A deal has been reached between the Tennessee Titans and the city of Nashville for a new, domed stadium. The new space, tentatively scheduled to open in time for the 2026 NFL season, will replace the current Nissan Stadium, which was in need of costly repairs.
“This new stadium proposal protects Metro taxpayers by not spending a single dollar that could be spent elsewhere on our core priorities like education and public safety,” Cooper explained in a press conference (via The Sports Credential). “Doing nothing was not a legal option for us, and renovating the current stadium proved to be financially irresponsible, so we are proposing a new stadium paid for by the team, the state, tourists and spending around the stadium–not by your family.”
Funding for the new stadium will come from a sales tax in Nissan Stadium, marking a 130-acre radius around the stadium’s campus, along with a seven-percent hotel occupancy tax in Davidson County. Cooper states that no money from the city’s general fund will go toward the building of the stadium.
According to the proposed plan, funding for the stadium will come from four major sources: football (including the NFL and PSL sales), the state (with a one-time contribution of $500 million), hospitality, and from sales and taxes from the stadium and its campus.
Per The Sports Credential, the remaining $760 million will come from revenue bonds, issued by the Metro Sports Authority, which will be repaid through the revenue sources. Per state statutes, those funds can only be used for this project or other stadium-related costs.
Cooper praised those who worked to get the new stadium approved, without undue cost to Nashville taxpayers.
“I’m grateful to Amy Adams Strunk, Burke Nihill and the entire Titans organization for their commitment to Nashville,” Cooper said. “Residents’ tax dollars can go to core city services because the Titans have stepped up to cover future ongoing maintenance on the new stadium. I’d also like to thank Governor [Bill] Lee and our partners at the state legislature for recognizing the Titans’ enormous economic contributions. Together, we are making sure that the Titans stay in Tennessee for generations to come.”
The new stadium will have a turf field, and the roof will not be retractable. The stadium will have a capacity of 55,0000-60,000.
“Nashville’s new stadium will be a game changer for the community, enhancing the national and international reputation of our great city and state and delivering world-class events to our doorstep that we could never have dreamed of 25 years ago,” says Titans President and CEO, Burke Nihill. “We couldn’t be more appreciative of Mayor Cooper’s commitment to prioritizing the taxpayers of Nashville and his vision for a bold future on the East Bank. We look forward to the discussion of these terms with Metro Council and the Sports Authority, and hearing from our neighbors in the community as this process continues.”
