Sports, tourism and development play into record growth in Nashville
Writer: Eleana Teran
September 2025 — The Tennessee Titans are valued at $6.3 billion, placing them among the NFL’s top performing franchises and highlighting football’s growing role in Nashville’s economy. In 2024, the team generated $582 million in revenue and $95 million in operating income, while a new stadium, set to open in 2027 as a year-round entertainment venue, could eventually bring a Super Bowl to Music City.
The rising value of professional sports teams contributes to the economic weight of Nashville’s broader tourism, sports, and entertainment sector. In 2024, visitors to Davidson County spent a record $11.2 billion, according to newly released data from Tourism Economics and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. That represents a 4.2% increase from the previous year, with visitors spending an average of $30.7 million a day in Nashville.
A report by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp noted that tourism accounts for roughly one-third of all visitor spending in the state and continues to support thousands of jobs, generate significant tax revenue, and drive economic activity for local businesses across the community.
The tourism sector’s contribution extends far beyond hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Direct visitor spending generated $1.2 billion in state and local tax revenue in 2024, of which $692.9 million was destined for the state and $464.1 million for Davidson County. Without that income, the report noted, each Nashville household would pay an additional $3,678 in taxes. Nashville’s growing appeal is also reflected in public perception, with the city recently topping a national survey as America’s favorite major city.
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Industry leaders point to several catalysts shaping the city’s future.
“Looking ahead, we are closely watching how the city will evolve,” said Onal Kucuk, general manager of 1 Hotel Nashville, in an interview with Invest:. “There is a lot of curiosity about how things will feel once the Oracle campus is completed, the new Tennessee Titans stadium is open, and projects like the Nashville Arts initiative and airport expansion are fully realized. Nashville is a dynamic city. For those who have been here longer than I have, the sentiment is always the same: Nashville today is not the Nashville of three years ago, or even one year ago.”
That sense of rapid change is especially visible on the East Bank, where the new Titans stadium is taking shape.
“The new Titans stadium is progressing fast, and NES is responsible for building out critical electric infrastructure for that project,” Teresa Broyles-Aplin, president and CEO of Nashville Electric Service, told Invest:. “We’re also playing a major role in the East Bank development — the largest economic development project in Tennessee right now.”
Hospitality leaders are equally focused on how sports and their facilities are reshaping visitor experience.
“Sports also play a big role in tourism growth,” said Leesa LeClaire, president and CEO of the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association. “We’re building a new domed stadium, set to open in 2027, which will allow for offerings to supplement the convention center’s space, plus assurances for entertainment and sporting events regardless of weather. Bridgestone Arena is expanding with a new rooftop and Broadway-facing entrance, creating even more opportunities for larger events and more activity downtown.”
Architecture and design firms also see the link between development, tourism, and brand storytelling.
“Large-scale developments, like Nashville Yards, continue to evolve, with new buildings coming online and integrating with public spaces. This kind of master-planned development is a major driver and will continue to be as they complete the tenant build-outs,” said Danny Ruberg, Nashville office lead at Joseph & Joseph Architects. “The hospitality sector is another key driver. With so many people traveling to and staying in Nashville, there’s a continuing need to support that market. There’s also a strong overlap with the distilling industry and the region’s rich history with spirits. Tourism, experience-based spaces, and brand storytelling feed into each other and help influence how architecture takes shape in the city.”
State leaders have emphasized the broader impact. The NCVC report highlighted that Tennessee’s tourism industry has grown more than 36% in visitor spending over the past six years, with targeted investment helping to sustain record-breaking momentum. Gov. Bill Lee described the sector as one that is “built to last,” creating jobs, fueling small businesses, and generating substantial tax revenues that benefit people and businesses across the state.
Top image via Ryan Gandolfo/caa
For more information, please visit:
https://www.tennesseetitans.com/
