He’s Done It Again: Rick Barnes Buys Student Tickets for First Two Rounds of NCAA Tournament
Knoxville, TN – April 12, 2025
In a heartfelt move that’s quickly going viral among Tennessee faithful, University of Tennessee Men’s Basketball Head Coach Rick Barnes has once again reached into his own pocket to support the student body — this time purchasing every single Tennessee student ticket for the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament.
For the second time in three years, Coach Barnes is footing the bill to ensure that every Vols student who wants to be there can cheer on their team without worrying about the cost of entry. The news broke Friday morning when the University’s athletic department confirmed that Barnes had covered the cost for all designated student section tickets allocated to Tennessee for its opening games.
“This isn’t about basketball — this is about family,” Barnes said in a statement. “Our students give us so much energy and heart. They’re a huge part of our success, and I want them to be part of the journey as we chase something special this March.”
The gesture was met with overwhelming gratitude across campus. Students lined up outside the Thompson-Boling Arena box office, where the tickets were being distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Within an hour, the entire student ticket allotment — several hundred strong — had been claimed.
“He’s just the real deal,” said UT senior Emma Wallace, who got in line at 6 a.m. to claim her seat. “Coach Barnes doesn’t just talk about culture and community — he lives it. You can tell he cares about us as more than fans.”
Barnes has built a reputation not only as a tactician and leader on the court but as a deeply empathetic figure in college sports. In 2022, he made a similar gesture ahead of the SEC Tournament, drawing national praise for his commitment to student engagement and school spirit.
His decision comes at a pivotal moment for Tennessee, who enters the tournament as a No. 3 seed with high expectations following a 25-7 regular season and a runner-up finish in the SEC tournament. The Vols will face off in Indianapolis, with a strong chance to reach the Sweet 16 — or further.
“Rick is one of the class acts in all of college athletics,” said UT Athletic Director Danny White. “What he’s done here isn’t just generous — it’s impactful. He’s making memories for our students that will last a lifetime.”
Social media lit up with posts of gratitude, selfies in line for tickets, and hashtags like #ThanksCoachBarnes and #VolForLife trending across the region. Even rival fan bases tipped their caps to the move.
As for the players, they’ll take the court in Indianapolis knowing that hundreds of their fellow students will be in the stands — because their coach made sure of it.
“The fans bring the noise. They bring the passion,” said senior guard Zakai Zeigler. “We feed off that. Coach made it happen — now it’s on us to deliver.”
One thing is for certain: with Rick Barnes at the helm, the Tennessee Volunteers aren’t just playing for wins — they’re playing for each other.
