Good News: Tennessee Makes Bold Play to Host Super Bowl—Will Nashville Become the NFL’s Next…

Tennessee is actively pursuing the opportunity to host a Super Bowl within the next five years, leveraging the construction of a new state-of-the-art stadium in Nashville. This initiative underscores the state’s ambition to position Nashville as a premier destination for major sporting events.

The New Stadium: A Catalyst for Hosting

Central to Tennessee’s Super Bowl aspirations is the development of a $2.1 billion enclosed stadium for the Tennessee Titans. Governor Bill Lee has been a vocal advocate for this project, emphasizing its potential to attract marquee events like the Super Bowl. In May 2024, during a bill signing at Pearl-Cohn High School’s football stadium, Governor Lee reiterated his commitment, stating, “Now that we have one coming, I remind people of the uniqueness of this city and this state and the importance of the Titans. We hope that it happens, and I’m asking and advocating for it whenever I get an opportunity.”

The new stadium is slated to open for the 2027-28 season, positioning Nashville to potentially host the Super Bowl as early as 2029. This timeline aligns with the NFL’s practice of awarding Super Bowl hosting rights to cities with new or significantly upgraded facilities.

Nashville’s Track Record and Infrastructure

Nashville’s proven ability to host large-scale events bolsters its Super Bowl bid. The city’s successful hosting of the 2019 NFL Draft, which drew approximately 600,000 attendees, showcased its capacity for managing significant crowds and complex logistics. Additionally, Nashville’s vibrant downtown, rich musical heritage, and expanding hotel accommodations enhance its appeal as a Super Bowl host city

Deana Ivey, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp., has expressed optimism about Nashville’s prospects. In February 2025, she noted that the city’s growing number of hotel rooms and the new stadium address previous limitations, stating, “We’re very optimistic about the opportunity to host a Super Bowl in Nashville.”

The Evolving Super Bowl Selection Process

The NFL’s approach to selecting Super Bowl host cities has evolved over the years. Previously, cities would submit bids to host the event. However, starting in 2018, the NFL shifted to a more streamlined process where the league proactively identifies potential host cities and extends invitations to them. Peter O’Reilly, the NFL’s senior vice president of events, explained that this method focuses on “identifying the really optimal destination for the Super Bowl, as opposed to a process where you may have multiple cities spending significant time and energy around a bid process.”

This change means that Nashville’s efforts to position itself as an attractive Super Bowl destination involve close collaboration with the NFL to meet the league’s specifications and requirements.

Legislative Support and Transparency

In anticipation of hosting the Super Bowl, Tennessee’s legislature has taken steps to support the bid. In 2023, the state approved $500 million in bonds to assist in funding the new stadium, with Metro Nashville contributing over $760 million. Both entities also approved an increase in the hotel tax to help finance the project.

However, these developments have raised concerns about transparency. The Tennessee Department of Tourism sought legislative authority to close public access to certain records deemed confidential, coinciding with the state’s preparations for the Super Bowl bid. While lawmakers adjusted the bill to eventually allow public disclosure of expenditures related to attracting the Super Bowl, provisions remain that could keep specific contract details undisclosed for years.

Community Engagement and Future Prospects

To bolster community support and showcase Nashville’s enthusiasm for football, events like the Verizon Super Bowl FanFest have been organized. In February 2025, Nissan Stadium hosted the FanFest, offering attendees field access, live music, and interactive games. Former Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo hosted the event, reflecting the city’s deep-rooted football culture.

Looking ahead, Nashville’s strategic investments in infrastructure, coupled with its vibrant cultural scene, position it well in the eyes of the NFL. As the new stadium nears completion and the city continues to demonstrate its capability to host large-scale events, Tennessee’s ambition to host a Super Bowl appears increasingly attainable.

In conclusion, Tennessee’s concerted efforts to host a Super Bowl within the next five years highlight the state’s dedication to elevating Nashville’s status as a premier event destination. With the new stadium serving as a cornerstone of this initiative, coupled with strong legislative and community support, Nashville is poised to make a compelling case to the NFL for hosting one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.