President Trump is scheduled to attend the Texas-Tennessee football game on Saturday in Knoxville.

“No. 13 Tennessee (3-0) plays No. 1 Texas (3-0) on Sept. 26 (noon ET, ABC) at Neyland Stadium in the SEC opener,” Knoxville News Sentinel wrote.

The president is no stranger to big college football games, attending last season’s national championship between Indiana and Miami.

“President Donald J. Trump is expected to attend Saturday’s football game between Tennessee and Texas. Fans should plan to arrive early and expect increased security measures in and around Neyland Stadium,” the University of Tennessee Athletics stated.

“All stadium gates will open at 9:00 a.m. Ticketed attendees are strongly encouraged to arrive significantly earlier than they would for a typical game. Enhanced security screening will be conducted before entry by the Secret Service Police at all stadium gates. Fans should expect increased wait times as kickoff approaches. Re-entry is not permitted once a ticket has been scanned for admission,” it continued.

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In 2024, Trump attended the Georgia-Alabama football game in Tuscaloosa. He also was at the national title game in Atlanta between Alabama and Georgia in 2018. And he was at the national title game in New Orleans between LSU and Clemson in 2020. Trump left those games before they ended, usually at halftime.

Trump is a notable sports fan. In the mid-1980s, he owned the New Jersey Generals in the United States Football League. And he hosted a UFC event on the White House lawn in June for America’s 250th anniversary.

The sellout game was already going to be a spectacle. With Trump attending, it will add to the scene and tighten security around Neyland Stadium, which has a capacity of 101,915.

“Heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic are expected across portions of campus several hours before kickoff. Temporary roadway closures, traffic control measures, and pedestrian routing adjustments may be implemented to support game day operations. Fans should allow extra travel time and consider arriving well in advance of kickoff,” the University of Tennessee Athletics wrote.

“Fans should also expect congestion and brief delays when moving through campus and areas near the stadium before and after the game,” it added.

“See you on Rocky Top, Mr. President!” Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) commented.

Blackburn is running for governor of the Volunteer State this November.

Fox News shared further:

ESPN’s “College GameDay” will also be in Knoxville for the marquee matchup. Fans going to the game will likely be encouraged to get there early.

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Both Texas and Tennessee enter the game coming off strong wins. Texas defeated UTSA 30-6 in Week 3, while Tennessee handily beat Kennesaw State 42-9.

For Texas quarterback Arch Manning, he will be playing against his uncle Peyton Manning’s alma mater. The young quarterback has impressed this season, most notably during the team’s 24-23 comeback victory over Ohio State in Week 2. This season, Manning has completed 61.5% of his passes for 661 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions.

Manning will not only have to contend with a raucous Volunteers crowd but also take on a defense that has allowed just 14 points per game this season.

 

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