Vol Traditions

from University of Tennessee Visitor Guide 2022-2023

Find Your Passion

First things first. Go to your closet and start picking out what you’re going to wear on your first Big Orange Friday.

Next, start learning the words to “Rocky Top.” We could keep going with this list, but we’ve got more than 225 years of traditions for our Vols to enjoy. Take a look at a few of our favorites.

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS

References to the Tennessee Volunteers began during the 1800s, when thousands of Tennesseans volunteered in response to the president’s call for service. Our football team earned the moniker in 1902, and it reflects our rich tradition of leadership and service.

THE VOLUNTEER CREED

Displayed at the base of the Volunteer statue in Circle Park is the university community’s guiding principle: “One that beareth a torch shadoweth oneself to give light to others.”

SMOKEY

Smokey, our beloved bluetick coonhound, leads the Vols by running through the T before each home football game. A costumed version of Smokey first emerged in the 1970s and is a top collegiate mascot and star on and off the field.

‘ROCKY TOP’

“Rocky Top” has been UT’s heartfelt anthem since the early 1970s. On game days in the fall, the song resonates from Neyland Stadium as we sing it at the top of our lungs to cheer on our Volunteers.

“One that beareth a torch shadoweth oneself to give light to others.”

—The Volunteer Creed

PRIDE OF THE SOUTHLAND BAND

More than 300 members strong and with a 150-year history, the band made the song “Rocky Top” famous. It leads the Vol Walk before each home game and forms the T that welcomes our football team onto the field.

BIG ORANGE FRIDAY

UT’s distinctive orange color is said to have been inspired by a cluster of orange-and-white daisies on the Hill. Every Friday, all members of the Volunteer family, wherever they are, wear orange to celebrate and support the university.