Pilot and Tennessee Athletics announced a new partnership that will allow the university to preserve its Neyland Stadium name and enhance the stadium. The agreement, which is slated for up to 20 years and could extend further, keeps the names of Neyland Stadium and Shields-Watkins Field unchanged. Pilot is designated as the presenting partner of the Neyland Stadium renovation project and the official travel stop of Tennessee Athletics.
New signage on the east side of Neyland Stadium will feature a return of the "Home of the Vols" sign and Pilot's logo. Pilot's branding will also be on each side of Shields-Watkins field and in sponsored content with Tennessee Athletics and the Vol Network.
"Neyland Stadium is one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world and UT is a significant part of making Knoxville a special place that Pilot is proud to call home," said Pilot CEO Adam Wright. "Through this partnership, we will preserve the legacy of Neyland while also investing in its future to create exceptional experiences for generations to come. We look forward to seeing you out here as we cheer on the Vols in Neyland."
The partnership will also include the Neyland Stadium renovation project, which will “continue to modernize and enhance the fan experience.” Future updates will include necessary upgrades to the south side and perimeter of the stadium, such as widening concourses, constructing expanded gates and entryways, and adding additional restrooms and concessions areas.
"For more than 65 years, we have fueled fans across North America as they hit the open road for big games," said Adrienne Ingoldt, Pilot's chief marketing officer. "There's nothing like Neyland Stadium packed with passionate fans who've traveled from near and far to root for the beloved Vols. Pilot is out here to fuel them up, fill them up, and lift them up on the way to victory."
Fans can expect to see the new "Home of the Vols" signage with Pilot branding and many of the completed renovations in Neyland Stadium with the start of the football season, which kicks off on August 31.
Earlier this month, Pilot launched its new ad campaign, “See You Out Here.” “The campaign embodies the company's purpose to ‘show people they matter at every turn’ by forging a deeper emotional connection between Pilot and the experiences drivers crave,” the company said.