As the 2024 college football season kicks off, Tennessee Volunteer fans have plenty to be excited about. With a promising team, a packed schedule, and a fan base that’s more passionate than ever, this year could be one for the books. Whether you’re a die-hard UT Football fan or a luxury traveler looking to experience the thrill of game day in Knoxville, here’s what you need to know about the Volunteers’ upcoming season.

Forecast for the Vols

The Volunteers have been building momentum over the past few seasons, and 2024 looks to be no different. With a solid core of returning players and a few standout new recruits, the team is poised to make some noise in the SEC. The Vols’ offense is expected to be a powerhouse, with their dynamic quarterback leading the charge. On defense, the team has made key improvements that should keep opposing offenses in check.

While the SEC is always a tough conference, Tennessee has a good shot at making a run for the top. Fans can expect some intense matchups, but the Vols are more than capable of rising to the occasion.

Breaking Down the Schedule

Tennessee’s schedule this year is a mix of must-watch games and potential trap games. The season opener against a non-conference opponent should give the Vols a chance to start strong, but the real tests come in the middle of the season. Games against traditional rivals like Alabama and Georgia will be the highlight of the season, with the outcome of these matchups likely determining the Volunteers’ postseason fate.

Home games in Knoxville are always a treat for fans, especially those coming from out of town. Whether you’re staying in a luxurious Knoxville cabin rental or a cozy Knoxville Airbnb, there are plenty of options to make your stay comfortable. If you’re planning to catch a game, make sure to book your Knoxville VRBO early, as accommodations tend to fill up quickly during football season.

Home Games

1. August 31: Chattanooga
2. September 14: Kent State
3. September 21: Florida
4. October 5: Alabama
5. October 19: Kentucky
6. November 2: Mississippi State
7. November 16: UTEP

Away Games

1. September 7: NC State (in Charlotte, NC)
2. September 28: Oklahoma
3. October 12: South Carolina
4. October 26: Texas A&M
5. November 9: Georgia
6. November 23: Vanderbilt

Neutral Site Games

1. September 7: NC State (Charlotte, NC)

Potential Outcomes and What to Expect

The Volunteers have the potential to finish the season with a winning record and possibly contend for the SEC title. However, the road won’t be easy. Key games against top-ranked opponents will be crucial, and the team will need to stay focused and avoid injuries to reach their full potential.

For fans traveling to Knoxville, game day is more than just football; it’s an experience. The city comes alive with energy, and there are plenty of local attractions to explore before and after the game. From tailgating on campus to enjoying a night out in downtown Knoxville, the city offers something for everyone.

Enjoy Knoxville Beyond Football

While UT Football is the main attraction, Knoxville has plenty to offer luxury travelers and adventure seekers. If you’re into outdoor activities, take a day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains or explore the scenic trails around the city. For a more relaxed experience, check out the local dining scene or visit one of Knoxville’s many museums.

No matter how you choose to spend your time, Knoxville is the perfect destination for football fans and travelers alike. So, grab your orange and white gear, book your stay, and get ready for an unforgettable season of Tennessee Volunteers football.

Join the Fun with Kabino

Get ready for an exciting Tennessee Volunteers football season! Explore Knoxville, find the best places to stay, and catch all the action on the field. Perfect for luxury travelers and adventure seekers.

Pineview Haven

2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, sleeps 6

What creates a 5-STAR rental experience? We’ve compiled a list of components we think will create the “Wow” factor that guests love about a great vacation rental! If you’re interested in more information or would like help accomplishing a higher score for your rental, let us know so we can help make that happen at info@kabino.com.

Floor rate/ min nights

• Our revenue management team and software do a great job of adjusting pricing and the minimum required nights for a stay based on the market and seasons. If you have too high of a floor rate, or minimum price per night, your property may not compete well with other homes.

Maximizing occupancy (permitting)

• Most homes are limited based on factors such as the square footage of the home as well as the septic system. A high-scoring rental will maximize these factors for the highest possible allotted occupancy.

Maximizing occupancy (sleeping arrangements)

• Based on your permitted occupancy, does your rental utilize the space well for a high number of sleeping arrangements? Depending on the size of your home, having rooms with single beds, as well as high occupancy rooms with bunkbeds, and sleeper sofas is ideal. 

Internet

• With working and schooling from home becoming more ‘normal’ in our society, high-speed internet is becoming a must-have rather than an amenity. A high-scoring rental will have the highest speed available (for the area and the home).

Decor: A well-decorated home will display a number of the key features below. 

