Tennessee State Tigers Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Division I FCS

Head Coach: Eddie George

Team Mascot: Aristocat the Tiger

Year Opened: 1999

Capacity: 69143

City / State: Nashville / Tennessee

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Southern Heritage Classic

Rival Team: Jackson State Tigers

The Southern Heritage Classic is held each year at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee and it pits the Jackson State Tigers against the Tennessee State Tigers. The game itself is only part of the event as the halftime show, featuring both schools’ bands and famous musicians, is as big a draw as the game. If you want to attend one of the best Tennessee State games of the year, then make sure to get tickets to the Southern Heritage Classic.

Sgt. York Trophy

Rival Team: Austin Peay Governors, Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, UT Martin Skyhawks

The Sgt. York Trophy is awarded to the winner of the four-way rivalry between, Austin Peay, Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech, and UT Martin. There is more than just a win in the standing on the line when these Tennessee-based Ohio Valley Conference teams meet, so don’t miss it when the Tigers take on one of their Tennessee-based rivals.

Tennessee State Tigers Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

TSU fans love to tailgate, and you’ll find a lively atmosphere outside Nissan Stadium on game days creating a fun and festive feeling at every game. The fans here come out in large numbers considering the school’s size, and everywhere you look on game days you’ll see Tigers fans tailgating with friends and family.

If you’re looking to get the most out of your tailgating experience, then make sure to reserve a spot in Tiger Town in lot R. You’ll not only have more room to tailgate here you’ll also get to tailgate alongside some of the best tailgaters Tennessee State has to offer. A lot of these fans go all out creating pregame meals, so bring something to share, and you’ll have no problem making friends who might be willing to share some of their favorite recipes.

In addition to the tailgating, enjoy the TSU Aristocrats of Bands as they make their way to the stadium. The band is one of the main draws at a TSU game, and they put on an incredible performance before entering the stadium.

Arrive early and make the most out of your trip to a Tigers games.

Traditions

Aristocrats of Band Pregame March and Concert

Don’t miss the Aristocrats of Band as they make their way to the stadium. The pregame march and concert are a must-see for any TSU fan or visiting fan, so enjoy the show before heading into the stadium for some Tigers football action.

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Where to tailgate

Tennessee State Tigers Stadium Guide

In Game

The Tennessee State Tigers, the Aristocrats of Band, and the TSU spirit groups put on a fantastic show that any college football fan would enjoy. The Tigers are one of the better teams in the FCS having won 16 conference championships and 11 black college football national championships meaning you’ll see a good game of football when taking in a TSU game.

While the football here at TSU is good, the band is great. The Aristocrats of Band are one of the best bands around, and it shows on game days. The band puts on a rousing performance that any college football or marching band enthusiast will enjoy, and you won’t want to leave your seat when they take the field.

The other spirit groups at TSU are no slouches either as the Sophisticated Ladies, TSU Cheerleaders, and Aristocrat the Tiger all put on good shows as well. The Sophisticated Ladies dance team is especially fun to watch for fans.

The one downside though to attending a Tigers game at Nissan Stadium is the fact the stadium is a big large for an FCS school, which diminishes the atmosphere. That said though the TSU fans in attendance are some of the most diehard fans you’ll find anywhere and are very knowledgeable about their team.

You won’t want to miss your opportunity to see Tigers and the Aristocrats of Band play live so get your tickets to a TSU football game today.

Things to check out

Logan’s Roadhouse

There is no such thing as going hungry while at Nissan Stadium. Logan’s offers classic Nashville barbecue and juicy cheeseburgers both of which are must-haves if you want to taste the best that Nissan Stadium has to offer. When in Nashville you MUST try Tennessee barbecue and Logan’s is a great option while at a Tigers game.

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Jack Daniels Whiskey Distillery

Much like barbecue, whiskey is also a Tennessee staple and nothing goes better with barbecue than Jack Daniels Whiskey. Make sure to visit the Jack Daniels Distillery inside Nissan Stadium, which offers a number of delicious whiskey based beverages to enjoy while cheering on the Tigers.

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Nashville Skyline

The atrium on the north end of Nissan Stadium features a deck that offers an amazing view of downtown Nashville. This is the perfect place to take a few photos to commemorate your Tigers game day experience giving you lifelong memories you can share with all your friends and family.

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Aristocrats of Band

You won’t want to miss the Aristocrats of Band when taking in a TSU game. The Aristocrats of Band are one of the best marching bands in the country, and they put on a spectacular show throughout the game. Don’t leave your seat when the band takes the field as their performance is worth the price of admission all on its own.

