The Neyland Entertainment District could be a state-of-the-art gem on University of Tennessee's campus, but its construction will likely displace thousands of fans accustomed to parking next to the football stadium on gamedays.
UT says it’s working on temporary solutions to account for the demolition of the G10 garage. But it’s not ready to release those details yet.
Athletics director Danny White said the Neyland Entertainment District project, an ambitious $280 million project, will break ground this summer adjacent to Neyland Stadium. The mixed-use district will include a hybrid condo-hotel overlooking the stadium, a rooftop bar, restaurants, shops, event space and fan experiences.
The next phase requires approval by the UT System Board of Trustees and various state commissions that deal with capital projects. It’s on the agenda for the May 4 meeting of the UT System Board of Trustees, and White doesn’t anticipate any major obstacles.
White said UT is on track to open the entertainment district in early 2028 and the condo-hotel in 2029. But there will be bumps along the way, and UT fans will bear much of the inconvenience.
UT must tear down the G10 garage and rebuild it to ensure the structural integrity for the hotel on top. That will displace thousands of students during the week and fans on gamedays. According to the sign at the garage, it currently has approximately 1,800 spaces.
UT spokesman Jason Baum told Knox News that the athletic department has discussed alternative options with the university throughout the development of the Neyland Entertainment District project. A finalized plan will be announced at a later date.
Tennessee’s football season begins Sept. 5 against Furman at Neyland Stadium.
Many longtime fans and boosters park at G10 garage, located a few feet from the south end of Neyland Stadium. The top level is considered a premier parking area, and the entire structure has been a favorite tailgating spot for fans for many years.
G10 garage currently holds approximately 1,800 spaces. The new G10 garage will have 1,200 parking spaces, according to plans the UT System Board of Trustees approved in February 2025. But the project hasn't broken ground yet.
White said, ultimately, the new G10 garage will be bigger and better than the old one.
"The new rebuilt garage (under the Entertainment District) will have more capacity, and will be designed as an event garage, helping ingress and egress," White posted on X, responding to a UT fan, on April 29. "Hoping we gain your confidence to park in the new G10 when it’s done!"
The new rebuilt garage (under the Entertainment District) will have more capacity, and will be designed as an event garage, helping ingress and egress. Hoping we gain your confidence to park in the new G10 when it’s done! https://t.co/hXrJsdvIDF
UT has not released its new parking plan for the 2026 season. It could disperse the displaced fans to numerous lots around campus.
One option could be the new parking garage under construction at the former site of Fleming Warehouse, adjacent to the Joan Cronin Volleyball Practice Facility and Regal Soccer Stadium. According to UT's facility projects website, it will be a two-tiered parking lot with more than 700 spaces and scheduled for completion this summer.
The G10 garage is located at the future site of a hybrid condo-hotel that will be the centerpiece of the Neyland Entertainment District and some of the commercial space of the development.
The condo-hotel will feature 240 rooms, 60 luxury condos, conference center, lounges, spa, fitness center, pool, terrace and rooftop restaurant and bar with a prime view peeking into Neyland Stadium on gamedays.
The entertainment district will cover 175,000 square feet, including much of it on the top level of the new G10 garage, tying together Neyland Stadium and Food City Center into a gameday entertainment hub. Tailgating, restaurants, retail and other entertainment eventually will be part of the development.
White said G10 garage also needed an update because it’s been plagued by traffic congestion. It was built to house student and faculty vehicles rather than thick gameday traffic. The lack of ingress and egress pathways sometimes makes leaving campus a nightmare after games, concerts and graduation ceremonies.
“They will rebuild with a garage that’s actually built for events,” White said. “The G10 garage was never built for events, which is why we’ve had so much trouble getting people in and out of it. The new garage will be much more efficient in that way. And the top of it will be the entertainment district.”