• Interior
  • Personalized and unique decor in every room
  • No blank/ boring walls
  • Clutter free
  • Clean, newer, nice carpet / floors clear of major scratches
  • Throw pillows and blankets in rooms and seating areas
  • Lighting: Ample lighting in each room, soft light (lamps) in each room, dimmable lighting in main living/ dining/ kitchen areas
  • High end or unique fixtures 
• Exterior
  • Unique welcome mats and decor leading to the home
  • String lights on patio/ deck
  • Citronella candles
  • Entryway: keyless entry, walkway solar lights
• Entryway: contains coat rack, hooks, or closet, shoe rack or mat, bench, mirror, welcoming lighting
• Dining room: kitchen table and seating for max occupancy, table decor and placemats, chandelier or decorative lighting, safe and secure booster seat/ high chair
• Living room: enough comfortable seating for max occupancy, side tables and lamps
• Bedrooms: blackout curtains, screens on windows, ceiling or floor fan, extra blankets and pillows, lockable door knob (easily unlockable from outside), bedside lamp, phone charging ports, trash can, closet or dresser, upgraded mattresses/ toppers
• Bathrooms: lockable door knob (easily unlockable from outside), hair dryer, towel rods or hooks, basket/ shower shelf for supplied items, high-end or unique/ durable finishes
• Linens and towels: WHITE, quick dry and soft/ plush, memory foam and quick dry bath mats, black makeup washcloths, hot tub towels are extra large and can be striped/ non-white 
• Laundry: a large set of washer and dryer (non-high efficient) located inside the home. Amenities should include laundry basket(s), iron and ironing board, as well as drying rack/ hooks. If the home hosts more than 12 people or has bedrooms on multiple floors, more than one set of washer and dryer creates a much more efficient rental. 

Amenities: A high-scoring rental will have an abundance of the amenities listed below.

• Interior amenities: 
  • Smart TVs in each bedroom and shared living spaces
  • Fireplace (electric, propane, gas) – wood-burning fireplaces are not considered an amenity as guests are typically not allowed to utilize them due to safety concerns and insurance limitations
  • Air conditioning
  • Pet friendly (provide poop bags, dog water/ food bowls, crate(s))
  • Gaming table(s) (pool, ping pong, foosball, air hockey)
  • Family-friendly books and board games
  • Sound system for Pandora, Spotify, Amazon music, etc.
  • Gaming system with games (Wii, Xbox, etc)
  • Karaoke machine
  • Kitchen
    • Contains a dishwasher
    • Children plates, cups, utensils
    • Unscrated and matching pots and pans
    • Additional appliances: Keurig, drip coffee pot, coffee grinder, crockpot, griddle, blender, rice maker, waffle maker, tupperware, etc.
    • Self-sharpening knife block
    • High end kitchen sink and fixtures

• Exterior amenities:
  • Hot tub (covered and not exposed to the weather)
  • Fire pit w/ seating for max occupancy
  • Green/ lush lawn to play and walk barefoot on
  • Lawn seating/ picnic table(s)
  • Outdoor activities: horseshoe pits, cornhole, lawn darts, soccerball, football, volleyball, tree swing, hammock, etc. 
  • EV charger

Offseason usability (winter)

• Washer and dryer located inside the home
• Water lines/ crawl spaces free from freezing damage or easy to manage 

Parking availability/ Driveway / Exterior condition / Garage

• Is there adequate parking for the maximum occupancy? 
• Smooth drivability and no divots
• Is there room for trailers as well as for them to maneuver when snow accumulates and is plowed
• Home and deck is painted/ stained/ chinked 
• Sign at the end of the driveway w/ address, property name and Kabino w/ number?
• Motion lights for driveway and front door
• Garage: available to use (not used for owner storage), heated, clutter-free, shelving/ storage for guests, extra fridge/ freezer, exterior keypad for entry (we do not recommend garage door openers due to their propensity for being lost )

Safety Measures? 

• House (including deck, railing, flooring) is up to code and in good condition
• Grill is not placed in garage or enclosed area
• Bunk bed top railing and ladder pass safety review (high railing and closed together ladder steps)
• Fire extinguishers easily accessible, and smoke and CO2 detectors are adequately placed

Self marketing– Consider asking for a marketing packet from your implementation manager at Kabino to self-market your home on your social media to boost its visibility to your friends and family!

• 5 top pictures to feature 
• Link to property
• Short description
• Top (call out) amenities

Partner with an Experience Marketplace

Consider a professional property manager that has access to an experience provider. It has been proven for years that guests look for something to do before they book a property. 80% of money spent on a vacation is spent on experiences such as tours, restaurants, special trips, and more. Kabino has partnered with Scouted.com to provide an extra line of revenue for home owners as they can monetize the guest traffic coming through their property on more than just booking revenue.

Want to learn more about what Kabino can do for you?

Reach out to us and schedule a call if you are thinking about putting your property into a short term rental.  Kabino has over 20 years of experience with many success stories.

Schedule a time to connect!