Tennessee Volunteers Football: Ranking The Vol Traditions
By Zach Ragan
5. Checkerboard Endzones
Nov 10, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) scores a touchdown against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
One of the most defining features of Neyland Stadium has to be the checkerboard endzones.
The checkboard endzones were yet another contribution from former head coach Doug Dickey.
They were installed in 1964 and remained until 1968, when artificial turf was installed at Neyland.
The checkerboard endzones returned for good in 1989.
Neyland was recently named by USA Today as one of the most unique playing surfaces — in the entire world. I’d like to think the checkerboard endzones are primarily responsible for that honor.