Neyland Stadium is in the middle of a dramatic face-lift as the Tennessee Volunteers head into the 2009 season. 

Built in 1921 Shields Watkins Field, what is now known as Neyland Stadium is in the middle of the most expensive phase of Master Plan, Phase III. 

This phase of the Master plan is to be completed before the beginning of the 2010 football season.

The initial part of Phase III has just been completed.  It includes improvement to the west tower, including the sky boxes and press center updates, construction of the West Club, as well as the removal of scissor ramps to the west upper deck that were replaced by stairwells and elevators to increase fan accessibility. Levels two through seven all underwent renovations.

Level 2:  Level two underwent a renovation that addresses the general fan in the lower west section of the stadium. A continuing theme of arches throughout the stadium gives an architectural beauty to the level two renovations. Additional snack bars and restrooms have been added as well.

Level 3: The future home for the Tennessee Terrace, level three will remain incomplete during the 2009 football season and will be finished before the 2010 season. The future of the Tennessee Terrace includes a climate-controlled environment with a seating area as well as an unrivaled view of the Vol Walk. With 1,800 seats available at $3,000 per seat annually, the Tennessee Terrace will help fund the next part of Phase III renovations. 

Level 4:  Level four holds the West Club, a luxurious seating section largely equivalent to what is now the East Club on the opposite side of the stadium. The West Club also provides a climate-controlled lobby with 103” television, live statistical tracker, and an outside deck that showcases a beautiful view of UT’s campus. The West Clubs houses 434 seats available at a mere $35 to $50,000 initial donation as well as a fee of $5,000 per seat annually. With wall-to-wall televisions, a great overhead view on Shields Watkins Field and even TVs in the restrooms, you can’t miss a snap of Tennessee football in the new West Club.

Level 5:  The fifth level houses the new press center that once resided on the fourth floor. The new press level consists of several press specific boxes including a network television box that was constructed with the help of a CBS representative to insure it was up to network TV standards.  A general press seating area has been increased from 140 to 144 seats. 

Level 6: The sixth level houses the first level of box seating including the new Presidential master suite that was once broken into several sections. Other individual suites include two flat screen televisions, a kitchenette as well as 16 seats. With 118 suites available UT has sold all but one at the rate of $48,000 annually.

Phase III is only halfway complete and yet the change in Neyland Stadium is very evident. The major facelift will take place on the outside of Neyland prior to the 2010 football season. Improvements will include the creation of a new Gate 21 plaza, including an amphitheatre adjacent to the Alumni Memorial Building. The biggest change to the outside of the stadium will include a brick facade covering the brown paint seen during the 2009 season. The completion of the Tennessee Terrace will be included in the second half of Phase III renovations along with a larger than life statue of General Robert Neyland under the Tennessee Terrance overhang.

The University of Tennessee has already identified funds upwards of $135 million for the budgeted $105 million renovations. Athletic Director Mike Hamilton said Tuesday, “Our renovations help give Neyland Stadium a new look without spending the billions that some new stadiums are costing.” 

Renovations have been met with little resistance and Hamilton believes that even traditionalists will be happy with the end result.