conclusion of Sunday Lady Vols games, all kids 12 and younger also are invited down onto the court to take a post-game layup shot.

FREE PARKING AND SHUTTLE SERVICE
For all basketball games, Tennessee Athletics provides free parking on the Ag Campus off Neyland Drive with free shuttle service to and from Thompson-Boling Arena. The shuttle begins two hours prior to tip-off and runs one hour post-game. Shuttle pickup on the Ag Campus is off of Joe Johnson Drive. All shuttles are fully accessible for those with disabilities.

ARENA ENTRY REMINDER FOR GUESTS
To enhance patron safety, walk-through metal detectors are now in place and operational at all Thompson-Boling Arena entrances.

Tennessee’s Clear Bag Policy is still in place, and all bags will be checked before entrants pass through the metal detectors. There will be signage and staff to help direct fans through the process at each entry point.

Please be advised that this new security measure may add time to the process of entering the arena, so fans are encouraged to allow additional time for entry. Patrons also are encouraged to bring only necessary items with them in order to ensure a smooth and timely arena entry.

UT Athletics
Russell Dickerson Tops the Country Charts With “Blue Tacoma”

Russell Dickerson Tops the Country Charts With “Blue Tacoma”

Posted on October 8, 2018

It’s official. Russell Dickerson isn’t a one-hit wonder.

After topping the charts earlier this year with “Yours,” the Tennessee native has scored his second No. 1 hit with “Blue Tacoma,” which topped both the Billboard Country Airplay chart and Mediabase chart this week. Russell co-penned the tune with Casey Brown and Parker Welling.

“‘Blue Tacoma’ has been such a crazy fun ride,” says Russell. “It has been amazing to see it catch fire and go all the way to the top. And not only a number one single but now an RIAA-certified gold single as well. Now having two number ones in a single year is a dream come true for me. I’m so thankful for all my country radio family and my fans—aka the RD Fam—for such a huge year.”

After spending the summer on the road with Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker on their co-headlining Summer Plays On Tour, Russell will open for Darius during his European tour dates through October.

Old Dominion Announces Headlining Tour and Drops New Single, “Make It Sweet” [Listen]

Old Dominion Announces Headlining Tour and Drops New Single, “Make It Sweet” [Listen]

Posted on October 8, 2018

The guys from Old Dominion—Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Geoff Sprung, Brad Tursi and Whit Sellers—are following up their fifth No. 1 single, “Hotel Key,” with the release of “Make It Sweet.”

The new track is the lead single from Old Dominion’s upcoming third studio album.

“We walked into the studio one day without discussing what we wanted the next step for our band to be,” says Matthew Ramsey. “The plan was to write a song and record it on that same day. What happened was something we could never have planned. The words fell out and the next thing we knew, we had recorded ‘Make It Sweet.’ It’s raw, natural and 100 percent us. We are so proud and grateful to have the opportunity to share such a meaningful moment for our band with the world.”

The boys will perform “Make It Sweet” for the very first time on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Oct. 16. You can watch Old Dominion’s new video for “Make It Sweet” below.

In addition, the band will embark on the Make It Sweet Tour in 2019. Kicking off on Jan. 18 in Chicago, the 20-plus-date tour will features support from Jordan Davis, Morgan Evans, and Mitchell Tenpenny on select dates.

