Gonna be able to get some scratchers and $40 on pump 2 at halftime?
Of course stadium sponsorship deals aren’t exactly new. It’s more common in the NFL, but in college we’ve got Kentucky playing at Kroger Field, Minnesota has Huntington Bank Stadium, and even the iconic Carrier Dome of Syracuse has been renamed the JMA Wireless Dome.
But there are some stadium names that are just too iconic. And I would put Neyland Stadium in that category (even though I’m not really a Tennessee fan).
The stadium was named after General Robert Neyland, who was not only an officer in the United States Army but also served as the athletic director and football coach for the University of Tennessee. During his 21 seasons as coach, the Volunteers won four national championships and a 173-31-12 record.
Neyland passed away in 1962, and shortly after his death the university officially renamed their stadium to Neyland Stadium.
And with college football getting more expensive in this age of NIL, fans weren’t ready for the Vols to change the name of Neyland just to attract some more sponsor dollars.
Well today the university unveiled their plan to keep that from happening and maintain the Neyland Stadium name. Tennessee entered into a 20-year partnership with Pilot Flying J, a chain of truck stops based in Knoxville, to sponsor their football stadium – but the name isn’t going to change.
According to the university, new “Home of the Vols” signage with Pilot branding will be installed in the stadium, and the Pilot logo will be painted on the Neyland Stadium field. The truck stop chain will also be featured in sponsored content with athletics programs and the Vol Network.
Here’s the white pilot logo on the turf. pic.twitter.com/EnUjxYT9K0
— Brent Hubbs (@Brent_Hubbs) August 13, 2024
Of course, fans were happy that the name of the stadium is going to be preserved. But people had a lot of jokes about the Volunteers partnering with a gas station for their stadium:
Maybe Pilot will instal the trucker showers in Neyland and make some of u stinkin mfs wash off before the game!! pic.twitter.com/Y2scb8MXFq
— jRoD (@JByGodRod) August 13, 2024
Me when I’m at the Pilot Flying J and a Lot Lizard asks if I want the Neyland Special pic.twitter.com/k3CZuONBba
— Jerry Vols (@RainesJerr56740) August 13, 2024
🚨 BREAKING: As part of Tennessee’s historic 20-year deal with Pilot Flying J, the university has officially renamed its sports teams: pic.twitter.com/tGsDbu95oJ
— 229 Dawg 🏆 🏆 (@229_Dawg) August 13, 2024
Truck Stop U!
— Viscount Byron ✖️🏵️ (@ByronViscount) August 13, 2024
gas station program https://t.co/tpeVtYkoil
— Sidelines – Bama (@SSN_Alabama) August 13, 2024
Can i get two glizzies, $40 on pump 6, a fountain mountain dew, shower #6 and 2 tickets to the party deck for week 1 @ Pilot field at Neyland stadium!!
— jRoD (@JByGodRod) August 13, 2024
Many people forget General Neyland frequented this hallowed gas station after a victory. Roller hot dogs and 44 ounce drinks all around! https://t.co/ScDUU8rfwu
— James Collins (@James_D_Collins) August 13, 2024
Of course I’m sure Vol fans won’t mind the jokes if that Pilot money helps them win a national championship.
