KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Southeastern Conference announced on Sunday that the University of Tennessee would be fined for "violation of the league's access to competition area policy." This fine is due to fans entering the field following the Vols' win over Alabama on Saturday.
The Vols beat Alabama in a nail-biter finish, 24-17 after a late-game interception to secure the win.
According to the SEC, Tennessee will incur a fine of $100,000 for a first offense under the league's current access to competition area policy. The organization said this policy was revised at the SEC Spring Meetings in 2023.
The SEC also said the fine will be paid to the University of Alabama, as fines are paid to the opposing institutions.
"The policy states that '"institutions shall limit access to competition areas to participating student-athletes, coaches, officials, support personnel and properly credentialed or authorized individuals at all times,'" the conference said. "For the safety of participants and spectators alike, at no time before, during or after a contest may spectators enter the competition area.”
According to the SEC, penalties range from $100,000 for a first offense, $250,000 for a second offense and $500,000 for a third or more.
"The policy was originally adopted by a vote of Conference members in 2004 and financial penalties were increased by action taken by the membership in 2015 and again in 2023," the SEC said.