Make It Sweet Tour

  • Jan. 18 | Chicago, Illinois | Allstate Arena ^+
  • Jan. 19 | Bloomington, IL | Grossinger Motors Arena ^+
  • Jan. 24 | Bemidji, MN | Sanford Center^+
  • Jan. 25 | Brookings, SD | Swiftel Center^+
  • Jan. 30 | Scottsdale, AZ | Coors Light Birds Nest
  • Feb. 2 | Durant, OK | Choctaw Grand Theater^+
  • Feb. 7 | Lowell, MA | Tsongas Center^+
  • Feb. 8 | Uncasville, CT | Mohegan Sun Arena^+
  • Feb. 9 | Washington, DC | The Anthem^+
  • Feb. 14 | Windsor, ON | Caesars Windsor^
  • Feb. 15 | Cedar Rapids, IA | U.S. Cellular Center^+
  • Feb. 16 | Ft. Wayne, IN |Memorial Coliseum^+
  • Feb. 27 | Athens, GA | Akins Ford Arena*
  • Feb. 28 | Asheville, NC | U.S. Cellular Center^*
  • March 1 | North Charleston, SC | North Charleston Coliseum^*
  • March 7 | Pensacola, FL | Pensacola Bay Center^*
  • March 8 | Tallahassee, FL | Donald L Tucker Center^*
  • March 28 | Madison, WI | Alliant Energy Center^*
  • March 29 | St. Louis, MO | Chaifetz Arena^*
  • March 30 | Omaha, NE | CHI Health Center Omaha^*
  • April 25 | Boise, ID | CenturyLink Arena^*
  • April 26 | Reno, NV | Reno Events Center*
  • April 27 | San Jose, CA | San Jose Events Center*

Jordan Davis ^
Morgan Evans +
Mitchell Tenpenny*

photo by Jason Simanek

Jessie James Decker Authors New Book, “Just Jessie: My Guide to Love, Life, Family & Food”

Jessie James Decker Authors New Book, “Just Jessie: My Guide to Love, Life, Family & Food”

Posted on October 8, 2018

Jessie James Decker has been making the media rounds—including stops in Nashville and L.A.—in support of her new book, Just Jessie: My Guide to Love, Life, Family, and Food.

The new book, which is Jessie’s first, hopes to “inspire and empower women to follow their dreams, as they learn how Jessie made hers a reality. The book offers family recipes, fashion tips, pregnancy advice, health and beauty tutorials, dating advice and more.”

“When I was younger, it was easier to stay in shape,” says Jessie. “But once I had children, everything changed. That’s why I started focusing more on diet and exercise.”

Jessie, 30, and husband Eric Decker have three children, the most recent of which was born in March.

Jessie’s 2017 album, Southern Girl City Lights, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

photo by Tammie Arroyo/AFF-USA.com

Watch Blake Shelton Turn It Up in Acoustic Video for “Turnin’ Me On”

Watch Blake Shelton Turn It Up in Acoustic Video for “Turnin’ Me On”

Posted on October 8, 2018

Blake Shelton turned up the heat at the iconic Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles to record a new acoustic video for his current single, “Turnin’ Me On.” Henson Recording Studios was originally founded by Charlie Chaplin in 1917 and has played host to a number of artists, including John Lennon, Pink Floyd, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Kiss, U2 and many more.

“Turin’ Me On” is the third single from Blake’s 2017 album, Texoma Shore, following No. 1 hits “I’ll Name the Dogs” and “I Lived It.” “Turnin’ Me On” is currently No. 19 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart after 11 weeks.

Blake penned the tune with Josh Osborne and Jessie Alexander, who provides vocals during the clip.

“We’re sitting on my bus one day early in 2017 and I think I was in Baton Rouge,” said Blake. “I was up there alone and I had my guitar, started playing a little melody that I was hearing in my head and next thing you know I started writing a song. I wrote a verse, then I wrote a chorus, then I realized it was going somewhere and I felt good about it. Like I always [have] in the last couple of years, I called up my friend Jessi Alexander and said, ‘Man, I think I’m onto something and I need somebody way better than me to try to bring this thing home.’ She and I and Josh Osborne ended up writing this song, I’m super proud of it—and it’s not hard to figure out who this song is about.”

Blake, of course, is referencing his girlfriend Gwen Stefani. In the new tune, Blake croons “And when my body’s beside hers / There ain’t no turning back / She’s Revlon red in the blackest night / Lighting up the room in the world just like she’s turnin’ me on.”

Gwen has been a longtime spokesperson for Revlon cosmetics.

