Nissan Stadium – stadium description

The vision of building Nashville’s new central stadium was strictly connected to the idea of bringing NFL there. In 1995 the Houston Oilers were contemplating relocation and settled for this spot, finalizing the move in the summer of 1999.

By then the new arena was ready, built on once-industrial grounds just east of the business district, right beside the Cumberland River. Together with traditional layout on the north-south axis, this offers some fans in the east stand’s upper tier a good view of Nashville’s skyline.

Only the lowermost tier is continuous around the entire field, two upper ones (business and regular) spread along the field with ends open. Giant screens are located in the free space (replaced by new ones in 2012). Access to the upper decks is provided by four large ramps in each corner of the stadium, though since 2012 new amenities include fast elevators in some areas.

The stadium suffered from a couple disasters. Back in 1998 when it was still under construction, a tornado went through it and tore down the cranes. Despite this, it was delivered in time. Then in 2010 the stadium was flooded after very heavy rainfall and required serious repair works.

Beside the Tennessee Titans games, the stadium was also designed with soccer/football in mind and was indeed used by national teams of the US, both female, male and youth sides. Also exhibition soccer games were held here. To receive state funding, the building also had to host Tennessee State Tigers, second main tenant of the stadium. Altogether it cost $290 million to build, of which half was covered by taxpayers ($144m), agreed upon in a public vote.

In 2022, the concept of building a new stadium to become the new home of the Tennessee Titans was conceived. The facility is to be built right next to the existing stadium, and the project is expected to cost $2.1bn. The new stadium will have 60,000 seats and be completely covered. Construction is planned for 2024–2027. Once the new venue is open, the old stadium is to be demolished.