TBA (Total Boss Arena)

If there’s ever anything exciting happening in Knoxville, you can rest assured it’s happening at Thompson-Boling Arena.

As home to the University of Tennessee men’s and women’s basketball programs, TBA is packed at least four nights a week from November to March. However, the arena sees a lot more than just a basketball hoop.

Maroon 5, Brad Paisley, and recent show of the infamous James Taylor are only a handful of artist that has taken the stage while I have been at UT. However, my first concert was this past Friday, seeing Luke Combs and the Grammy-nominated artist did not disappoint.

But again while basketball and concerts are the bulk of TBA’s schedule, there are still are a wide range of events that it holds. Most notably, in my humble opinion, Graduation ceremonies in the spring and winter. But we will give Winter Jam, a youth-focused Christian conference, and Monster Jam, a “sport” of trucks driving around in piles of dirt, honorable mentions.

If you go to an event hosted at TBA, their Instagram is kept up to date with gate opening times, acts coming to the area and parking information which is super helpful when showing up an hour early or at the last minute. https://www.instagram.com/tbarena/?ref=badge

Whether you’re going to see the Vols or another source of entertainment, TBA is a great venue!

Pizza is my Happy Place

Rome was once the largest empire in the world, and I wholeheartedly believe it’s because they had delicious and intoxicating pizza.

My personal favorite has always been a traditional New York Style but honestly put extra cheese on anything, and I will eat it. Now, being a student in a college town, I have eaten my fair share of pizza. The usual order was to Papa Johns using the 50% off after a win code and then making the pie last the whole week.

But after a dinner excursion checking another local joint off our bucket list, with my best friend Ashley, I have found the holy grail.

Even though I ordered a calzone, let me tell you, the smell of pizza hits you in the face the moment you walk into Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria. With a placemat menu full of specialty pizzas and toppings list to create your own, it would be impossible to not find something you like. Trust me, the table beside us ordered anchovies…

If the pizza wasn’t enough to entice you out to the Old City, the music scene just might pique your interest with a musical guest taking the stage every day at 9 p.m. Every Monday night the University of Tennessee, student radio station WUTK, broadcasts live from the restaurant, with their specialty show Y’alltentative, an American Folk themed show. Every Thursday night at 6 p.m. WDVX presents their show Swerve with new artists each week.

The next perk to this local hot spot is the weekly trivia night with the Knoxville Trivia Guys. If you have a friend that boasts their knowledge you can put them to the test, starting at 8 p.m. every Wednesday night the questions begin!

Barley’s might be tucked in the back corner of the Old City but don’t miss out on this Knoxville gem!