Victory cigars have been part of the Tennessee-Alabama football rivalry for decades, and sneaking stogies into the Neyland Stadium might as well be tradition, too.
Lighting up comes with a bit of defiance: The University of Tennessee at Knoxville is a smoke-free campus, including Neyland Stadium, but that historically hasn't stopped the Crimson Tide, the Volunteers or their fans from enjoying victory cigars.
The smoky, storied tradition dates to the 1960s, and the last two Neyland Stadium showdowns finished with victory smoke rising from a sea of orange. Tennessee's 52-49 win in 2022 ended a 15-year losing streak to Alabama, and the Vols lit up Neyland again after the 2024 sequel.
With the “Third Saturday in October” kicking off in Knoxville at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 17, we put our heads together to come up with a few totally foolproof ways to sneak a victory cigar into Neyland Stadium:
- The purse method: Neyland Stadium allows small clutch purses, which seems like a perfectly innocent spot to stash a stogie or two. Or, if you're living dangerously, proudly place it in your clear bag.
- The distraction: Tell security your funniest joke. While everyone's doubled over laughing, you know what to do.
- The fashion statement: Checkered overalls already have pockets. Put them to work. Those with longer hair might find a strategically placed ponytail useful, too.
- The human humidor: When pockets fail, turn to tape. Stick the stogie to your back and hope for the best. Just don't give it away by constantly checking to see if it's secure.
- The magician: Place the cigar upright under a top hat. If security gets curious, impress them with a magic trick and make it “disappear.”
- The fake mustache: Hold the stogie beneath your nose and walk through security. Nobody questions confidence.
- The old pencil-behind-the-ear trick: Act natural.
- The 50-50 gamble: Challenge security to a quick game of “Which hand is it in?” Choose wisely.
- Made it inside? Order up! A hot dog comes in a bun. A hamburger comes in a bun. You know what else fits in a bun? We’ll let you connect the dots.
Tennessee has a chance Oct. 17 to complete the home-field trilogy with three straight wins over Alabama at Neyland Stadium for the first time since 2000, giving Vols fans another chance to literally taste victory.
Knox News asked Tennessee Athletics what enforcement might look like for this year's game but didn't get an answer. If history is any indication, rules won't stop the winning side from chomping on victory cigars.
If a Neyland smoke cloud isn't your scene, save the victory cigar for home or a smoke-friendly spot. And enjoy Knoxville's smoking bars while you still can!
Knoxville has several cigar shops ready for fans to stock up before the big game.
Keenan Thomas is the higher education reporter for Knox News. Email: keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Sneak ’em if you got ’em? Foolproof ways to get victory cigars into Neyland