Tennessee Traditions

Curious about how and when our traditions began? We’ve got you covered with this extensive (but not exhaustive) timeline. You can also delve into UT’s past with our historical timeline at utk.edu/history.

1869

Pride of the Southland

The band began in 1869 as a corps of cadets and became known as the Pride of the Southland Band in 1949. This year marks the band’s 150th anniversary. It is now a 350-member band known internationally for its outstanding musical performance and precision marching.

1902

Volunteer Nickname

The football team was called the Volunteers for the first time in 1902 by the Atlanta Constitution, referencing the large number of volunteers from Tennessee who fought in the War of 1812 and the 30,000 who responded to the secretary of war’s call for 2,800 men during the Mexican–American War.

1916

Homecoming

The Vols celebrated their first Homecoming with a 10–6 victory over Vanderbilt. The tradition took a hiatus until 1926, but since then it’s been an annual occurrence, with the exception of 1943. For decades the Ag Club’s Barnwarmin’ dance was a staple of the celebration.

1926

Aloha Oe

The first Aloha Oe ceremony was meant for seniors to bid farewell to their alma mater. They carried lit candles and received the Torch of Service, pledging to serve their alma mater and their communities. In 2021, the event’s name changed to Torch Night: A Farewell to Thee.

1928

Alma Mater

“On a Hallowed Hill,” penned by Mary Fleming Meek, was the winner of a yearlong contest to produce an original alma mater. Though not an alumna, Meek had attended the Summer School of the South on campus during its first years.

1929

Carnicus

The All Campus Events Committee combined the annual carnival and circus into one activity. George Abernathy, a member of the All Students’ Club, coined the name. As Carnicus evolved over the years, more emphasis was placed on skit competitions. The event is still being held today.

1929

Torch Night

Carrying torches, freshmen marched to the front entrance of campus and gave a yell for the sophomores. Then they walked part way up the Hill and gave a yell for the juniors. Finally, they presented themselves to the seniors in front of Ayres Hall. The freshmen then took an oath of loyalty and pledged allegiance to UT. A chosen senior representative passed the Torch of Preparation to a designated freshman.

1932

Torchbearer & Volunteer Creed Adopted

The Volunteer Creed—“One that beareth a torch shadoweth oneself to give light to others”—and the university’s official symbol, the Torchbearer, were adopted, though the Torchbearer statue was not erected in Circle Park until 1968.

1953

Smokey

The bluetick coonhound that would become UT’s mascot was chosen at halftime of a football game against Mississippi State. “Brooks’ Blue Smokey” was last in the line of dogs vying for the title. The crowd cheered, Smokey barked, they cheered some more, and he kept barking.

1964

Checkerboard

Head Coach Doug Dickey introduced an orange-and-white checkerboard end zone design on Shields–Watkins Field.

1965

Running through the T

Before each home game, the Vols run onto the field through a T formed by the band. The unique entrance was created by Pride of the Southland Band Director W J Julian and Coach Doug Dickey.

1966

The Rock

The 97.5-ton hunk of Knox dolomite was unearthed during grading for roads and buildings on campus. The painting tradition began around 1980. The Rock was moved across Volunteer Boulevard in 2009 to make way for a new Student Health Center.

1972

“Rocky Top”

Since the Pride of the Southland Band first played “Rocky Top” during halftime of the Tennessee– Alabama football game on October 21, 1972, it has become one of UT’s most beloved songs. Felice and Boudleaux Bryant wrote the song in 10 minutes in 1967 at the Gatlinburg Inn.

2013

Big Orange Friday

In one of our newest traditions, all members of the Volunteer family are encouraged to wear orange on Fridays to show their love for UT.

This story is part of the University of Tennessee’s 225th anniversary celebration. Volunteers light the way for others across Tennessee and throughout the world.

Learn more about UT’s 225th anniversary