Tennessee football kicks off its 2023 season Sept. 2 with a big game against Virginia. But this year, the first Vols game of the season won’t be played on Rocky Top.
There’s a special game in Nashville at Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans.
The good news is Knox News reporter Adam Sparks predicts an easy win for Tennessee. The bad news is that Vols fans will have to make a bit of a drive from Knoxville.
This will be the third time the Vols have played a regular season, nonconference game at Nissan Stadium since 2002. The team last played in the stadium for the 2021 Music City Bowl.
Since the setting has changed, here’s what Vols fans need to know about getting to Nashville, parking, enjoying the atmosphere and sipping a beer after that Tennessee victory.
How long is the drive from Knoxville to Nashville?
- A drive from Knoxville to Nashville is about 2 hours and 40 minutes. It’s pretty much a straight shot west on Interstate 40.
- Keep in mind there will be a time change during the journey because Nashville is in the Central time zone. You will gain an hour to start your day while driving to Nashville and lose an hour (unfortunately) when driving back to Knoxville.
- Driving a typical car will cost around $28.60 for the entire trip, according to gasprices.aaa.com.
Where to park near Nissan Stadium
- Fans will need to find a parking spot in the areas surrounding Nissan Stadium because stadium parking passes are sold out, according to Ticketmaster.
- A few alternative Nashville parking options include lots and garages on the downtown side of the Cumberland River, meaning fans will have to walk over a bridge to get to the stadium. Try Public Square Garage (350 Deaderick St.), MTA Garage (400 Charlotte Ave.), 211 Commerce Garage (211 Commerce St.) and One Nashville Garage (158 Fourth Ave.). Parking rates vary.
- There are a total of eight alternative parking options listed at nissanstadium.com/parking-directions. However, there are more lots available near the stadium that might fit your needs and budget.
Restaurants and breweries near Nissan Stadium to try
Broadway and the classic Nashville tourist venues are within walking distance to Nissan Stadium, so there are plenty of restaurants that know how to cater to big crowds. Here are a few to consider:
- Acme Feed and Seed – This spot is about as close as you can get without eating at the actual stadium. Acme has three floors of traditional Southern food, burgers and fried chicken … plus sushi. Hey, we don’t make the rules! This huge restaurant has several bars and live music, too.
- Assembly Food Hall – There are 30+ vendors and bars in one of Nashville’s largest rooftop spots in the heart of Broadway. Assembly Food Hall offers a variety of cuisines and often hosts live bands and sports watch parties. The hall has traditional sit-down restaurants and quick food stalls with communal seating. It definitely has something for everyone.
- Blanco Cocina and Cantina – Blanco’s offers a fresh twist on Mexican food. Tacos, burritos, and enchiladas are on the menu, but you can also enjoy tequila and margaritas.
- Manny’s House of Pizza – New York-style pizza, calzones, pizza rolls, subs and more can be ordered at Manny’s, a pizza joint that has been local favorite since it opened in 1984. And yes, you can get a few beers there, too.
- The Stillery – Enjoy brick-fired pies, juicy stacked burgers, fresh salads, moonshine, whiskey and local beer at The Stillery.
Dine with a country music star
- If you want to grab a beer with Luke Bryan or dine with Jason Aldean, try one of the celebrity-owned spots in downtown Nashville.
- Luke’s 32 Bridge, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa, FGL House (Florida Georgia Line) and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row are all near Nissan Stadium.
- Even if you don’t get to actually dine with a celebrity, at least you get to dine like a celebrity.
Concessions at Nissan Stadium
A variety of concessions are available in Nissan Stadium, of course, including Classic Hits, Slim and Husky’s Pizza, Martin’s Barb-B-Que Joint, Cumberland Grill and Yee-Haw Brewing Co. located on the lower, upper and club levels.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Twitter @dturner1208.
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