University of Tennessee, Knoxville, leadership and community partners gathered Sept. 19 to break ground for construction of the 865 Neyland entertainment district. Located between Neyland Stadium and Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, the innovative development will serve as a vibrant hub for UT fans, visitors and the Knoxville community.
“The 865 Neyland entertainment district is going to be a game changer for our fans and a huge asset for our entire campus,” said Chancellor Donde Plowman. “The investment creates new opportunities for fan experiences, community engagement and year-round activities.”
Developed through a public-private partnership between UT, RVX Ventures, Magellan Development Group and Arctos Sports, 865 Neyland will feature approximately 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor entertainment, dining and retail space alongside a 24-story hybrid condo-hotel.
“There’s not a college athletics department in the country that has an entertainment district and a hotel development at this scope and scale,” said Danny White, vice chancellor and director of athletics. “It’s really a game changer, and we’re a first mover in this space. I think it’s a differentiator when I think about recruiting visits and the ability to show our student-athletes in a physical way that Tennessee has the biggest and best, most passionate fan base and we’ve got the facilities to prove it.”
Plans for the mixed-use development include:
- A rooftop bar overlooking Neyland Stadium
- An anchor restaurant inspired by East Tennessee traditions
- A multilevel sports bar
- Two outdoor plazas with green space and additional food and beverage offerings
- 3,000 square feet of LED displays
- A performance stage featuring a 50-foot LED display for hosting major artists, watch parties and special events
“It’s a very creative approach to creating community. Sports bring us together and unite us, and I couldn’t be happier about this,” added Plowman.
Demolition of UT’s G10 parking garage, located within the development footprint, is scheduled for fall. A new parking garage is expected to be completed by August 2027. The entertainment district is scheduled to open in early 2028, followed by the condo-hotel tower in 2029.