Support the new stadium? Oppose it? Make sure to vote in the 2023 Nashville Metropolitan General Election on August 3, 2023. Find out everything you need to know to vote or run in the election here.

What's the story?

The Tennessee Titans are set to receive a new stadium after the Nashville Metro Council approved the $2.1 billion funding in a historic vote.

The measure was approved in a 26 to 12 vote on April 26, 2023, and followed extensive discussions and assessments of the project's potential impact on the city. 

The 60,000-seat, 1.7 million-square-foot stadium will be built across 15 acres of Metro-owned land near the interstate. Surrounding the arena will be an additional 20 acres dubbed "Stadium Village."  

Supporters say the new stadium will become a major Nashville attraction, drawing visitors, bolstering the local economy, and providing a world-class venue for sports and entertainment events.

Critics have raised concerns about the project's potential impact on taxpayers, the allocation of public resources, and the gentrification of the surrounding area. Some argue that the funding could be better spent on improving public infrastructure, education, or addressing social issues in the city.

How is the funding distributed?

• $500 million in bonds provided by the state
• $840 million contributed by the Titans, NFL, and personal seat license sales
• $760 million from revenue bonds, supported by Metro debt service and reimbursed through a rise in the city's hotel tax and sales tax generated from the stadium and its vicinity.

What are people saying?

Supporters

“For more than 25 years, Nashville, Tennessee, has been the Titans’ home, and with the approval of the new stadium agreement, we are grateful to know the Titans will be a part of this great city and state for decades to come,” said Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk, in a press release.

“I remember the early days of our time here feeling all the promise and opportunity ahead, and I feel that same enthusiasm and excitement again today. We are thankful for the support of Mayor Cooper, Metro Council, the Sports Authority, the State of Tennessee, and most importantly, the people of Nashville and Tennessee as we all embark on this new chapter together.”

Nashville Mayor John Cooper also expressed his excitement over the deal:

"This is a great day for our city. The new stadium will not only provide an incredible home for our Titans but also be a catalyst for economic growth in the surrounding area...We are excited to see this project come to fruition and are confident it will have a positive impact on our city's future."

Opponents

During a contentious five-hour public hearing prior to the vote, 70% of speakers opposed the deal.

"To me this is simply another instance of Nashville prioritizing tourism and entertainment over needed funding toward infrastructure, schools and public transit," said East Nashville resident Karissa Hoffman.

And council member Angie Henderson - who voted against the deal and abstained from voting on the resolution - said she resented that the Nashville Needs Impact Fund has been "used as some tool in the community for people to feel that they are somehow a part of or beneficiaries of this stadium when it's just token gestures."

"We should be ashamed of ourselves," Henderson added.

In response to these concerns, Mayor Cooper reassured that the city would work closely with the community to ensure inclusive development and opportunities for local businesses and residents. Councilmember Kyonzte Toombs, who sponsored the legislation, highlighted the project's positive economic impact, citing job creation, increased tax revenue, and support for public services.

Metro Council Vote Breakdown on Stadium Bill

In favor: Antoinette Lee, Bob Nash, Brett Withers, Burkley Allen, Courtney Johnston, Delishia Porterfield, Gloria Hausser, Jeff Syracuse, Jennifer Gamble, John Rutherford, Jonathan Hall, Joy Styles, Kathleen Murphy, Kevin Rhoten, Kyontze Toombs, Larry Hagar, Mary Carolyn Roberts, Nancy VanReece, Robert Swope, Russ Pulley, Sharon Hurt, Tanaka Vercher, Thom Druffel, Tonya Hancock, Zach Young, and Zulfat Suara.

Against:  Angie Henderson, Bob Mendes, Colby Sledge, Dave Rosenberg, Emily Benedict, Erin Evans, Freddie O'Connell, Ginny Welsch, Russ Bradford, Sandra Sepulveda, Sean Parker, and Tom Cash.

—Josh Herman