October 14, 2025

Tennessee Football Cancels Flyover for Home Game Against Arkansas

Knoxville, Tennessee, October 14, 2025

News Summary

The University of Tennessee’s football team has canceled the customary flyover for their upcoming home game against Arkansas. This marks the first time this season that the Vols will not have a military flyover before the national anthem, attributed to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Fans will be eager to see how this absence impacts the game atmosphere at Neyland Stadium as the Vols aim to improve their 4-1 record in a crucial SEC matchup.

Tennessee Football Cancels Flyover for Home Game Against Arkansas

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee – The University of Tennessee’s football team will not feature a flyover before their home game against Arkansas on October 11, 2023. This decision was confirmed by a representative from the university on October 9. The cancellation marks the first instance this season that the No. 12 Vols have not had a flyover during the national anthem, a tradition typically observed at home games.

The game is set to take place at Neyland Stadium at 4:15 p.m. ET and will be aired on the SEC Network. The Vols have a record of 4-1 thus far and are currently 1-1 in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. In contrast, Arkansas comes into the game with a 2-3 record and 0-1 in SEC competition.

Impact of Government Shutdown

This event will be the first home game since the federal government shut down on October 1, which has led to various operational changes, including the cancellation of military flyovers at sporting events. In previous home games this season, the Vols featured military jet flyovers during the national anthem against East Tennessee State University on September 6, Georgia on September 13, and UAB on September 20.

The last time Tennessee did not host a flyover before a game at Neyland Stadium was on November 9, 2024, when they played against Mississippi State. That previous occurrence was due to civil twilight restrictions.

Upcoming Schedule

Following the match against Arkansas, the Vols will face a challenging schedule that includes two road games against Alabama on October 18 and Kentucky on October 26. Tennessee will return home to play Oklahoma on November 1, and after an open week, conclude their season with games against New Mexico State on November 15, at Florida on November 22, and against Vanderbilt on November 29.

Conclusion

As the Vols prepare for the upcoming game against Arkansas, fans will be eager to see how the absence of a flyover may affect the atmosphere at Neyland Stadium, as the team aims to improve their record in another crucial SEC matchup.

FAQ

Why will Tennessee football not have a flyover against Arkansas?

Tennessee football will not have a flyover before its game against Arkansas at Neyland Stadium on Oct. 11 due to the federal government shutdown that began on Oct. 1.

What is Tennessee’s current football record?

The No. 12 Vols have a current record of 4-1 and are 1-1 in SEC play.

When is the game against Arkansas scheduled?

The game against Arkansas is scheduled for Oct. 11 at 4:15 p.m. ET and will be broadcasted on SEC Network.

When was the last time Tennessee did not have a flyover?

The last time Tennessee did not have a flyover before a game at Neyland Stadium was on Nov. 9, 2024, against Mississippi State, due to civil twilight restrictions.

Key Features of the Event

Feature	Details
Game Date	October 11, 2023
Time	4:15 p.m. ET
Broadcast	SEC Network
Tennessee’s Record	4-1, 1-1 SEC
Arkansas’s Record	2-3, 0-1 SEC
Flyover Status	No flyover due to government shutdown