Checker Game Announced by Tennessee Basketball: A Tradition Returns with a Bang
The Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball team is making waves this season, not only for their on-court performance but also for the return of one of the most exciting and visually stunning traditions in college basketball—the Checker Game. Announced recently by the team, the Checker Game promises to bring the energy and the spectacle that Thompson-Boling Arena is known for, as well as cement the Vols’ place in the hearts of their passionate fanbase.
As fans of Tennessee basketball know, the Checker Game is more than just a regular game. It’s an event. It’s a celebration of everything that makes Tennessee basketball so special—its high-energy style of play, its electrifying atmosphere, and the powerful connection between the players and the fans. If you’ve ever been inside Thompson-Boling Arena for a Checker Game, you know exactly how it transforms the environment. For those who haven’t had the chance yet, the announcement of this tradition returning is the perfect time to get excited.
So, what exactly is the Checker Game? Why has it become such an important part of Tennessee basketball’s legacy? Let’s break down everything you need to know about this electrifying event and why it’s a must-see for college basketball fans.
What is the Checker Game?
The Checker Game is an annual tradition where fans of the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team fill Thompson-Boling Arena in a coordinated fashion, with the crowd divided into a “checkerboard” pattern of alternating orange and white. Fans are asked to wear either orange or white, based on the section of the arena they are seated in. The result is a breathtaking, visually stunning effect that mirrors the colors of the Tennessee Volunteers and creates a sea of orange and white that’s as impressive as it is intimidating to opposing teams.
The Checker Game is a fan-driven tradition, and it’s one of the most well-executed fan experiences in college basketball. The atmosphere is electric from the moment fans begin to file into the arena, and the excitement reaches a crescendo when the teams take the court. The visual impact of the checkerboard pattern, combined with the energy from the crowd, makes for an unforgettable experience.
The Checker Game isn’t just about aesthetics, though. It’s a celebration of the Vols’ basketball culture and the bond between the team and its passionate fanbase. The tradition highlights how Tennessee fans go above and beyond to show their support, creating a unique atmosphere that’s hard to replicate anywhere else in college sports.
The History of the Checker Game
While the concept of the Checker Game may seem like a new phenomenon, it actually dates back to the 2011-2012 season, when Tennessee’s athletic department and the basketball program first decided to implement the tradition. The idea was to create an exciting and visually striking way for fans to show their support for the team. The first Checker Game took place in 2012 during a home game against Kentucky, one of the most intense rivalries in SEC basketball. From that point on, the Checker Game has become an annual fixture, especially for big home games against top opponents.
The tradition has grown over the years, and with each passing season, the event has become more and more popular. Tennessee basketball has always had a strong following, but the Checker Game has helped further cement the program’s identity and passion among its supporters. The atmosphere inside Thompson-Boling Arena during the event is unlike any other, and it has drawn national attention, further elevating the team’s reputation on the college basketball stage.
Over the years, the Checker Game has become a signature event for the Volunteers, and the announcement of this season’s game has fans buzzing with excitement.
Why the Checker Game Matters
The Checker Game isn’t just an opportunity for fans to display their team spirit—it’s an event that energizes both the players and the crowd. The combination of the visual impact and the intensity of the fan support creates a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that can propel Tennessee to new heights. The crowd’s energy becomes almost tangible, and it’s not unusual for the Volunteers to feed off that enthusiasm, turning in some of their best performances of the season in front of a raucous home crowd.
The importance of the Checker Game goes beyond the spectacle. It’s a statement of the Tennessee basketball culture—a culture built on fan loyalty, hard work, and dedication to excellence. It’s a reminder that Tennessee basketball isn’t just a team; it’s a community. Fans don’t just watch the game—they are part of it. The Checker Game celebrates that unity and the unique bond between the team and its supporters.
For the players, the Checker Game offers a powerful reminder of the level of support they have. With the stands full of orange and white, they know that every possession is watched by fans who have invested emotionally in their success. The players feed off this energy, and it often leads to an extra boost of intensity and focus on the court.
The Checker Game also serves as a reminder of Tennessee’s long and proud history in college basketball. With legendary coaches like Ray Mears and Bruce Pearl, and the program’s rich tradition of producing top-tier players, the Checker Game is a celebration of everything that has led to this moment—both for the program and for the fans who have supported it through thick and thin.
The 2025 Checker Game: What to Expect
For those fortunate enough to be attending this year’s Checker Game, there’s plenty to be excited about. Tennessee’s 2025 team is shaping up to be one of the most competitive squads in recent memory, and the Checker Game provides the perfect backdrop for their big games. Under head coach Rick Barnes, the Vols are known for their tough, gritty style of play, and their defense-first mentality is sure to make them a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.
In addition to the high level of play on the court, the 2025 Checker Game promises to bring some surprises and special moments. Tennessee always goes above and beyond to make this event a memorable one, and fans can expect enhanced game-day experiences, special promotions, and exclusive opportunities to celebrate their team.
Beyond the game itself, the Checker Game is a social event. Fans come together in their orange and white gear, bonding over their shared love of Tennessee basketball. The experience extends to tailgates, fan meetups, and parties, all culminating in a thrilling night of college basketball. It’s more than just a game—it’s a celebration of everything that makes Tennessee basketball special.
How Fans Can Participate
If you’re planning to attend the Checker Game, it’s important to know how to participate in the tradition. Fans are encouraged to wear orange or white based on their assigned section of Thompson-Boling Arena. Those in the orange sections will sport the traditional Tennessee orange, while fans in the white sections will wear white apparel to complete the checkerboard pattern. The coordination is crucial to creating the stunning visual effect, and fans are asked to do their part to make the event as impactful as possible.
In addition to the visual spectacle, fans are encouraged to bring the noise. The Checker Game isn’t just a passive experience—it’s a call to action for fans to get loud and rowdy, creating a home-court advantage that will rattle any opponent. The Vols thrive in a raucous environment, and the fans play a critical role in creating that atmosphere.
A Must-See Event
The Checker Game is more than just a tradition. It’s a celebration of Tennessee basketball and the incredible passion that runs deep within the fanbase. It’s a visual spectacle that gives fans a chance to show their support in a way that few other teams can match. As the 2025 season gets underway, the announcement of the Checker Game has fans buzzing with excitement, and it’s clear that this will be one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Whether you’re in the stands or watching from home, the Checker Game is a can’t-miss experience. It’s a reminder of the unique bond between Tennessee basketball and its fans—one that fuels the Vols’ success and creates an atmosphere that’s truly special. For fans who bleed orange and white, the Checker Game is an opportunity to come together, celebrate the team, and create a memory that will last a lifetime.
So, mark your calendars, don your orange and white, and get ready for one of the most exciting and unique traditions in college basketball. The Checker Game is back, and it’s sure to be a spectacle you won’t want to miss!