The Vol Historian Speaks

Despite my thoughts on Legion Field, Tom Mattingly has written govolsxtra.com/news/2008/may/31/legion-field-football-aura-was-special/” target=”_blank”>a fabulous article on the Aura of Legion Field. This article is a great read, and even though I personally think Legion Field is a dive as stadiums go, he makes a strong case for Legion Field being the one-time “Football Capital of the South.“
Mattingly writes so poetically about the venue:
When Tennessee and Alabama squared off, there was the sight of Tennessee orange on the press box sideline and Alabama crimson on the east sideline. It was football exactly the way the gods decreed it.
Great imagery.
Actually, about everything Tom Mattingly writes is great and you should really do yourself a favor and check out his “official” writing for GoVolsXtra as well as his blog, “The Vol Historian” which is also hosted on GVX. If you are a Tennessee fan, and love reminiscing, then you will love his stuff. In my book, he’s a first-rate writer and he has forgotten more about the Tennessee Volunteers than most of us will ever know.
Mattingly’s article just goes to show that, despite my claims to the contrary, I am an idiot…
**Notice: This “Shout Out” represents the actual opinion of the author (for what that is worth) and was in no way influenced by any other person.
Gate 21 Tags: Alabama Crimson Tide, College Football, Football, Gate 21, Legion Field, SEC Football, Shoutin' Out, Sports Media, Tennessee Football, Tennessee Volunteers, Vols
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A good read. I almost wish I could have watched an Iron Bowl at Legion Field.
One of Pat Dye’s greatest accomplishments, in my opinion, was getting the Iron Bowl moved to Jordan Hare every other year. Playing Alabama practically on the road annually doesn’t seem to embody the spirit of equality.
I agree with you about the change being one of Pat Dye’s biggest accomplishments. I never thought it was fair for Auburn to play a “home” game in the Tide’s back yard.
That completely changed the face of that series.