The Tennessee vs. Virginia college football season opener held at Nissan Stadium on Sept. 2 made a significant impact on the local economy, according to economic impact results released by the Nashville Sports Council on Wednesday.
The headline-making figure of $20.3 million in direct economic impact underscores the event's success as a powerful economic engine in a record year for Nashville tourism.
With a monumental attendance of 69,507, it etched its name as the largest college football game ever hosted at Nissan Stadium, reaffirming Nashville's position as a top-tier sports destination. A nationwide viewership of 2.5 million fans further elevated the event's profile.
The influx of out-of-town visitors was a key driver of this economic milestone, with an impressive 41,268 individuals journeying from across the nation to partake in this sporting spectacle. Their presence translated into approximately 15,863 room nights booked, providing a boost to the local hospitality sector. The daily spending by these out-of-town guests averaged $257.06 per attendee.
Local residents and in-town fans also played a pivotal role in the event's economic impact, contributing an average daily spending of $284.66.
It's worth noting that the last time the Tennessee Volunteers were at Nissan Stadium, the TransPerfect Music City Bowl recorded impressive numbers, including an attendance of 69,489 (a bowl record), national TV viewership of 5.6 million, 43,320 out-of-town visitors, 19,640 room nights booked, out-of-town spending averaging $377 per day and in-town spending at $284 per day, resulting in a direct economic impact of $32,308,284.00—also a bowl record.
Tennessee vs. Virgnia
Date Sept. 2, 2023
Attendance 69,507
National TV Viewers 2,573,121
Out of Town Visitors 41268
Room Nights 15,863
Out of Town Spending (per day) $257.06
In-Town Spending (per day) $284.66
Direct Economic Impact $20,271,693.58
"The $20.3 million generated by the Tennessee vs. Virginia game showcases Nashville's continued position as a college football hub, highlighting the city's exceptional economic impact in the sports tourism sector,” Scott Ramsey, President and CEO of the Nashville Sports Council, said. “This kickoff game demonstrates how sports can energize tourism, bolster local businesses and firmly establish Nashville as the ultimate destination for memorable college football moments.”
The next college football showdown is this December, when SEC and Big Ten teams travel for the 26th annual TransPerfect Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 at 1 p.m. on ABC. To stay updated and learn more about the game, please visit www.musiccitybowl.com. For the latest news on Nashville's vibrant sports tourism scene, visit www.nashvillesports.com.
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Contact
Aldo Amato, Director of Marketing & Strategic Initiatives, (615) 743-3124 or aamato@nashvillesports.com
About the Nashville Sports Council
The Nashville Sports Council is a private, non-profit, membership-based organization of area corporations and individual sports enthusiasts. Created in 1992, the Nashville Sports Council’s mission is to positively impact the economy and quality of life of the Greater Nashville Area by attracting and promoting professional and amateur sporting events. The Nashville Sports Council has hosted hundreds of major sporting events that have produced more than $1.1 billion in direct economic impact for the region. For more information call 615-743-3120 or visit NashvilleSports.com. Follow the Nashville Sports Council on Facebook and Twitter.