NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nashville is gearing up for a jam-packed Saturday as the city hosts several major events across multiple venues, leading the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) to warn drivers about expected traffic congestion.
Five significant events in particular are expected to affect traffic throughout the day:
At Nissan Stadium, the popular Savannah Bananas will take on the Party Animals in an exciting exhibition game. Parking lots for the event will open at noon, with the gates set to open at 4:30 p.m. The game itself will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Just a short distance away, Bridgestone Arena will be hosting rock band Shinedown for a concert, set to kick off at 7 p.m. Fans attending this highly anticipated show are advised to plan accordingly as they make their way to the venue.
Meanwhile, at First Horizon Park, the Nashville Sounds will square off against the Norfolk Tides. Gates open at approximately 5:35 p.m., with the first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
For those looking for something more traditional, the Iroquois Steeplechase at Percy Warner Park will draw a crowd with its iconic horse races. Tailgating festivities begin at 8 a.m., with the final race of the day slated to start at 5 p.m.
Additionally, at Geodis Park, Nashville Soccer Club will face off against Charlotte Football Club. The soccer match is set to begin at 5:30 p.m., further contributing to the expected traffic influx in the area.
Along with these high-profile events, smaller gatherings at the Ryman Auditorium, Brooklyn Bowl, and Schermerhorn Symphony Center are also scheduled, adding to the strain on local roadways.
In light of the heavy traffic expected, NDOT has partnered with popular electric scooter and bike-sharing services Lime, Spin, and Bird to promote alternative transportation options. As part of their initiative to ease congestion, NDOT is offering a special incentive: anyone using the code NDOTSPECIALEVENTS on May 10 will receive a free 10-minute ride on an e-bike or scooter.
For those preferring public transportation, NDOT also encourages the use of WeGo bus services, as well as rideshare pick-up and drop-off zones at event locations via Uber and Lyft.
As Nashville prepares for a bustling Saturday, the NDOT urges residents and visitors alike to plan ahead, leave early, and consider alternative transportation options to navigate the expected traffic. With so much going on across the city, staying flexible and using public transit or ridesharing services will be key to avoiding delays.
