Memphis and Nashville have a long running baseball rivalry that dates back to 1885. The current iteration of the rivalry started in 1998, and since then the Sounds hold a 9-5-5 lead in the all-time series. While the teams may have changed over the years, the passion in the rivalry has not. You’ll find there are a lot of bragging rights on the line when these two Tennessee-based PCL teams get together, so make sure to be in attendance when the Redbirds and the Sounds square off.
Nashville Sounds Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Baseball fans will have a fantastic time exploring downtown Nashville before attending a game at First Horizon Park. The ballpark is only a 15 minute or so walk from Broadway putting you right at the heart of everything downtown Nashville has to offer. If you’re looking to enjoy a honky tonk bar or see the sights and sounds of downtown, then you’ll be in the right place when attending a Sounds game First Horizon Park.
The one downside to attending a game at First Horizon Park is the lack of traditional tailgating available around the park. Most of the nearby parking is in private lots and parking garages, making it difficult for you to enjoy a tailgate party with your friends.
While there may not be much traditional tailgating available to you, those of you who want to get the feel of tailgating will want to check out Tailgate Brewery’s Music Row location. TailGate Brewery is one of the largest brewers in Tennessee, and they offer pub grub and craft beer making them an excellent place to throw back a few brews with your friends before the game.
There is a lot to see and do in downtown Nashville, so arrive early and check out everything Nashville has to offer before the game.
Check out the statue of Ed Temple outside First Horizon Park before the game. The statue honors one of the best coaches in women’s track and field history and is a must-see for any sports fan.
When entering First Horizon Park, you’ll be greeted with the Home of the Nashville Sounds sign. The sign is a nice way to welcome fans and will get you excited for a fun afternoon or evening of baseball.
Downtown Nashville Bars and RestaurantsYou won’t find much in the way of traditional tailgating around First Horizon Park, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of great places to grab a drink or bite to eat nearby. Check out our list of bars and restaurants for some great pre-game options.
TailGate BreweryIt may be a bit of a hike from First Horizon Park, but TailGate Brewery’s Music Row location is an excellent place to enjoy some craft beer and pub grub. The Music Row location is approximately a 30 to 40-minute walk, but it’s worth the visit if you want to enjoy some brews from one of the largest breweries in the state.
Nashville Sounds Stadium Guide
In Game
You won’t want to miss your chance to experience seeing a Sounds game at First Horizon Park. The Nashville Sounds moved into the beautiful new First Horizon Park in downtown Nashville in 2015, which is home to one of the best gameday experiences in the Pacific Coast League. First Horizon Park offers everything you could want in a ballpark, and then some making each visit to ballpark an incredible time.
Baseball fans will love attending a Sounds game at First Horizon Park since the ballpark is filled with tributes to the history of the Sounds and baseball in Nashville. First Horizon Park is built on the site of the Sulphur Dell, which served as the home of Nashville baseball clubs from 1870 to 1963. As a result, all throughout First Horizon Park, you can see tributes to the Sulphur Dell and former Nashville ball clubs such as the Southern Associations Nashville Vols.
Non-baseball fans will also enjoy a trip to First Horizon Park as the stadium is packed full of entertainment options. The Band Box is a great gathering spot and is home to a restaurant, bar, and games such as foosball and ping pong. You can even play a round a mini golf at the nine-hole The Country Club meaning even if you don’t like baseball you’ll have an excellent time attending a Sounds game.
Finally, First Horizon Park is home to plenty of kids and family entertainment. The Fun Zone in right field is the perfect place to take restless kids during the game, and young fans will love the Sounds mascot Booster.
No matter how big of a baseball fan you are or what your age, you’ll have a fantastic time attending a Sounds game at First Horizon Park.
The Nashville Sounds guitar scoreboard is a can’t miss for anyone taking in a game at First Horizon Park. The scoreboard is a carryover from the team’s previous home, Herschel Greer Stadium, and is an iconic part of both the old and new park.
Those of you who want to enjoy a Sounds game to the fullest will want to check out the Band Box. The Band Box is an outdoor bar and restaurant that features a variety of games including ping pong, foosball, cornhole, and more.
If you’re looking for some more entertainment at the ballpark, then you can enjoy the nine-hole mini golf course at First Horizon Park. Each game costs $5 per player and is a fun way to spend some time at the ballpark.
First Horizon Park is home to several tributes to the old Sulphur Dell ballpark, which stood where the new park stands today. Sulphur Dell was the home ballpark of Nashville ball clubs from 1870 to 1963, and all around First Horizon Park, you can see pictures, displays dedicated to former Nashville baseball clubs, and other tributes to the old stadium. Take a stroll around the ballpark before the game to see all the reminders of the old Sulphur Dell.
If you’re taking the kids to the game, then make sure to check out the Fun Zone in the Plaza behind right field. The Fun Zone is home to a big slide, a speed pitch, and other activities making it a fun place for the whole family.
Stop by the Pro Shop behind home plate to pick up a Sounds cap, t-shirt, jersey, or foam finger. You’ll find a wide variety of Sounds merchandise at the Pro Shops, so no matter what kind of souvenir you’re looking for you won’t leave empty-handed.
The Sounds have three retired numbers that honor some of the greatest players in sounds and baseball history. The team has retired number 00 for Skeeter Barnes, 18 for Don Mattingly, and 42 for Jackie Robinson.
Don’t miss the Sounds beloved mascot Booster when attending a game at First Horizon Park. Booster gets into all kind of shenanigans at games and if you see him on the concourse, make sure to give him a high-five.
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