Decatur High and the City of Decatur, GA were honored to be selected by the Tennessee Volunteers (with the help of the Chick-Fil-A Bowl) for Saturday and Sunday practice prior to the Chick-Fil-A (formerly Peach) Bowl at the Georgia Dome.
inDECATUR first reported the practice early Saturday morning, after spotting the tractor-trailer parked in the W. Howard parking lot Friday night.
The practices were open to the public, and the UT staff and players were very friendly and accommodating toward all who attended. The weather (in the mid 40s under sunny skies) was nearly perfect for the players and only mildly cool for the observers.
The Athletic Director, Mr. Carter Wilson, hopes future Chick-Fil-A opponents will elect to use the excelllent DHS facilities, which are all less than two years old. The artificial turf is very similar to that in the Georgia Dome.
It is assumed the City Schools of Decatur (CSD) was adequately compensated for the use, which should help the citizens of Decatur pay for the $27 million in improvements, which are being funded by a 30-year bond. But, the press recognition might be worth more in non-monetary terms.
The Vols' opponent from the ACC, the Va Tech Hokies, practiced at the Falcons' indoor facility in Flowery Branch. Both will now practice in the Georgia Dome. The teams are staying in downtown Atlanta hotels.
This 3:36 video collage (mostly stills but with some short video clips with loud "piped in" band sound), which is best seen at the link below the embed, should give those who did not attend a good feel for the atmosphere.
UT Vols practicing at Decatur, Ga High on 12/27/2009 from Dave Kell on Vimeo.
