KNOXVILLE, TN – With LSU scheduled to visit Neyland Stadium this season, Knoxville officials issued a public advisory early Tuesday asking residents to avoid panic buying mustard and golf balls, insisting local supplies remain sufficient despite increased demand.
The advisory comes after Tennessee coach Josh Heupel jokingly reminded fans at SEC Media Days to make sure stores were stocked with both items before Lane Kiffin returns to Knoxville, referencing the infamous 2021 game when fans showered the field with golf balls and even a bottle of mustard.
City officials stressed there is no immediate shortage but acknowledged the comment prompted a noticeable uptick in purchases.
“We’ve been through this before,” one emergency management spokesman reportedly said. “Please buy only what your household reasonably needs. Clearing the shelves doesn’t help anyone.”
Several Knoxville retailers confirmed customers had already begun buying golf balls by the bucket and yellow mustard by the case, while employees reported answering dozens of phone calls asking whether Dijon counted.
Officials also discouraged residents from creating homemade “game day preparedness kits,” reminding fans that mustard belongs on hot dogs, golf balls belong on golf courses, and both are significantly less effective when thrown at opposing coaches.
