Campaign sets out to have school kids benefit from #EmptyNeyland movement
By Keith Farner
Published:
Elementary school kids may be the beneficiaries of frustrated Tennessee fans looking to dump their tickets, or not show up, for Saturday’s homecoming game against Southern Miss.
WBIR is reporting that students at South Knoxville Elementary, which is located near Neyland Stadium would love to see a game as many of their families cannot afford to go. That is a stark contrast to the #EmptyNeyland campaign that has spread in recent days on social media as a way to boycott the program unless coach Butch Jones is fired.
The local NBC affiliate reported that 90 percent of the students at the school receive free or reduced price lunch.
“I’ve never been to a Tennessee Football game,” said Chase Sullivan, a second grader at the school. “If they got a Hail Mary like the last time when they faced Georgia, that would be unbelievable.”
Another second grader, Zachary Hoseholder said, “If you are watching on a regular TV, then it would be like you couldn’t hear any of the sounds. I like them if they’re good or bad. Because if they’re bad, that just means they need more practice.”
Donations are accepted at the school, which is located at 801 Sevier Ave.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