Watch Blake’s new video below.

photo by Jason Simanek

Basketball Vols ready to “see what we’ve got”

Basketball Vols ready to “see what we’ve got”

Posted on October 5, 2018
Credit: UT Athletics

Last season, the Tennessee basketball team was projected to finish 13th in the SEC. The Vols were tied as the fifth-youngest team in the nation, and “experts” didn’t expect much from UT’s inexperienced roster. Despite that lack of recognition in the preseason, the Vols exceeded all expectations and achieved an overall record of 26-9 while winning a share of the SEC regular-season championship.

Now, the Vols are starting the 2018-19 season with one of the most experienced rosters in all of college basketball. All five starters return, as does nearly every major contributor from last year’s squad.

The reigning SEC Champions have the chance to make history by earning their highest preseason ranking ever in the AP poll. While some teams might revel in such accomplishments, head coach Rick Barnes said the Vols know they must now hit the reset button.

“The question will be, ‘Can we improve as much each day as we did a year ago?’ That’s really our whole process that we talk about here,” Barnes said. “Can we get better today?”

During the team’s annual Media Day Thursday, Barnes emphasized that adding depth to an already talented roster is a major priority for this team.

“Up to this point, it has been competitive, and that’s what we want,” Barnes said. “What we really wanted to do was get as many reps throughout the summer leading into this fall for Kyle Alexander, Derrick Walker, John Fulkerson and Zach Kent.”

When asked about Barnes’ approach, Alexander said, “He’s not letting anyone hide this year. Everyone has a role that they play, and he’s making sure they play (that role).”

Alexander had 57 offensive rebounds as a junior last season, the fourth-most ever in a season by a Volunteer. He also ranked sixth in the SEC in offensive rebounds per game. Entering his senior campaign, Alexander said the team knows its goals.

“We’re not going to get complacent because we know what our goal is, and we know what we still want to accomplish,” he said.

A projected top-10 team nationally, Tennessee likely will enter the season ranked for the first time since the 2010-11 campaign. While rankings sometimes affect a team’s approach, junior point guard Jordan Bone said rankings don’t matter to this group.

“We’re going to stay consistent with what we do, and I feel like everything else will take care of itself,” Bone said.

As Tennessee looks to win back-to-back SEC titles for the first time in program history, the team’s bond is closer than ever.

“We’re like brothers, and we all care for each other,” Bone said. “When it comes to the court, we make plays for each other. It’s just amazing to have a group of guys that look out for you.”

Barnes said Thursday he is happy for the team because he knows the work each player has invested, but he knows that fan excitement and media buzz will not win championships.

“It’s going to continue to take hard work. It’s going to take commitment. It’s going to take focus,” said Barnes.

“We’re ranked. We’re good. Let’s go and see what we’ve got.”

 

UT Athletics

Lauren Alaina Pays Homage to Reba, Faith, Shania and More in New Single, “Ladies in the ’90s” [Listen]

Lauren Alaina Pays Homage to Reba, Faith, Shania and More in New Single, “Ladies in the ’90s” [Listen]

Posted on October 5, 2018

Lauren Alaina is heading back to country radio with a new single, “Ladies in the ’90s,” that pays homage to many of her influences, including Britney Spears, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Faith Hill and more.

Lauren, who was born in 1994, co-wrote the tune with Jesse Frasure and Amy Wade. The new single, which officially impacts country radio on Oct. 15, is available now.

To celebrate the new single, Lauren will be hosting ’90s themed VIP parties as part of Cole Swindell and Dustin Lynch’s Reason To Drink . . . Another Tour, which kicked off on Oct 4 and runs through Dec. 14.

Listen to “Ladies in the ’90s” below.

 

photo by Jason Simanek

Jimmy’s blog: Kentucky, LSU biggest surprises in SEC

Jimmy’s blog: Kentucky, LSU biggest surprises in SEC

Posted on October 5, 2018

By Jimmy Hyams

The biggest SEC surprise in the current AP top 25 poll is Kentucky.

Nobody projected the Wildcats to be ranked in the preseason polls, and many had Kentucky fifth or sixth in the SEC East Division.

