Image Credit: utsports.com
The Center Square [By Kim Jarrett] –
A new video scoreboard and sound system are part of the improvements coming to the University of Tennessee’s Food City Center, resulting in some changes in ticket prices.
Athletic Director Danny White said a new Riverside Club, similar to the Transcard Premier Club at Neyland Stadium is also part of the upgrades that would add 6% to ticket sales.
The club would be located in the lower level of the arena and would give 1,500 fans access to “unique food & beverage options and a club space to socialize in prior to the game and at halftime,” the university said.
The 6% increase is separate from a 10% increase for name, image and likeness compensation announced in September.
“In this new era of college sports, there has never been a closer relationship between resources and competitive success,” White said in a video. “We must continue to equip our coaches to create the best opportunities for Tennessee student athletes.”
The NCAA banned payments to student-athletes for decades, prohibiting them from commercial endorsements. The organization relaxed its rule in 2021 to allow student-athletes to make money for the commercial use of their image.
Tennessee reached a settlement with the NCAA over NIL on Friday, according to Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti. The state was joined by Virginia, New York and Florida in the suit that said the NCAA’s NIL recruiting ban harms student-athletes. The court will hold a final hearing about the settlement on March 17.
“We’ve been fighting hard to protect Tennessee student-athletes,” Skrmetti said. “Last year, we blocked the NCAA’s unlawful enforcement against Tennessee students and schools, and now this settlement in principle lays the groundwork for a permanent solution.”
