One thing Tennessee basketball fans should be especially proud of is the incredible environment at the Food City Center night after night. Rick Barnes has praised the fanbase as well, highlighting just how much their energy and support lift him and the team. The Food City Center has been one of the toughest places to play in, in all of college basketball.
Tennessee has been nearly perfect at home this year. The Vols are 14-1 at the Food City Center with the only loss coming to Kentucky, where, frankly, Tennessee completely gave that game away. The proof is in the pudding, too, as Tennessee's metrics prove that they are one of the best teams in the nation when playing at home.
According to CBB Analytics, Tennessee ranks fourth in the nation in adjusted net rating from away to home games. The Vols are 25.5 points better when playing in Knoxville compared to the road a staggering difference that shows just how much the fans have created a tough, hostile environment for opponents.
These teams play that much better at home 🏠📈 pic.twitter.com/i7IDIMBzuJ
— CBB Analytics (@CBBAnalytics) February 25, 2026
Vols’ 14-1 Home Record Shows Fan Energy Creates a True Competitive Edge
It's nice to see tables like these that further reinforce that the fans do make a difference, and Tennessee does a great job defending its home court. The students in the student section and the fans all around the stadium are loud and passionate all game long, making it an intense 40 minutes for any opponent. Having half their games at home is a massive edge for the Vols.
The one downside is that the Vols won’t have a true home-court advantage during March Madness. The good news? Every game will be at a neutral site, and unless they’re playing right next to another school’s campus, the crowd should be roughly a 50/50 split or maybe even tilted in Tennessee’s favor, since Vol Nation travels exceptionally well.
Tennessee has two home games left, and they will need every ounce of support as they host Alabama and Vanderbilt to close out the season.