One of the biggest questions we get at GoMocs.com from new football fans is, 'What exactly goes on in the First Horizon Pavilion before the game"?
If you have never visited the First Horizon Pavilion, you will quickly notice that it is an open-air space that has become a favorite tailgating spot of Moc fans. It provides a perfect location for everyone to enjoy all the traditions of tailgating, plus the added amenities provided by the UTC Athletics Department.
While tailgating is allowed in all of the lots around Finley Stadium, the First Horizon Pavilion is the hub of activity on gameday. Fans can reserve tailgating spots in the pavilion on a single-game or season basis. Click here for more information on reserving a spot in the pavilion.
One important fact to know is that you do not have to have a space in the pavilion to enjoy all of the activities that take place there on game day. The Party in the Pavilion gets started three hours prior to kickoff and is open to all fans. Best of all, the activities are FREE to all who attend.
The only thing fans might need cash for are the concession stands inside the First Horizon Pavilion that also open three hours prior to kickoff. These stands are on the left side in the middle of the Pavilion. ATM machines are located next to the ticket booth at the front of the Pavilion, but the concession stands also take credit cards.
The Party in the Pavilion includes various amenities such as Scrappy's Kid Zone and the Fan Zone. Scrappy's Kids Zone has slides, bouncers and other inflatable rides for the younger Mocs fans. There is also face-painting and poster-making to get everyone ready for the big game. The Fan Zone has bean-bag toss, ladderball and other traditional tailgating games, while the Prize Patrol always has free giveaways to Mocs fans who visit their area.
There are many Mocs fans who do not want to miss any of the college football action on fall Saturdays, and UTC Athletics certainly has them covered in First Horizon Pavilion. First, anyone who purchases a space in the pavilion receives complimentary cable television and power connections. Second, MocsVision is located in the middle of the pavilion and consists of big screen TV's. Any fan who visits the Pavilion can watch almost any college football game, while still enjoying the tailgating atmosphere.
The cheerleaders and Sugar Mocs are on hand to get the fans going for the traditional Moc Walk. This occurs two-and-a-half hours before kick-off when the team bus pulls into the back of the First Horizon Pavilion parking lot. The police escort announces the arrival of the UTC football players and coaches as they make their way through to the field. Fans line-up to form a human high-five path as the players head to Finley Stadium for their pregame warm-ups.
Just before kick-off, the UTC Marching Band, Elite, Cheerleaders and Sugar Mocs all parade through the First Horizon Pavilion and lead Mocs fans to their seats in Finley Stadium.
As you can see, there is a lot going on for all Mocs fans in the First Horizon Pavilion. Be sure to stop by and check it out for yourself. It is definitely a unique experience that we are sure you will enjoy.
Season Long Activities in First Horizon Pavilion (open 2.5 hours before game)
- Tailgating
- Free Games (bags, ladder golf, etc.)
- Big Screen TV's to watch your other favorite teams
- Kids Zone: Video games, free posters, stickers and inflatables
- Moc Walk by the coaches and football players 2.5 hours before the game
- Pre-game spirit parade in the pavilion and the 'Mocs Rock' concert on Reggie White Blvd. hosted by the Marching Band and Chattanooga Spirit Squad
