Students from the Class of 2021 became the first to graduate in Neyland Stadium, as opposed to Thompson-Boling Arena where graduation ceremonies are traditionally held. The decision was made by UT administration in order to mitigate the effects of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Graduates and attendees were provided with socially distant seating, and masks were required for everyone in attendance. Other efforts to diminish the spread of Covid-19 included limiting guests and graduation speakers, in addition to pre-recording “Pomp and Circumstance,” which is traditionally played live by the Pride of the Southland Band.
The ceremonies also included graduates from 2020, unless the candidate had walked in one of the November 2020 ceremonies.