Jan. 28, 2002

You may think the most important contribution athletics makes to UT is national championships. But you may not realize all athletics does for the university, the community, and the state--contributions worth nearly $19 million a year.

The athletic department compiled the figures based on the last three years.

For example, athletic department licensing agreements return about $1.6 million a year to UT, and the department contributes nearly $800,000 for academic scholarships such as Peyton Manning scholarships, band scholarships, Bicentennial scholarships, and Neyland scholarships.

The athletic department also has committed $1 million a year for the next 20 years for the new Trustees Scholarships.

More than 800 student-athletes, trainers, managers, tutors, and spirit squad members receive $5.4 million a year in athletic department financial aid.

Athletics pays travel expenses for the Pride of the Southland Band to perform at athletic events and presidential inaugural parades. The departmennt gives the university development office $5 million worth of tickets for gift prospects and major donors.

Taxes paid to the state, to Knoxville, and to Knox County total $2.6 million a year.

"Our success on the field has allowed us to make significant contributions to activities on campus," Athletic Director Doug Dickey says. "We're pleased to be a part of several scholarship funds on campus and to make a substantial commitment to local and state governments."

Below is a complete breakdown of what athletics does for the university:

Torchbearer Newsletter, Fall 2001 Volume 40 No. 3