College football traditions don't get much more distinct than a howling Bluetick Coonhound leading a team onto the field and a flotilla of boats tailgating on the Tennessee River. The University of Tennessee Volunteers boast a dual identity rooted in regional pride, fierce competition, and enduring quirks. While fans immediately recognize the iconic orange and white, the stories behind the live mascot, the costumed character, and the famous maritime tailgate run deep.
Understanding these traditions requires looking past the surface level of game day pageantry. From a halftime barking contest in 1953 to a river full of boats tied up outside Neyland Stadium, this piece unpacks how Tennessee's iconic symbols came to be, how they've evolved, and what makes them enduring staples of Southeastern Conference lore.
The Origin Story of Smokey the Bluetick Coonhound
Before 1953, the University of Tennessee didn't have a permanent live animal mascot, though earlier teams had experimented with a bulldog named Reveille (briefly) and other informal pets. The turning point arrived when the UT Pep Club decided it was time for a proper, home-grown representative.
They launched a contest inviting local owners to submit hound dogs. The criteria were simple: the dog had to be a true Tennessee hound with grit and personality.
At halftime during a game against Mississippi State on September 26, 1953, various canine contenders paraded across the fifty-yard line. Each dog was introduced to the crowd to gauge applause volume. The final dog to take the field was a bluetick coonhound named Brooks Blue Smokey, owned by Reverend W.C. Brooks of Knoxville.
When the announcer called his name, Smokey let out a sharp bark. The student section erupted in cheers, prompting the hound to throw his head back and howl. The crowd loved it, and the decision was sealed. Tennessee finally had its mascot.
Generations of Smokey: Lineage, Legends, and Scandals
Since that crisp autumn afternoon in 1953, ten distinct dogs have carried the mantle of Smokey. Most of the early lineage stemmed directly from the original Brooks Blue Smokey bloodline, though modern iterations have expanded the gene pool.
Caring for a live mascot isn't a passive job. On game days, Smokey is handled by members of the Alpha Gamma Rho agricultural fraternity, who feed, walk, and chaperone the dog through hostile away stadiums and raucous home crowds.
Over the decades, the lineage has accumulated plenty of character and lore:
- Smokey II (1955-1958): Known for being dognapped by University of Kentucky students in 1955. He also survived a memorable face-off with a live Baylor bear at the 1957 Sugar Bowl before tragically passing away after eating a piece of chocolate pie given to him by a fan in Lexington.
- Smokey VI (1984-1991): Endured extreme heat during a grueling 1991 game at UCLA where field temperatures reportedly hit 140 degrees. He was famously listed on the official injury report before returning later in the season.
- Smokey VIII (1995-2003): The winningest Smokey in history, compiling a stellar 91-22 record that included two SEC titles and the 1998 BCS National Championship.
- Smokey IX (2004-2012): Grabaded national headlines in 2006 when he nipped an Alabama player during pregame warm-ups, sparking good-natured debate over whether it was a bite or just a tug on the jersey.
The Costumed Smokey Tradition
While the real bluetick coonhound handles pregame greetings and poses for photos, a costumed human counterpart works the sidelines to hype up the crowd.
The human-sized version of Smokey emerged in the late 1960s, starting out as an unofficial character wearing a homemade tan jumpsuit and a slightly goofy grin. Over the years, the costume underwent dramatic redesigns. The modern character features a giant, expressive hound head, an oversized jersey, and a knack for performing comedic stunts, breakdancing, and antagonizing opposing cheerleaders.
Like the live dog, the costume has its own history of bizarre incidents. In 1999, enterprising Auburn fans snuck into the apartment of the student performer and stole the entire mascot outfit. A local radio station offered a cash reward, and the suit eventually found its way back home safe and sound.
The Vol Navy: Tailgating on the Tennessee River
While Smokey represents the animal spirit of the university, the Vol Navy captures the maritime soul of Knoxville game days.
Neyland Stadium sits immediately adjacent to the Tennessee River, making it one of the few major college football venues accessible by water. In the early 1960s, broadcaster and ardent fan George Mooney decided to beat the horrendous land traffic by piloting his small runabout boat directly to the stadium.
What started as one man finding a clever shortcut quickly snowballed into a cultural phenomenon. By the 1970s and 1980s, dozens of boats were dropping anchor near the stadium seawall. Today, hundreds of vessels—ranging from modest bass boats and pontoons to multi-million-dollar luxury yachts outfitted with massive satellite dishes and grills—dock tightly together on the river every home Saturday.
The area transforms into a floating tailgate party complete with live music, catered food, and orange flags fluttering in the breeze. When the team arrives or scores, the air fills with a chorus of ship horns blasting in unison, creating an acoustic backdrop unique to SEC football.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the University of Tennessee mascot a bluetick coonhound?
The selection came down to a 1953 contest held by the student Pep Club to find a dog that embodied regional identity. Bluetick coonhounds are native to Tennessee, known for their distinct howling barks, and possess a rugged working-dog heritage that resonated with local fans.
Who takes care of Smokey during the off-season?
During the week, the live mascot lives a pampered life with a local family in East Tennessee. On game days, student handlers from the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity take charge of transporting, walking, and presenting the dog on the field.
Can anyone dock in the Vol Navy?
Yes, boaters of all kinds are welcome to join the flotilla on the Tennessee River near Neyland Stadium. However, securing a prime spot close to the docks requires arriving hours—or even days—before kickoff, as regular regulars stake out their territory well in advance.
How did the Volunteers get their name?
The moniker dates back to the War of 1812, when volunteer soldiers from Tennessee played a prominent role under General Andrew Jackson, particularly at the Battle of New Orleans. The state adopted the official nickname "The Volunteer State," which the university naturally inherited for its athletic programs.
