5. Neyland Stadium – Home of the Tennessee Volunteers – 102,455
Neyland Stadium, affectionately known as “Rocky Top” in Knoxville, Tennessee is home to the University of Tennessee Volunteers. It’s capacity of over 100, 000 makes this stadium the second largest in the SEC, fifth-largest in the NCAA, and fifth-largest in the world.
It is named for legendary coach Robert Neyland who served as head football coach on three different occasions from 1926-1953. Before the Volunteers began playing at Neyland, their first home was Baldwin Park. From Baldwin Park, they moved to Wait Field before settling in at Neyland stadium where they’ve been since 1921.
Rocky Top has been one of the great home-field advantages in college football. The Vols have compiled a .789 winning percentage during their time at Neyland. They’ve had 36 seasons where they went undefeated at home. The Volunteers’ longest home win streak is 30 set between 1928 and 1933.
During there time at Neyland Stadium, there were many important games played. No game was more important than Sept. 16, 1972, against Penn State. That was the first home game for Condredge Holloway the first black quarterback at Tennessee and in the SEC.
Holloway and the Volunteers won the day 28-21, but the score was the most inconsequential part of the game. The fact that a black quarterback played–and started–for an SEC team signaled that “times were a-changin” in the Southeastern Conference.
Holloway became a three-year starter and captain during his time in Knoxville. “The Artful Dodger” a Holloway was called led the Volunteers to a 25-9-2 record in his three years winning two of the three postseason games they played. Rocky Top is home to many accomplishments; this is the best of them.