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FirstBank Stadium - home of Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN
Photo: Mhar564 · CC BY-SA 4.0
NCAA FBS

FirstBank StadiumNashville, Tennessee

Vanderbilt

About FirstBank Stadium

FirstBank Stadium holds 35,000 and is the SEC's smallest but most intimate stadium. Located in the heart of Nashville, it offers a unique urban game-day experience. The stadium was called Vanderbilt Stadium from 1981-2022 before FirstBank acquired naming rights in a 10-year, $35M deal.

FirstBank Stadium History

Origins

Opened September 12, 1981 with a 21-7 loss to Maryland, replacing Dudley Field which had served Vanderbilt since 1922. Built for $10.1 million, it was the first new SEC stadium since 1961. The playing surface is named Dudley Field in honor of the previous facility.

Major Renovations

1995McGugin Center completed with offices and locker rooms
2008South end zone club seating and video board added
2020$300M athletics complex opened adjacent to stadium
2024New premium club spaces and enhanced hospitality areas

Notable Moments

Oct 19, 2024Vanderbilt upset #1 Alabama 40-35—first top-ranked win since 1969
Nov 24, 2012Vanderbilt beat Wake Forest 55-21 to clinch first bowl since 2008
Oct 11, 2008Defeated #13 Auburn 14-13; first Top 25 win since 2005

Visiting FirstBank Stadium

Best Seats

West side lower bowl offers best midfield views and shade. The Stadium Club (south end zone) has premium amenities. Sections A-G are closest to the field. Student section is in the east end zone.

Parking Tips

Limited on-campus parking; most spots are donor-reserved. Public parking at Music Row lots and West End Avenue garages. Vanderbilt Medical Center parking available on weekends. Nashville's Broadway is a short rideshare away.

Game Day

Star Walk begins 2 hours before kickoff along Jess Neely Drive. Check out the new $300M athletics campus. The stadium's location makes Nashville's restaurants and bars easily accessible before and after games. Clear bag policy enforced.

Local Recommendations

Bars & Drinks

Corner Pub

$$

Friendly neighborhood sports bar popular with Vanderbilt fans and locals.

0.5 miles2000 Broadway

Reliable post-game spot with a good beer list and standard pub fare.

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Broadway Brewhouse

$$

Large selection of drafts and famous for their "Bushwackers."

0.6 miles1900 Broadway

The Bushwacker is a Nashville legend—order with caution!

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The Villager

$

Long-standing, no-frills dive bar in Hillsboro Village popular with older alumni.

0.7 miles1719 21st Ave S

Great place to escape a rainy gameday morning.

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Restaurants

Hattie B's Hot Chicken

$$

Nashville's most famous hot chicken spot. Be prepared for heat and lines.

0.7 miles112 19th Ave S

Order "Shut the Cluck Up" only if you are brave.

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Pancake Pantry

$$

A Nashville breakfast tradition since 1961. People line up around the block.

0.7 miles1796 21st Ave S

The line move surprisingly fast. Try the sweet potato pancakes.

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Rotier's Restaurant

$$

Classic Nashville dive with cheeseburgers on French bread since 1945. A Vanderbilt institution.

0.3 miles2413 Elliston Pl

The cheeseburger on French bread is legendary. Cash only sometimes.

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Hotels

Graduate by Hilton Nashville

$$$$

Dolly Parton-inspired boutique hotel with a vibrant pink rooftop bar (White Limozeen).

0.6 miles101 20th Ave N

One of Nashville's most "Instagrammable" hotels. Book the rooftop in advance.

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Loews Vanderbilt Hotel

$$$$

Elegant hotel directly across from the Vanderbilt campus.

0.3 miles2100 West End Ave

Unbeatable proximity for those who want to be steps from the gates.

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Attractions

The Parthenon (Centennial Park)

$

A full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, located in Centennial Park.

0.3 miles2500 West End Ave

Beautiful park for a walk before the game. Museum inside charges admission.

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Country Music Hall of Fame

$$$

The definitive center for country music history in downtown Nashville.

2 miles222 Rep. John Lewis Way S

A must-see if you are spending the weekend in Nashville.

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Parking Options

25th Avenue Garage

$20-30
Garage0.2 miles

The primary game-day garage for public parking.

Terrace Place Garage

$20
Garage0.5 miles

Good secondary option if 25th Ave is full.

West End Ave Meters

Varies
Lot0.2 miles

Limited but great if you can snag one early.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near FirstBank Stadium? Share it with us.

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Stadium Rankings

FirstBank Stadium ranks among the venues tracked on Fan Stamp as the 21st-oldest.

#21 Oldest StadiumView top 50 oldest
Learn more on Wikipedia

Vanderbilt Rivals

Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai FieldGeorgia Tech · Atlanta, GAKroger Field at C.M. Newton GroundsKentucky · Lexington, KYNeyland StadiumTennessee · Knoxville, TN

Closest Stadiums to FirstBank Stadium

Nissan StadiumTennessee State Tigers · Nashville, Tennessee3 miNissan StadiumTennessee Titans · Nashville, TN3 miJohnny "Red" Floyd StadiumMiddle Tennessee · Murfreesboro, TN32 miFortera StadiumAustin Peay Governors · Clarksville, Tennessee41 miHouchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix FieldWestern Kentucky · Bowling Green, KY61 miTucker StadiumTennessee Tech Golden Eagles · Cookeville, Tennessee73 mi

Frequently Asked Questions About FirstBank Stadium

What is the capacity of FirstBank Stadium?
FirstBank Stadium has a seating capacity of 35,000.
Where is FirstBank Stadium located?
FirstBank Stadium is located in Nashville, TN.
What team plays at FirstBank Stadium?
FirstBank Stadium is the home stadium of Vanderbilt in the SEC.
When was FirstBank Stadium built?
FirstBank Stadium opened in 1922.
Where are the best seats at FirstBank Stadium?
West side lower bowl offers best midfield views and shade. The Stadium Club (south end zone) has premium amenities. Sections A-G are closest to the field. Student section is in the east end zone.
What are the best parking tips for FirstBank Stadium?
Limited on-campus parking; most spots are donor-reserved. Public parking at Music Row lots and West End Avenue garages. Vanderbilt Medical Center parking available on weekends. Nashville's Broadway is a short rideshare away.
What type of surface does FirstBank Stadium have?
FirstBank Stadium has a shaw sports turf powerblade nxt (installed 2022) playing surface.
What stadiums are near FirstBank Stadium?
The closest stadiums to FirstBank Stadium are Nissan Stadium (3 mi), Nissan Stadium (3 mi), Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium (32 mi), Fortera Stadium (41 mi), Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field (61 mi), Tucker Stadium (73 mi).
Who are Vanderbilt's biggest rivals?
Vanderbilt's rivals include Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Tennessee.
How old is FirstBank Stadium?
FirstBank Stadium opened in 1922, making it 104 years old. It ranks #21 among the oldest stadiums in the country.

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.