But talented running back Benny Snell, production from quarterback Terry Wilson, a solid offensive line and a surprisingly good defense have carried Kentucky to a 5-0 record with impressive wins over Florida and South Carolina and its first 3-0 SEC start since 1977.

Just as surprising is LSU at 5-0 ranked No. 5 in the nation with two wins over top 10 teams. LSU was a top 25 preseason team but I thought LSU was a 7-5 team that surely would lose at Auburn.

Based on a brutal schedule, LSU could still end up with five defeats, but that appears unlikely, thanks to the emergence of quarterback Joe Burrow (388 total yards against Ole Miss) and a stout defense.

The Florida game this week could determine if LSU has a special season.

Surprising on the flip side is the slide of Mississippi State, which returned 17 starters and some difference makers but has struggled mightily on offense. The Bulldogs have scored just 13 points in two SEC games and quarterback Nick Fitzgerald looks like the two-star quarterback he was rated coming out of high school. The Bulldogs appear to miss the offensive mind of former coach Dan Mullen.

Another slight surprise is South Carolina, which won nine games last year but is 1-2 in the SEC with losses by 24 and 14 points. If the Gamecocks fall to Missouri this week, Will Muschamp could have a .500 team this season. Play calling seems to be an issue.

I am also surprised at how explosive Alabama’s offense is (I knew it would be good, but not THIS good) and how bad Arkansas is.

Recap of last week:

The hits: Florida getting 8 points against Mississippi State. The Gators won outright … I picked Alabama 54-7 over Louisiana-Lafayette. The Tide led 49-0 at half and won 56-14 … Kentucky beating South Carolina … On a TV show, I took the over on Georgia rushing for at least 250.5 yards against Tennessee. The Dawgs rushed for 251.

The misses: I missed by at least double digits on the point spreads of Texas A&M-Arkansas, Auburn-Southern Miss, Vanderbilt-Tennessee State, LSU-Ole Miss … I took Mississippi State over Florida. What in Feleipe Franks was I thinking?

Last week: 7-1 (1-1 on SEC best bets)

Overall: 44-8

My picks for this week

Alabama 51-13 over Arkansas. How do you not pick the Tide to score at least 50 points in almost every game it plays. The Tide did set a program record by scoring at least 45 in five games in a row.

Auburn 20-16 over Mississippi State. The Tigers’ offense has been stuck in neutral at times, in part because Auburn doesn’t have a big-time running back. State has been a big disappointment, especially on offense.

Florida 20-17 over LSU. At some point, the bubble will burst for LSU. Florida’s defense is darn good when healthy and suspension free.

Texas A&M 27-24 over Kentucky. At some point, the bubble will burst for Kentucky. The Aggies almost took down then-No. 2 Clemson at home. Kyle Field is the difference.

Georgia 34-17 over Vanderbilt. Bulldogs lost at home two years ago to the Commodores. No chance history repeats.

Ole Miss 40-24 over Louisiana-Monroe. Rebels should finally be able to score at will against a non-SEC defense after being throttled by Alabama and LSU.

South Carolina 27-24 over Missouri. One of four tough games to pick in the SEC. Tigers have more offensive weapons and Gamecocks have been held to 17 and 10 points in two of three SEC games, but the Tigers in recent years haven’t played well on the road.

SEC best bets:

Over 55 points in the Alabama-Arkansas game.

Florida getting 3 points against LSU

Kentucky getting 7 points at Texas A&M

Auburn giving 3 points against Mississippi State

Sponsored by Big Kahuna Wings: The wings that changed it all

Tenille Townes Talks Canadian Roots, New Single “Somebody’s Daughter,” Upcoming Album, Touring With Miranda Lambert & Little Big Town & More

Tenille Townes Talks Canadian Roots, New Single “Somebody’s Daughter,” Upcoming Album, Touring With Miranda Lambert & Little Big Town & More

Posted on October 5, 2018

Jim Casey talks with singer/songwriter Tenille Townes about:

