University of Tennessee Athletics
Open Letter to Tennessee Fans From Vols AD Doug Dickey
Dec. 19, 2001
Dear Tennessee Fans:
Over the years, in announcing football series with such schools as Notre Dame, UCLA and Miami, the question I've been asked more than any other is: When are we going to play Michigan?
Well, friends, at long last, I have the answer to your question: The Vols and Wolverines will meet Tuesday, Jan. 1, in the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando.
The mechanics of the bowl system - the loops, twists and turns that contribute to the excitement of the regular season - have accomplished something you have wanted for a long time. Two of the most tradition-rich programs in the nation will fight it out on the football field New Year's Day in the entertainment capital of the world.
The night the pairings were made, I remember a network broadcaster calling the Tennessee-Michigan game second only to the national championship matchup between Miami and Nebraska in terms of fan appeal. Another referred to it as a "dream game."
It would be difficult to equal it when it comes to history and tradition. Tennessee has been a player on the national scene since General Bob Neyland unveiled the "Flaming Sophs" against Alabama in 1928. Michigan's national prominence goes even farther back, to the days of Coach Fielding H. Yost and before.
Phillip Fulmer's 2001 Vols have earned the support of all of us. This is a team that overcame a series of injuries and late in the season was ranked No. 2 in the polls. And, of course, we will always fondly remember the gritty squad that hung tough all the way with Florida and emerged from The Swamp with a 34-32 victory.
Florida Citrus Bowl executive director Chuck Rohe told me that the entertainment attractions in the Orlando area have been expanded and upgraded, making the trip to Florida more fun than ever before.
One last thing: Tennessee fans have long prided themselves at bowl games in outdoing the Vols' opponents in providing support for their team. I know Coach Fulmer is counting on the great body of UT fans to once again turn out in numbers that will give our team a home field advantage when we head for Orlando.
You may order tickets through the UT website, utsports.com. You may also call the Thompson-Boling Arena Ticket Office (800) 332-VOLS (8657) or (865) 656-1200 for holiday hours.
As always, we appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
Douglas A. Dickey
Director of Athletics
