Geodis Park
In December 2016, the construction of what would become Geodis Park was expected to cost $275 million. Billionaire businessman John Ingram agreed to pay $25 million up front and $9 million a year over 30 years. This financial arrangement aimed to help retire Metro's annual $13 million debt for a $225 bond issuance. The Nashville Fairgrounds itself required an additional renovation costing $40 million. Mayor Megan Barry promised to give 10 acres of city-owned fairgrounds land for mixed-use development next to the stadium. The Metropolitan Council approved $25 million in 2018, while Mayor David Briley's office added another $5 million from a 2017 contingency fund without council approval in February 2019. By August 2019, the project budget had swelled to between $325 million and $345 million. This increase represented $50 million to $70 million more than initial estimates, covering costs through Ingram and other investors rather than taxpayers.
Save Our Fairgrounds sued Metro Nashville in November 2017 claiming construction could disrupt the Tennessee State Fair and racing activities at the speedway. Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle dismissed this lawsuit in December 2017. However, the Tennessee Court of Appeals overturned that dismissal in July 2019 regarding the duties of the Fair Board. A second legal challenge emerged in January 2019 when the Tennessee State Fair Association filed suit against the Metropolitan Government. U.S. Representative John Rose chaired this association which argued the stadium failed to leave sufficient space for state fairs. The Tennessean reported these claims about protected uses in the Metro Charter. Judge Ellen Hobbs Lyle dismissed this case again just days later. The association planned to take the matter to the Tennessee Supreme Court but settled out of court on the 19th of February 2019. Council member Steve Glover introduced a resolution to stop demolition on August 2, yet it was voted down on August 21.
Populous designed the facility from their Kansas City office after creating venues for other MLS clubs. The structure seats 30,109 people making it the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States or Canada. Six lounges and two dozen box suites fill the interior spaces. A dedicated entry gate serves the supporters group located on the north side. The stadium opened on the 1st of May 2022 with Nashville SC hosting the Philadelphia Union. This inaugural match marked the first time the venue hosted professional play. By the 16th of March 2020, demolition on the fairgrounds site began following an amended deal signed by Mayor John Cooper and club owner John R. Ingram. Ian Ayre published an open letter to fans on the 9th of April 2020 stating demolition progressed steadily toward completion.
Eleven official parking lots surround the Fairgrounds for matches requiring pre-paid passes. Some lots feature paved surfaces while others utilize gravel and grass textures. A specific ride-hailing lot exists separate from general parking areas. The WeGo Public Transit system maintains two bus stops near Geodis Park but does not run special late night services for matches. Infrastructure improvements cost an estimated $19 million paid directly by the team. These payments covered immediate area infrastructure surrounding the stadium. The team agreed to a total of $54 million in additional payments including lease obligations. Parcel 8C spans about 2.4 acres between the stadium and the Fairgrounds Speedway. This land became a mixed-use open plaza allowing future activities for both venues.
The stadium was selected as one of twelve venues to host the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. On the 20th of June 2025, Los Angeles FC played Espérance de Tunis drawing 13,651 spectators. Auckland City faced Boca Juniors on the 24th of June 2025 with 16,899 fans attending that Group C match. Al-Hilal defeated CF Pachuca 2-0 before 14,147 people on the 26th of June 2025. Nashville SC originally planned to start playing there in 2020 but delays pushed operations to 2022. International friendly matches drew crowds ranging from 18,468 to 27,604 spectators during 2023 and 2025 fixtures. The SheBelieves Cup featured women's matches starting the 19th of February 2023 with attendance figures reaching 25,471.
Shania Twain headlined the first concert at Geodis Park on the 7th of June 2023 alongside Kelsea Ballerini. That Queen of Me Tour generated $3,606,876 in revenue for 27,707 attendees. Guns N' Roses performed on the 26th of August 2023 with Carrie Underwood as an opening act. Their tour brought in $3,484,912 from 23,594 fans. P!nk took the stage on the 22nd of September 2023 during her Summer Carnival event. Brandi Carlile opened that show which attracted 28,382 people and earned $5,906,419. Green Day appeared on the 30th of August 2024 with The Smashing Pumpkins and Rancid supporting them. Tyler Childers scheduled performances for October 10 and 11, 2025 featuring Charley Crockett and Cory Branan.
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Common questions
How much did Geodis Park cost to build?
The construction of Geodis Park was expected to cost $275 million in December 2016, but the budget swelled to between $325 million and $345 million by August 2019. This increase represented $50 million to $70 million more than initial estimates and covered costs through John Ingram and other investors rather than taxpayers.
When did Geodis Park officially open for professional play?
Geodis Park opened on the 1st of May 2022 with Nashville SC hosting the Philadelphia Union. This inaugural match marked the first time the venue hosted professional play after delays pushed operations from a planned 2020 start date.
Who designed the architecture of Geodis Park?
Populous designed the facility from their Kansas City office after creating venues for other MLS clubs. The structure seats 30,109 people making it the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States or Canada.
What legal challenges affected the development of Geodis Park?
Save Our Fairgrounds sued Metro Nashville in November 2017 claiming construction could disrupt the Tennessee State Fair and racing activities at the speedway. A second legal challenge emerged in January 2019 when the Tennessee State Fair Association filed suit against the Metropolitan Government before settling out of court on the 19th of February 2019.
Which concerts have been held at Geodis Park since its opening?
Shania Twain headlined the first concert at Geodis Park on the 7th of June 2023 alongside Kelsea Ballerini. Subsequent performances included Guns N' Roses on the 26th of August 2023, P!nk on the 22nd of September 2023, Green Day on the 30th of August 2024, and Tyler Childers scheduled for October 10 and 11, 2025.