'30's.Tennessee's original press box was simply a bantam box that was hardly comfortable. A new press box was built in the early '40's that wasn't too much better. It seated only 33 people. Despite being a national power during this period, the need for a large press box was simply not needed. Generally, the only out-of-state coverage would come from the Atlanta Journal.
'30's.
'40's.
'50's.
However, as television coverage grew, so did the need for a new press box. In 1962, General Neyland said, "We're going to build the best press box in the country. We hope it will improve the quality of writing that's done there". So in 1962, UT constructed a state of the art press box, placed atop the new west upper deck. Neyland died before its completion that year, and on October 20, 1962, the new press box was opened and the stadium was renamed to honor the General's memory.
Construction '62.
'64 Photo
'72 Photo.
This press box stood for 25 years and it became apparent that it was time for a new one. Again, in 1987, UT would build a state of the art press box. The fourth press box would be 100 yards in length with two additional levels for sky boxes. In 1992 the press box was officially named Tom Elam Press Box
Shot from "The Hill"
'87 Auburn game.
'96 with new north upper deck.