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Dec 13, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; President Donald J. Trump stands on the field during the first half of the 126th Army-Navy game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Ever since he took office in 2025, United States President Donald Trump has attended nearly two dozen high-profile sporting events throughout the country. The logistical challenges for fans are well known and documented, given the added security measures that are necessary every time the president makes a public appearance. However, it seems like his presence in the stadium actually causes issues during games, too.

Trump is set to attend this weekend’s SEC showdown between the Texas Longhorns and the Tennessee Volunteers, making yet another appearance at a high-profile sporting event. Ahead of the game, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian opened up a bit about a communications challenge that teams face whenever the president is in attendance.

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‘You have to plan for that’

Radio communication has been vital to college football teams for decades, and that’s only increased in recent years.

Beginning with the 2024 season, the NCAA began allowing coaches to communicate with players directly via in-helmet communication between plays, as the NFL has been doing for years. However, Trump’s attendance at the game on Saturday could throw a bit of a wrench in all of that communication.

During a press conference on Thursday, Sarkisian revealed that whenever the president moves throughout the stadium, all the team’s headsets get cut off.

“One thing we have to be aware of is when the President goes to a game, any time he enters, leaves or changes locations within the stadium, they cut all communication,” Sarkisian said during his Thursday Zoom press availability, via 247Sports. “They cut all communication, so they cut your headsets to coaches and they cut headsets with coach to player communication.”

Sarkisian added that this can happen without any warning, even if the president has to simply use the restroom.

“So, you have to have a plan for that, if and or when it happens and you don’t get any warning,” Sarkisian said. “It just cuts out. So, you have to have a plan for that and adjust. If he comes in the middle of the first quarter and leaves in the fourth quarter or if he decides use the restroom, whatever it is, you have to be prepared for that.”

Logistical Concerns

In addition to the disruptions to communication, Trump’s attendance at the game is expected to cause some logistical concerns as well.

Ahead of Trump’s appearance at the game on Saturday, the University of Tennessee Police Department issued a warning to fans about what to expect on gameday.

“Important Game Day Information for Tennessee vs. Texas at Neyland Stadium: President Donald J. Trump is expected to attend Saturday’s football game between Tennessee and Texas. Fans should plan to arrive early and expect increased security measures in and around Neyland Stadium,” the UTPD wrote in a statement on Wednesday. “All stadium gates will open at 9:00 a.m. Ticketed attendees are strongly encouraged to arrive significantly earlier than they would for a typical game. Enhanced security screening will be conducted before entry by the Secret Service Police at all stadium gates.”

The UTPD warned that Trump’s presence at the game would cause increased wait times getting into the stadium.

“Fans should expect increased wait times as kickoff approaches. Re-entry is not permitted once a ticket has been scanned for admission. Fans should also anticipate additional security checkpoints and verification procedures in areas surrounding Neyland Stadium. To help expedite entry, attendees should have mobile tickets ready before approaching stadium gates,” the statement warns. “University of Tennessee Athletics clear bag policy and prohibited items list before arriving on campus. Prohibited items will not be allowed inside Neyland Stadium, and there are no storage locations available for prohibited items. Guests should leave restricted items at home or securely stored in their vehicles.”

The UTPD made it pretty clear that this will not feel like a typical game day due to Trump’s appearance.

“Heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic are expected across portions of campus several hours before kickoff. Temporary roadway closures, traffic control measures, and pedestrian routing adjustments may be implemented to support game day operations. Fans should allow extra travel time and consider arriving well in advance of kickoff,” the UTPD wrote. “Fans should also expect congestion and brief delays when moving through campus and areas near the stadium before and after the game.”

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