Circle Park

A Slice of UT History

Tucked behind the iconic Volunteer Statue (you might hear locals call it the Torchbearer or simply "the flame"), Circle Park offers a green respite in the heart of the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville. What started as Payne Circle in the late 19th century has evolved into a popular campus landmark with quite a story to tell.

Back in its early days, this little patch of green was part of a fashionable neighborhood where Knoxville's well-to-do made their homes. By the early 1900s, locals would hop on streetcars to reach the park for picnics and impromptu baseball games - a far cry from its current university setting!

From Neighborhood to Campus Hub

When UT expanded westward in the late 1960s, the Victorian houses surrounding the park gradually disappeared, but Circle Park remained - a little green island preserved amid academic buildings. It's like the university grew around it, recognizing its value as a natural gathering space.

Today, you'll come across brick walkways winding through well-kept lawns, comfortable benches inviting you to sit a spell, and a cleanliness that speaks to how much the university community cherishes this space. Regardless of whether you're looking to study under a tree, meet friends between classes, or just take a breather, Circle Park provides a pleasant setting.

The Heartbeat of Campus Culture

If you really want to see Circle Park come alive, visit on a football game day. The space transforms into Volunteers tailgating central - a sea of orange where fans connect and build excitement before heading to the stadium. Just a heads-up: arrive early if you want to experience this tradition at its fullest.

The park got a facelift in 2004 with new lighting and path improvements, followed by additional enhancements in 2015 that made it even more inviting and functional without losing its classic charm.

What Makes It Special

Bring a sandwich and enjoy the designated picnic area where lunch comes with a side of campus scenery. As you walk around, take a moment to check out the alumni bricks - these commemorative markers honor former UT students and add a personal touch to the landscape.

Circle Park's central location makes it ideal for meeting up before heading to the Thompson-Boling Arena or exploring the campus science museum. And don't leave without snapping a photo with the Smokey mascot statue - it's practically a rite of passage for anyone visiting the University of Tennessee.