First Horizon Park - Home of the Nashville Sounds

[PruneTracy]

In 2021, per the hero who runs this website:

https://www.numbertamer.com/

"Nashville drew 436,868, the best total of any Minor League team in 2021, and averaged 6,721 per date, the top average among all MLB-affiliated teams. The Sounds drew over 10,000 at 9 of their home dates." Note that these are covid totals and the Sounds were averaging nearly 9,000 fans per game between 2015 (when First Horizon Park opened) and 2019, but then weren't leading MiLB (although they were consistently in the top 10).

2 hours ago, Nathan_in_DC said:

But seriously, if Nashville's minor league team pulls more in than some MLB teams, then there is no way that MLB owners and leaders haven't noticed.

This isn't a recent thing, the Sounds led attendance in the Southern League every year they were a member and had today's attendance numbers at Greer stadium in the early 80s as a double-A affiliate of the Yankees (which was the catalyst for Larry Schmittou swapping them out for today's triple-A franchise). The franchise record for attendance was in 1990 as a Reds affiliate.

The problem isn't attendance, it's TV market, and why attendance drops aren't hindering MLB expansion to 32 teams. Of course that doesn't dilute an argument for the A's (preferably) or Rays to move to Nashville and fill a massive geographical hole for the American League. But that also means we don't necessarily need a 40,000-seat baseball stadium.

[smeagolsfree]

It also means that if another team moves here that the Music City Stars organization will be pretty much left out in the cold. The responsibility will be up to which ever ownership moves the franchise here including the team's name and stadium location. They could try and influence the current ownership of whatever team that would be, but they would not have to accept it. 

Who would want to lose control over their team?

[markhollin]

Enchant, the “world’s largest holiday light event,” will set up at First Horizon Park again this year. The display opens Fri., Nov. 25 and features 10 acres of four million lights, a 100-ft holiday tree, and an ice skating trail.

https://www.enchantmagic.com/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2022.08.18 NASH&utm_term=NASHtoday Subscribers - MASTER
 

[markhollin]

The Nashville Sounds claimed the first Minor League Baseball Organization of the Year Award in their 45-year history after a banner year in the Music City. The Sounds led Minor League Baseball in total attendance (555,576) and set a club record for season ticket revenue, topping the previous record by nearly $700,000. The Sounds also saw an increase in Full Season Equivalents by more than 10% from 2021.

More here:

https://www.milb.com/news/minor-league-baseball-announces-2022-award-winners

[nashville born]

Hopefully, such a performance aids in nabbing an expansion team.

[markhollin]

University of Tennessee will play an exhibition game against Samford at the Nashville Sounds’ First Horizon Park on Nov. 5 at 1 p.m.

It’s one of two exhibition contests the Vols will play on the road this fall as renovations continue at Lindsay Nelson Stadium in Knoxville. Tennessee will also face Virginia Tech on Oct. 22 in Greeneville at Tusculum University.

More behind the Nashville Post paywall here:

https://www.nashvillepost.com/sports/baseball/tennessee-baseball-headed-to-nashville-sounds-stadium/article_f27690aa-4d28-11ee-b647-8b3b3e04531e.html

[markhollin]

First Horizon Park will host pickleball leagues + free play this winter at Hit City Hall (an enclosed space on the concourse). Attend the grand opening on Friday, Nov. 10 (6-9 p.m.) for a beginner’s clinic, free play, and food trucks. The courts will remain open through the end of February.

[markhollin]

First Horizon Ballpark is listed first in "Best Minor League Ballparks" list for 2023 at StadiumTalk:

https://www.stadiumtalk.com/s/minor-league-baseball-ballparks-05c34027fc5a4672?utm_source=msn

[nashvylle]

Great to see. 

Where does Charlotte land? It's in a fantastic location. 

[markhollin]

The Nashville Sounds announced ballpark upgrades ahead of the 2024 season. Among the enhancements are extended netting, a new LED field lighting system, Coors Light Home Run Porch improvements, and new lounge furniture and games at The Band Box.

https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/sounds-unveil-ballpark-upgrades-at-first-horizon-park

[chc3]

Spring canopy along the west side of the stadium.

[markhollin]

First Horizon Park, home of the Nashville Sounds was voted the 10th best minor-league baseball stadium by a panel of industry experts, editors and readers as part of USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards.

Here's what editors had to say about the ballpark:

"Located in Germantown, First Horizon Park is home to the Nashville Sounds. On this same site, the Sulphur Dell baseball park hosted baseball games starting in 1870, including Negro League and Minor League Baseball teams. Today, there's much more to enjoy alongside baseball. The kids will love competing at the Fun Zone, where they can play the 9-hole mini golf course, see who throws the fastest pitch and play wiffle ball."

More at The Tennessean here:
 

https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/baseball/2024/03/22/nashville-sounds-first-horizon-park-named-1-of-10-best-stadiums-minor-leagues/73053078007/