PROGRAM SUMMARY

Tennessee Saturday Night marks the University of Tennessee’s high-energy kickoff to the academic year, bringing students together for an evening of live entertainment, games, and campus traditions. In 2025, UT partnered with Pixis Drones to create a custom drone light show that celebrated school spirit with bold visuals, iconic symbols, and animated storytelling in the night sky. With 500 GPS-enabled drones, we transformed the campus skyline into a dynamic tribute to Vol Nation.

The Brand’s Vision

UT Student Life wanted to make the first Saturday night of the school year unforgettable — blending university pride with an innovative visual experience that united new and returning students. The goal was to create a high-impact moment that not only honored beloved traditions, but also generated excitement and campus-wide engagement.

Our Creative Solution

With UT Knoxville, Pixis designed and executed a choreographed drone performance filled with nods to Tennessee heritage, athletic pride, and student life. Using FAA-certified drone animations and LED drone choreography, we brought to life 3D mascots, landmark imagery, and rallying chants in perfect sync with the event’s energy. Every formation was strategically chosen to spark connection and ignite school spirit.

Key elements included:

• “Tennessee Saturday Night” word art in sparkling reveal

• 3D Smokey mascot and new mascot reveal

• Historic Davey Crockett

• UT’s The Rock with varying designs "painted" on

• Power T logo

• Live music, entertainment, and interactive games with prizes

• Community-building activities for incoming and returning students

Results

The Tennessee Saturday Night drone show was experienced by thousands of students, faculty, and community members, creating a shared moment of pride and celebration. The performance generated significant social media engagement and campus buzz, extending the impact well beyond the event. UT Student Life achieved its goal of delivering a high-impact aerial experience that resonated with its audience and enhanced the tradition’s profile.

Why It Worked

This show combined the emotional pull of UT’s traditions with the innovation of custom drone light shows, producing an experience that felt both fresh and familiar. The blend of school symbols, athletic pride, and modern technologycreated a visually stunning experience that resonated deeply with students. By merging experiential marketing principles with GPS-enabled precision and storytelling, Pixis delivered a show that had both measurable impact and lasting emotional value.