What would a coronavirus-altered Tennessee football season mean for Vols traditions?

Jeremy Pruitt poured himself into some Tennessee traditions after the Alabama native and alumnus became UT’s coach in 2017. He studied up on Gen. Robert Neyland’s maxims, and he showed appreciation for the Vol Walk.

"It’s a pretty huge sight to see — all these people with orange on standing out there to watch these guys walk,” Pruitt said of the Vol Walk after a 2018 home game.

Not only must Tennessee and the SEC decide whether to play football this fall — and if so, in what capacity to allow fans because of the coronavirus pandemic — but some Vols traditions also must be evaluated for 2020.

The Vol Walk tradition began in 1990. Thousands of orange- and white-clad fans line Peyton Manning Pass and Phillip Fulmer Way to greet Tennessee’s players and coaches as they walk down those streets before entering Neyland Stadium through Gate 21 two hours and 15 minutes before kickoff. Players, coaches and fans adore the pregame spectacle, which offers an opportunity for fans to interact with players and try to get a high-five from their favorite Vols. 

It is not, however, conducive to social distancing.

Neither is the Pride of the Southland Band.

The band’s repeated playing of “Rocky Top” is ingrained into the Neyland Stadium experience. But once again, it wasn’t set up with a pandemic in mind, and the band's presence at games will be a subject for school officials to ponder.

In addition to their pregame and halftime performances, band members pile shoulder to shoulder into their spot in the stadium’s southeast corner to play throughout the game.

The Pride of the Southland has existed since 1869 — making it older than the football program and an innate part of fall Saturdays in Knoxville.

Blake Toppmeyer covers University of Tennessee football. Email him at blake.toppmeyer@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @btoppmeyer. If you enjoy Blake’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it. Current subscribers can click here to join Blake's FREE text group offering updates and analysis on Vols football.