CIRCLE PARK - KNOXVILLE, TN | A SHORT WALK FROM NEYLAND
Tailgatingfor a Cause - Vols tailgate passes in Knoxville
Tailgating for a Cause brings together the Knoxville community to support local charities through fun, people-focused events. Founded by Vol fans in 2014, we blend philanthropy with excitement year-round - from football tailgates to festivals - all for a greater good.
The 2026 season
2026 passes are on-sale now!
Join us for Tailgating for a Cause 2026 at Circle Park, where Tennessee football and community spirit come together for a great cause. Each tailgate features delicious food options, refreshing beverages, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for connecting with fellow Vol fans before the game. Our 2026 season supports First Tee Tennessee - Greater Knoxville, helping to build game changers and make a positive impact on Knoxville youth through the game of golf.
With five exciting home games on our schedule, these tailgates offer a fun, easy-to-enjoy experience for everyone looking to celebrate Tennessee football while supporting our community. Get your season or single-game pass today, and we'll see you on Rocky Top!
Get your tailgate passWho we are
About Tailgating for a Cause
Tailgating for a Cause is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Knoxville, Tenn. This organization is a people-focused vehicle for change, designed to bring together folks who love two things - helping others, and having fun. Founded upon the idea that fun and philanthropy aren't mutually exclusive, our mission is to give the community the opportunity to come together and support local charities, and have a whole lot of fun along the way.
For a small group of local Vol fans, the passion was already there. They were lifelong football enthusiasts who just happened to love helping people. Bringing the two together was just the next logical step.
Thus, on an unseasonably warm fall day in 2014, Tailgating for a Cause was born. It started small, with just a grill, a single TV and a few cases of, uh, Powerade, but in the years since, has flourished into an experience unlike any other on campus. And with a multitude of local and national charities now benefiting from its largesse, a bevy of events year-round, and the support of countless local businesses, food, and beverage sponsors, the Tailgating for a Cause movement is more exciting than ever!
Since 2014, the organization has evolved into hosting events beyond football season. We have hosted several other fundraising events through the years for local charities including Knoxville Brewfest, Sunset On Central, anbd.
501(c)(3) non-profit - Knoxville, TN - Est. 2014
2026 Home Slate
Five home games
Where we set up
Circle Park
You'll find our tent in Circle Park, right next to the McClung Museum - a short walk from Neyland and steps from the Volunteer Blvd lots. Look for the dinosaur statue; we're the TFAC tent right next to it.
- Address 1327 Circle Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37996
- Parking Volunteer Blvd & nearby campus lots
- Timing We open 3–4 hours before kickoff, til halftime
Two ways in
Get your pass
Your pass covers access to the tailgate, food, and beverages for one person, per game. Go all season, or grab just the games you want.
Best value - season
Season pass
all five home tailgates
- Access to all five home tailgates
- Food & beverages, one person per game
- Starts 3–4 hrs before kickoff, til halftime
- Supports First Tee Tennessee - Greater Knoxville
One Saturday - single
Single-game pass
$40 opener - $60 SEC games
- Access to any single home tailgate
- Food & beverages for one person
- Starts 3–4 hrs before kickoff, til halftime
- Supports First Tee Tennessee - Greater Knoxville
2026 Beneficiary
First Tee Tennessee - Greater Knoxville
Our 2026 season supports First Tee Tennessee - Greater Knoxville, helping to build game changers and make a positive impact on Knoxville youth through the game of golf.
We blend philanthropy with excitement year-round - from football tailgates to festivals - all for a greater good.
Where the money has gone
Charities that have benefited from TFAC
Since 2014, every tailgate, festival and fundraiser has sent proceeds straight to local causes. These are some of the organizations our supporters have helped along the way.
CureDuchenne
The First Tee - Greater Knoxville
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee
Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Beaumont Magnet Academy
Bridge Refugee Services
Breast Connect
Beyond football season
Year-round events
Before you come
Good to know
How much is a Tennessee tailgate pass?
Single-game passes are $40 for the home opener and $60 for SEC games. A season pass covering all five 2026 home tailgates is $225. Every pass includes food and beverages for one person, per game.
Where can you tailgate near Neyland Stadium?
Tailgating for a Cause hosts a public, open-to-anyone tailgate in Circle Park at 1327 Circle Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37996 - right next to the McClung Museum dinosaur statue and a short walk from Neyland Stadium.
What's included with my pass?
Access to the tailgate plus food and beverages for one person, per game. The tent opens 3-4 hours before kickoff and runs through halftime.
Is food included with a TFAC tailgate pass?
Yes. Food and beverages are included in the price of every pass - there is nothing extra to buy at the tent.
What time does the tent open?
The tent opens 3-4 hours before kickoff and stays open through halftime of the game.
Can I bring my kids to the tailgate?
Absolutely - all ages are welcome. It's a family-friendly community tailgate with food, drinks and a great cause.
Does the tailgate run rain or shine?
Yes. The tailgate runs rain or shine - we have a covered tent, so come on out no matter the weather.
Do I need to print my pass?
No. We check you in by name at the tent, so just show up - no printed pass required.
Can I buy a pass at the tent on game day?
Yes, day-of walk-up passes are available at the tent if a game hasn't sold out. We take card and cash at the gate.
Is parking available near Circle Park?
There are pay-to-park garages and campus lots nearby with parking on game days, then it's a short walk over to Circle Park.
Who does Tailgating for a Cause support?
TFAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2014. The 2026 season supports First Tee Tennessee - Greater Knoxville. Past beneficiaries include Second Harvest Food Bank, Cure Duchenne, Bridge Refugee Services, Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Beaumont Magnet Academy and Breast Connect.
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