The Story Behind Rocky Top Rentals

Written by: Madison Rooney, Founder and CEO of Rocky Top Rentals

A Venture Born from a Game Day Problem 

There is something truly special about game days in Knoxville. Fans flood to Neyland Stadium ready to cheer on the Volunteers, filled with energy, tradition, and Big Orange pride. But as a student at UT, I noticed a significant problem, tailgating on Rocky Top is not always accessible or affordable everyone. Rocky Top Rentals was born to make tailgating simple, affordable, and sustainable for every Volunteer.

Every fall, thousands of UT students, alumni, and fans want to participate in UT’s game day culture, but face many challenges. The tailgating gear is too expensive, it is too bulky to store in dorms and apartments. Even worse, it often ends up thrown away after limited use. I realized there had to be a better alternative, something more affordable, sustainable, and student-friendly. That is when Rocky Top Rentals was born: a student-focused venture built to simplify the game day experience for UT students, alumni, and fans.

Rocky Top Rentals Stands Apart 

Rocky Top Rentals started as a simple idea in my entrepreneurship class of me desiring to host a tailgate for my friends and parents traveling from out-of-state. My goal was to create a tailgate rental service that handled all of the heavy lifting. That idea quickly turned into a mission of wanting to make a dream a reality. The inspiration came from watching how students struggled to create memorable game day experiences without breaking the bank.

Rocky Top Rentals combines affordability, sustainability, and hassle-free convenience. Delivering pre-bundled tailgating gear directly to your tailgate spot, setting it up, and tearing it down when you are heading to Neyland. Rocky Top Rentals’ designed to make game days stress-free, so students, alumni, and fans can focus on what really matters: food, friends, and the Volunteers.

While competitors like Tailgate Tennessee target corporate groups and alumni, Rocky Top Rentals focuses on students and young alumni, the heart of the Volunteer spirit. Rocky Top Rentals’ competitive advantage includes student affordability, low-cost bundles designed for college budgets, and sustainability. Our competitive advantage also includes digital engagement through flyers, social media campaigns, campus influencer marketing, and community partnerships. Collaborating with UT student organization groups, such as Greek Life and sports clubs, is great for built-in exposure and credibility among UT students.

Closing Thoughts

Starting this company has taught me that business success is not just about numbers, it is about solving real problems for real people. As Rocky Top Rentals prepares for its pilot launch in Fall 2026, I am proud that our mission combines entrepreneurship with school spirit.

As founder, my mission is simple: to make game day easier, more sustainable, and more enjoyable for every single Volunteer. This company is about more than just rentals, it’s about belonging. Whether you are a freshman hosting your first tailgate, or an alum returning home, Rocky Top Rentals is here to make sure your setup is ready when you are. Grab your friends, bring your Big Orange spirit, and leave the rest to us. We make game day easier, greener, and more accessible, because on Rocky Top, everyone deserves a seat at the tailgate.

We will take care of the tent. You take care of the memories.

Your tailgate. Our gear.