Lasting Impacts
Rocky Top Rentals is more than a rental service; we intentionally operate on values that reflect the heart of the University of Tennessee. Rocky Top Rentals was founded with the hope of creating lasting impacts on UT’s campus culture. I hope to make Tennessee game days more accessible for every student on this campus; regardless of budget, storage space, or transportation. I have felt left out of the tailgating experience, and do not want other students to experience feeling.
The Values that Guide Rocky Top Rentals
Rocky Top Rentals values include accessibility, affordability, sustainability, community, and tradition. We prioritize accessibility over exclusivity because every student deserves the chance to be part of the Volunteer game day tradition. By using durable, reusable equipment, Rocky Top Rentals reduces waste and encourages environmentally responsible game days. Our mission is all about creating lasting impacts on UT’s campus. Tailgating is about connection, belonging, and tradition, and Rocky Top Rentals is going to work every day to expand that community. These values are the heartbeat of this venture.
Customer Connection
Once I began talking to other students here at the University of Tennessee, the feedback immediately validated the values that
we hold fast to. Many shared the same frustrations of tailgating here at Rocky Top. I asked freshman, Izzy Hampton how her first football season was, and if she had the ability to host a tailgate/if she had the desire to. Izzy said, “If I were to buy a tent, I have zero space to store it. My dorm barely fits me.” Storage is a leading pain point in hosting a tailgate here that we want to combat.
In addition, many other seniors that I have conversed with about this venture have said similar things along the lines of wanting to host friends, but it just seems like it would be too much work at the end of the day. Rocky Top Rentals was founded to create tailgating simple, fun, stress-free, and full of Big Orange spirit.
The First Real Challenge
Early on, I made a mistake in assuming I knew exactly what students would want in their tailgate. I assumed that the only thing that mattered was affordability to students because of college budgets. As I began to make tailgating packages, the more and more I talked to my friends and other students, they kept bringing up how important the aesthetic of the tailgate is as well. They wanted UT-branded tailgating setups that looked great and made the perfect backdrop for pre-game day photos. That changed the trajectory of Rocky Top Rentals. I pivoted from just renting gear, to renting a tailgating experience. Adding UT-branded décor, optional add-ons, branded tents, and better set ups create for better experiences. Ultimately, this initial challenge taught me the lesson that success is built on listening rather than assuming.
A Look Ahead
Over the next 3-6 months, Rocky Top Rentals will be making more of a brand for itself through social media platforms. I plan to finalize our full package lineup for tailgating gear. Rocky Top Rentals will have a completed, smooth, and simple online booking system. Additionally, I plan to build strong partnerships and connections with student organizations and market Rocky Top Rentals heavily through word-of-mouth. All of these next steps will better help us prepare for our pilot launch in the fall of 2026. 
Rocky Top Rentals started as a simple idea, making tailgating easier. It has grown into something bigger: a way to build community, reduce waste, and make game days more inclusive and enjoyable for every student, alumni, and fan.