Nashville lands college football championship games, but not at Nissan Stadium
Music City becomes the 11th city to host the FCS championship game since 1978.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - While the ultimate goal for the Nashville Sports Council is to bring a Super Bowl to Music City, Nashville will soon be playing host to college football national championship games.
Nashville has been awarded the 2026 and 2027 NCAA Division I Football Championship games. The FCS Championship game’s 2025 edition will be played in Frisco, Texas, where it’s been played since 2010.
Music City becomes the 11th city to host the FCS championship game since 1978. The games will be played at FirstBank Stadium on Vanderbilt University’s campus on Jan. 6 2026 and Jan. 4, 2027.
Related Coverage:
“On behalf of the Nashville Sports Council Board of Directors and entire Nashville community, we look forward to hosting the FCS National Championship in Music City in 2026 and 2027,” said Nashville Sports Council President and CEO Scott Ramsey. “We appreciate the confidence of the NCAA and FCS Selection Committee in our ability to showcase this prestigious championship event in Nashville and provide a memorable experience for the players, coaches, administrators, and fans.”
The newly renovated First Bank Stadium seats about 35,000 fans.
“We’re thrilled to host the FCS Championship Game at FirstBank Stadium in 2026 and 2027,” said Candice Storey Lee, Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor for University Affairs & Athletics and Athletic Director. “We look forward to welcoming the competing teams and their fans to the Vanderbilt campus for an event they’ll remember the rest of their lives. No city is a better host for sports and entertainment than Nashville, and we’re excited to work with the Nashville Sports Council, the OVC, and other partners across the city to deliver an unforgettable experience in an electric, fan-friendly, and welcoming environment.”
This isn’t the first time Tennessee held the FCS Championship game — from 1997 to 2000 Chattanooga served as the host.
Copyright 2024 WSMV. All rights reserved.
