How will Neyland Stadium be affected by Tennessee's $500M fundraising campaign?
Tennessee athletics director Danny White announced a $500 million fundraising initiative Wednesday. "There is so much to do and so much opportunity," White said. Tennessee announced Wednesday that $200 million already has been committed prior to the launch of the campaign. Approximately $70 million is committed for upgrades at Neyland Stadium and the Anderson Training Center. Key donors include former Vols quarterback Peyton Manning, UT System President Randy Boyd and members of the Haslam family, including former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, Pilot Flying J founder Jim Haslam and Cleveland Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam. The short answer is donor interest, which White called the "dominant factor." "All of those projects, we are going to have to fund from the athletics department with donations or other revenue sources," White said. White also stressed getting "bang for the buck" with any spending correlating with a big impact on the program and athletic department. He could see UT prioritizing, at times, based on scale and efficiency. White has two projects in mind to start quickly at Neyland Stadium, which he said echo the type of upgrades and updates seen at modern facilities nationwide. UT plans to create a premium experience on the lower west side of Neyland Stadium behind the Tennessee bench. The other plan has two parts  adding a north end zone video board and creating a standing room only area under the video board. White envisions the area being like a sports bar that is "aimed at a younger demographic." Both projects are expected to be completed prior to the 2022 season. Theres a lot of updating, which is financially a challenge. But is also is an opportunity for us to take this iconic sports venue and put our own unique spin on it and bring together a modern experience while also protecting the storied history of Neyland Stadium.  The two upgrades were already "in the queue," White said, and he expects both to be revenue-producing changes. It is easy financially to pull the trigger on projects like that," White said. Tennessee's baseball program has "probably the biggest discrepancy (between) the level we are competing at and the level we are resourced," White said. That is especially true with Lindsey Nelson Stadium, which needs renovations. I am committed to whatever our baseball coach tells me gives the best opportunity to recruit and develop players at a really high level," White said. White emphasized the need for "different and better fan amenities," including premium seating. He said conversations have been happening for a few months about the baseball facility, but "a more finite plan for the future" of Lindsey Nelson Stadium will come after the season. Tennessee plans to use the campaign to affect all 20 of UT's varsity athletic programs through facilities and resources. The focus in each program will be strategically based on need and in alignment with UTs facilities master plan, which was completed in 2020. White stated a focus will always be on student seating at Tennessee athletics events. As we look into the future of all of our venues  the student experience is huge. It is going to be critical for what our gameday experience looks like," White said. Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mikes coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.