First and Tenn

Official Review by Mark Willoughby, Stadium Journey Correspondent

LP Field was constructed in 1999 on 105 acres of the east bank of the Cumberland River and overlooks downtown Nashville. The stadium seats 68,798 fans for a football game, including 12,000 club level seats on both sides of the stadium. The sight lines in the stadium are good, and the vertical height of the stadium provides a good view of the field even from the upper decks.

Parking around the stadium is limited to season ticket permit holders, and there is good egress to and from the stadium for those that park close by. There is ample parking in many surface lots and garages in the downtown area. Fans walking to the stadium have use of a dedicated pedestrian bridge as well as two other bridges to get to the stadium.

Once inside the stadium, fans have multiple dining choices that range from the standard stadium fare to an extensive buffet located in the club level. The buffet is pricey, charging $27.00 per person, but it is an all you can eat affair, with offerings ranging from carved roast beef, brunch offerings, and barbecue. If you are going to eat at the buffet, come hungry. Burgers, deli sandwiches, pizza, brats, barbecue, and hot dogs are offered at numerous concession stands throughout the stadium and club level, with prices in the $5-6 for most items. The club level offers two full bars and numerous flat screen televisions to view not only the live action on the field but other NFL games that are in progress in a climate controlled environment.

The stadium is within easy walking distance from the downtown Nashville entertainment district. This area offers numerous dining and entertainment options, including many live music venues. Many fans of the Titans that do not have tickets gather at local bars and restaurants to watch the game.

One of the favorite haunts for visitors to the downtown area is Robert's Western World. This authentic country bar is home to traditional country music and is located at 416 Broadway, the main entertainment strip in downtown Nashville. The bar is approximately five blocks from the stadium and is within easy walking distance. In addition to the traditional country acts, Robert's is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists, and it is not uncommon to run into some well known entertainers there such as Dwight Yoakum and Hank Williams, Jr.. They serve a limited but traditional bar menu, and are known for their burgers. The beer selection is extensive, but many visitors enjoy the traditional offerings such as PBR and Miller. Not a particularly large venue means that visitors should arrive early to get a seat and avoid the crowds.

Big River Grill is located at the corner of 4th Ave. and Broadway, three blocks from the stadium. Big River Grill is an expansive establishment that offers ample seating indoors and a patio for outdoor seating. A varied menu offers many dining choices, from salads and light fare to steaks. Diners can find offerings that fit any appetite and taste, and most foods are made from scratch. Big River has an extensive selection of beers, including many craft beers that are brewed on site. The Czech Lager, brewed on site, is an award winning beer. Visitors can find most any type of beer, but the craft beers are exceptional and worth the visit. This popular spot fills quickly on game days before the game, and stays busy until well after the game is over.

Food & Beverage    5

Diverse offerings that meet the needs of the kids that come to the game and the adult palate as well. Plenty of selections. The full bars in the club level offer a full menu of drinks and the beer selection meets most any request. There are no craft beers or locally brewed beers offered.

Atmosphere    2

No historical significance to the stadium since it is relatively new, but it is a great place to watch a game. As previously mentioned, sight lines are good, access to and from the stadium is good, and it is well designed for a great fan experience. The atmosphere and entertainment venues are across the river in downtown Nashville. While not immediately adjacent to the stadium, they are within an acceptable walking distance.

Neighborhood    4

This rating is given by virtue of the diverse entertainment venues in downtown Nashville. Again, these venues are located across the river from the stadium, with the closest being about three blocks from the stadium. LP Field itself sits in a revitalized industrial area that has some residential and limited entertainment offerings adjacent to the venue. The walk back to downtown Nashville is not daunting, although a bit sloppy in inclimate weather. The grounds of the stadium are designed to promote tailgating, and Titan fans have taken this to an art form.

Fans    5

Titan fans are energetic and passionate, and LP Field is known as one of the loudest venues in the NFL. Fans take pride in generating noise when the other team has the ball, and they relish being rewarded with false starts from the other team. The Titans have sold out every home game since they began playing in LP Field.

Access    5

LP Field is bordered by Interstate 265, which provides easy access to and from the stadium. There are five lane surface street that run to and from the stadium, which also provdes good ingress and egress to downtown Nashville and surrounding neighborhoods. Restrooms on all levels are adequate, but as expected, there can be a wait when the halftime break occurs. Each restroom is equipped with a flat panel television and the live radio feed, so fans won't miss the action on the field when they are out of their seat.

Return on Investment    5

There is over a two year waiting list for PSL's, which is indicative of the demand for tickets. Prices for tickets and concessions are appropriate for the market. The game day experience is exceptional and the environment is safe and high quality.

Extras    2

Being in Music City, the talent available for the anthem is amazing. Stars such as Diamond Rio, Toby Keith, and Bon Jovi have performed the anthem.

The presence of ushers at every portal to help with seating or requests from attendees is a nice touch. The staff is very attentive and friendly toward the fans and work to make a game a great fan experience.