  • growing up in a small Canadian town
  • her early musical influences, including Shania Twain, Dolly Parton, Elvis, Fleetwood Mac and more
  • asking her parents to take singing lessons as a small child
  • getting her first guitar from her grandparents as a 14-year-old
  • moving to Nashville in 2014 as a 19-year-old
  • playing songwriting rounds and listening rooms in Nashville
  • signing a publishing deal with Big Yellow Dog and a record deal with Sony Nashville
  • co-writing her new single, “Somebody’s Daughter,” with Luke Laird and Barry Dean
  • working with producer Jay Joyce on her upcoming album
  • touring with Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town
  • playing six shows in Europe in October
  • her charitable work with Big Hearts for Big Kids

Podcast Participants:

  • Tenille Townes
  • Jim Casey, editor in chief of NCD

Men’s Basketball Focuses on the Upcoming Season

Men’s Basketball Focuses on the Upcoming Season

Posted on October 4, 2018
Vols basketball team / Credit: UT Athletics

By Grace Pohl, UTsports.com

Even with expectations running high for the reigning SEC regular season champs, it is a clean slate for the Tennessee men’s basketball team going into this year.

“Once we got through with the season and they had a little bit of time, which wasn’t much, we went in a room and talked about where we were and what we had done last year,” Rick Barnes said when addressing the media on the team’s media day. “We simply said, ‘Now that’s over with; that’s done with. We’ve got to start over like every team in the country. We don’t get to start back where we finished.'”

Last year, the Volunteers ended their campaign with a regular-season SEC title and a 26-9 record for the third-most wins in program history. But that is far from the head coach’s mind as the team has its first exhibition game at the end of this month.

“We start off the season zero-and-zero like everybody else, and the question will be, ‘Can we improve as much each day as we did a year ago?'” Barnes said. “Really, our whole process that we talk about here is can we get better today?”

After being picked to finish 13th in the SEC last year, the Big Orange is now listed in the top-10 of every major preseason poll as the team returns all five starters from last season’s squad. That includes three Vols that averaged double-digit scoring in Grant Williams (15.2 ppg), Admiral Schofield (13.9 ppg) and Lamonte Turner (10.9 ppg).

“In terms of the outside expectations, if they’re hearing it, I can tell you that they’re hearing a whole different story in practice,” Barnes said. “It’s the same story that we talked about four years ago. It’s about us getting better, and that’s where we’ll keep it.”

Starting his fourth year as head coach at UT, Barnes didn’t making his team’s non-conference schedule easy, as they play teams such as Gonzaga and Louisville on their slate before beginning conference play on January 5 against Georgia.

“We think about going in every day and fighting for it,” junior Grant Williams said. “Not only for ourselves, but also for our teammates. We have each other’s backs, and that is something we pride each other on. Being able to continually do that is huge for us.”

Tennessee is set to host 18 regular-season games and one preseason exhibition at Thompson-Boiling Arena for the 2018-19 campaign. The team will also compete in a Thanksgiving-week trip to New York City for the NIT Season Tip-Off as well as the Jerry Colangelo Classic in Phoenix. Other non-conference games include West Virginia, in-state foe Memphis, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Samford and Tennessee Tech.

“I have no doubt in my mind that this year we will be way more consistent,” senior Admiral Schofield said. “This summer was the hardest summer to get a rim to just shoot a ball on because our whole team was in the gym the whole day. I would have to come in late at night just to get my extra work in because everyone has been putting in time. I think everyone’s urgency and everyone’s focus is being better than we were last year.”

With SEC play still a couple months away, Tennessee’s 10 SEC championships are tied for the second-most among league schools, but the Volunteers have never captured back-to-back conference titles. Another league title this season would also give Barnes his first consecutive league title. He currently holds three Big 12 and an SEC championship under his belt.

UT’s first home exhibition game is October 31 against Tusculum with tipoff at 7 p.m. The first regular season home game is less than a week later on November 6 against Lenoir-Rhyne slated for 7 p.m. on the SEC Network.

“In basketball, you can always grow,” Schofield said. “This season is very important for my growth but also for the growth of the team.”

-UT Athletics

 

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