Pride of the Southland Band Prepares for Thrilling 2025 Season
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KNOXVILLE, TN – The University of Tennessee‘s renowned Pride of the Southland Band is deep into preparations for the 2025 football season, promising fans a dynamic and energetic game-day experiance.After a highly competitive audition process, the 415-member band is refining new routines and embracing a revised march to Neyland Stadium.
A Tradition of Excellence
The pride of the Southland Band has long been a cornerstone of the University of Tennessee’s football tradition, captivating audiences with its precision, passion, and spirited performances.Band Director Mike Stewart emphasized the band’s central role, stating, “Our job is to keep the crowd entertained and to keep the energy in Neyland going, and hopefully we’ll be able to do our role as we always do.”
Interest in joining the band remained exceptionally high this year, requiring all prospective members, including returning students, to audition. Stewart noted the excitement surrounding the university and its band program, stating, “Once you get past that initial part of having to make those tough decisions, it’s exciting to know that there’s an excitement about the university, and the band.”
What’s New for 2025?
Fans can anticipate several exciting changes this season.The band will debut a new parade route to Neyland Stadium, beginning 1.5 hours before kickoff on Pat Head Summitt Street. The route will proceed down Volunteer Boulevard and Peyton Manning Pass, culminating in the Salute to the Hill performance near the intersection of Peyton Manning Pass and Phillip Fulmer way.
Beyond the updated route, the band is introducing fresh drill formations, musical arrangements, and a revamped circle drill. Stewart shared, “Everything’s going to have kind of a new taste to it for each show.”
Did You Know? The Pride of the southland Band’s circle drill is a legendary tradition, known for its complexity and precision.
Leadership Remains Consistent
Providing continuity amidst the changes, Christian Carroll will return as head drum major for the 2025 season, and Sydney Flenniken will once again serve as assistant drum major. Their experience and dedication will be invaluable as the band navigates its new routines and performances.
2025 Home Game Schedule
Here’s a look at the University of Tennessee’s home football schedule at Neyland Stadium:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| September 6 | ETSU | 3:30 p.m. |
| September 13 | Georgia | 3:30 p.m. |
| September 20 | UAB | 12:45 p.m. |
| October 11 | Arkansas | 3:30-4:30 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. |
| November 1 | Oklahoma | 3:30-4:30 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. |
| November 15 | New Mexico State | 4:15 p.m. |
| November 29 | vanderbilt | 3:30-4:30 p.m. |
The Pride of the Southland Band’s commitment to excellence ensures that the Neyland Stadium experience remains unparalleled. As Stewart aptly put it, “It’s not anything that is replicated at home or in any other stadium I’ve ever visited. I mean, the Neyland experience is something truly unique.”
Pro Tip: arrive early to Neyland Stadium to witness the full spectacle of the Pride of the Southland Band’s pre-game performance and parade.
And, of course, the iconic sounds of “Rocky Top” will continue to reverberate throughout the stadium, a beloved tradition that defines Tennessee football.
What are you most looking forward to seeing from the Pride of the Southland band this season? Do you have a favorite band tradition?
The Pride of the Southland Band’s enduring legacy is a testament to the power of music and tradition in collegiate athletics. The band’s ability to adapt and innovate while maintaining its core values ensures its continued relevance and appeal to generations of fans.The role of university marching bands in fostering school spirit and enhancing the game-day atmosphere is well-documented, with studies showing a direct correlation between band performance and fan engagement [[1]]. The band’s commitment to musical excellence and visual spectacle sets a high standard for collegiate marching bands nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pride of the Southland Band
- What is the Pride of the Southland Band known for? The band is renowned for its precision marching, energetic performances, and iconic circle drill.
- How many members are in the Pride of the Southland Band? The band consists of 415 members.
- what is new for the 2025 season? The band will have a new parade route and fresh drill formations.
- Who are the drum majors for the 2025 season? Christian Carroll will serve as head drum major, and Sydney Flenniken will be the assistant drum major.
- Where does the band march to Neyland Stadium? The band will now start on Pat Head Summitt Street and march down Volunteer Boulevard and Peyton manning pass.
We hope you’ll join us in cheering on the Pride of the Southland Band this season! Share this article with your fellow Vol fans and let us know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more exciting updates.