JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The arrival of September brings about college football season, and the local community took to restaurants and breweries to watch the games.
The East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Buccaneers and Tennessee Volunteers both played away their home turf on Saturday. Football fans in east Tennessee rushed to their favorite bars and restaurants to watch their favorite teams.
“I graduated from UT,” said Carol Hart, a Vol fan from Knoxville. “Yes, got to go Vols.”
Mark and Tammy Funchess are not originally from the volunteer state, but their daughters live in the area. Now, they choose to support the Volunteers.
“Absolutely, we’re Vol fans,” Mark Funchess said.
For those who choose to watch the games in public, it’s all about the atmosphere that brings them to the bars and restaurants.
“All the people, the fun, just being outside,” Tammy Funchess said. “This is great.”
At Wild Wing Cafe in Johnson City, ETSU fans gathered to watch their team play. ETSU Freshman Dillon Harris said he’s excited to cheer on his team as a student.
“We’re cheering on the Bucs,” Harris said. “Cheering on against Jackson State and we’re here to have a good time.”
While this is Harris’ first football season as an ETSU student, he plans to continue to support the Bucs however he can.
“[During] away games, I’d love to come and support the Bucs any way I can,” Harris said.
