NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has declared that Nashville will finally be prepared to host its first-ever Super Bowl once the Tennessee Titans' new stadium is completed in 2027. The city, famed for its vibrant country music scene, is one of the few major US urban centres never to have staged the NFL's showpiece event.
The Long Wait for a Super Bowl
Since the inaugural Super Bowl was held in Los Angeles in 1967, Nashville has been on the waiting list alongside other major cities like Chicago, Kansas City, and Seattle. This long-standing absence is set to change. The turning point came during a ceremony on Friday, where the Titans celebrated the 'topping out' of their New Nissan Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue scheduled to open in less than two years.
Goodell, who attended the event, was questioned about Nashville's Super Bowl prospects. He expressed strong confidence in the city's capabilities. 'Listen, it’s an important franchise, a wonderful franchise for the NFL,' he stated regarding the Titans. He highlighted the transformative impact of the 2019 NFL Draft hosted by Nashville, which served as a 'wake-up moment' for the league, proving the city's potential.
Building the Stage for the Big Game
The Commissioner pinpointed the one missing element for Nashville: 'The one thing that's missing is the stage.' He confirmed that this crucial component is now being addressed with the construction of the new stadium. 'I think now you're building a great stage,' Goodell remarked. 'We have a process, but I have every expectation that you're gonna see that type of thing in the future.'
This endorsement has generated excitement among NFL fans. Reactions on social media platform X ranged from calling Nashville 'Party central' to expressing belief that the city could genuinely deliver on the hype. One fan humorously noted, 'The city is ready... the team is not and won't be anytime soon,' referencing the Titans' on-field performance.
Nashville's Formal Bid and Competition
Backing up the optimism, Nashville is formally bidding to host Super Bowl LXIII in February 2029, though it faces competition from Las Vegas. The timeline for upcoming Super Bowls is already set, with the 2027 edition at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium and the 2028 game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Tennessee's political leadership is firmly behind the push. Earlier this year, Governor Bill Lee penned a letter to Commissioner Goodell as part of the official bid. He championed Nashville as a 'dynamic global hub' with a proven record of hosting major events like the NFL Draft and CMA Fest. Lee also emphasised the state's significant investment in the new stadium, which promises 'the closest viewing experience in football' and an unrivalled environment for players and fans alike.
