Watch Tennessee Vols John Ward ceremony video here

The Tennessee Volunteers are holding a ceremony for legendary broadcaster, John Ward, who passed away. Check out the live stream and then full video here.

The “Voice of the Vols” is getting his own tribute at Thompson-Boling Arena. John Ward, who called Tennessee football and basketball games for over 30 years, is beyond a legend in Knoxville. So it’s only fitting that he gets a ceremony in his honor.

Ward passed away last week at the age of 88 after a lengthy illness. Numerous Tennessee Vols legends, current administrators and other people affiliated with the program are speaking in his honor at this event.

As noted all week, this event is more of a celebration than a mourning. John Ward was always full of life. Check out the video here.

John Ward was part of a new generation of college sports and introducing it to new fans. His electric personality as a radio broadcaster was impossible to ignore. He and Larry Munson of the Georgia Bulldogs were a huge part of taking the sport to a new level.

Bringing personality and color to broadcasts as college football in the South was changing made for the perfect combination. That’s one of the biggest reasons he will be missed.

During his career, Ward covered the Ray Mears and Don DeVoe basketball years and went from Doug Dickey to Phillip Fulmer in football. His final football game as a radio broadcaster was the national championship game against the Florida State Seminoles to cap off the 1998 season.

When he passed away, John Ward drew recognition from everybody. He will always remain a beloved figure on Rocky Top and across the state of Tennessee. Amidst all of his fun phrases, the guy was always able to call the game fairly. It’s one of his greatest assets.

And while 1998 was Ward’s final year with the football program, it brought some of his most memorable broadcasts as well, including the Florida Gators win that year. Simply put, he’s a legend, which is why he gets this tribute.