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Sophisticated Ladies

Enjoy the performance of the Sophisticated Ladies when attending a TSU football game. The dance line put on quite the show and is one of the best parts of any Tigers football game.

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TSU Cheerleaders

The TSU Cheerleaders keep spirits high with their cheer and are a can’t miss part of any Tigers game. Join in the cheers and chants to show off your Big Blue Pride and give the Tigers an extra edge on the field.

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Aristocrat the Tiger

Fans young and old love Aristocrat the Tiger, so be on the look out for him at the game. No matter what your age, you’ll enjoy seeing all of the crazy shenanigans Aristocrat the Tiger gets into at the game.

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Fight Songs

  1. I’m So Glad

    I’m so glad I go to TSU,
    I’m so glad I go to TSU!
    I’m so-o glad,
    I-I go to TSU.
    Singing Glory Hallelujah, (WHOO!)
    I’m so glad!

    (Band Singing)
    I’m so glad I go to TSU,
    I’m so glad I go to TSU!
    I’m so-o glad,
    I-I go to TSU.
    Singing Glory Hallelujah, (WHOO!)
    I’m so glad! (again!)

    I’m so glad I go to TSU,
    I’m so glad I go to TSU!
    I’m so-o glad,
    I-I go to TSU.
    Singing Glory Hallelujah, (WHOO!)
    I’m so glad!

  2. Tennessee State University Alma Mater

    In the land of golden sunshine,
    By the Cumb’rland’s fertile shore.
    Stands a school for greater service,
    One that we adore.
    Alma Mater, How we love thee,
    Love thy WHITE and BLUE!
    May we strive to meet thy mandates
    With Faith that’s TRUE!

    Many come to thee for knowledge,
    Come from East, North, South, and West.
    For they know that Thou dost offer
    Such a rich bequest.
    Alma Mater, all thy children
    Worship at thy shrine
    May the God of nations bless thee
    With gifts divine

    Send forth sons both strong and valiant
    Send forth daughters wise and true.
    Filled with hope and dauntless courage
    Motives sane and true
    Alma Mater, kindly mother
    Smile on Tennessee
    May she lift her head toward heaven
    Honor Country, God and Thee.

Tennessee State Tigers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge

    Tootsies Orchid Lounge

    In the land of a thousand Honky Tonks, Tootsie's remains Nashville's go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. Tootsie's has more music history per square inch than anywhere else in Music City.

    422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

    615-726-0463

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  2. Buffalo’s Nashville

    Buffalos Nashville

    It’s a different kind of sports bar, a Nashville original that draws an eclectic mix of people with one thing in common. They’re looking for a refuge and a place to connect with the best life has to offer.

    154 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201, USA

    http://www.buffalosnashville.net/

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  3. Lonnie’s Western Room

    Lonnies Western Room

    Lonnie’s Western Room has provided the best in Karaoke entertainment since 1989.

    308 Church St, Nashville, TN 37201, USA

    615-613-7500

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  4. Wild Beaver Saloon

    Wild Beaver Saloon

    "The best dam bar to Sing Along, Drink Along & Rock Along with all your friends."

    212 Commerce St, Nashville, TN 37201, USA

    615-255-0030

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  5. Fleet Street Pub

    Fleet Street Pub beer

    "We wanted a U.K.-style pub. English, Irish, Scottish — it didn’t matter hugely, we just wanted the kind of pub that we enjoyed so much on our trips abroad."

    207 Printers Alley #101, Nashville, TN 37201, USA

    615-200-0782

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  6. Tequila Cowboy

    Tequila Cowboy

    Tequila Cowboy is your one stop party when you come to Nashville with five venues under one rock’n rooftop.

    305 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201, USA

    615-742-9078

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. The Stillery

    The Stillery

    Amazing brick-fired pies, juicy stacked burgers, fresh salads and tantalizing starters!

    113 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201, USA

    615-942-8080

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $$

  8. Skull’s Rainbow Room

    Skulls Rainbow Room

    Enjoy fine food, craft cocktails & live burlesque shows nightly.

    222 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37201, USA

    615-810-9631

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Acme Feed & Seed

    Acme Feed Seed

    With 22,000 square feet of cocktail, culinary and entertainment space, The Acme invites guests to experience an entirely new Lower Broadway.

    101 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201, USA

    615-915-0888

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Tin Roof Broadway

    Tin Roof Broadway

    The tasty food, fun, eclectic environment, community of Regulars and friendly Crew have established the Roof as the place to be for musicians and non-musicians alike.

    316 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201, USA

    615-242-4446

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  11. Rippy’s Bar and Grill

    Rippys Bar and Grill

    We offer a main dining area that hosts our very talented musicians, an east side area filled with flat screens for the sports lover, and an amazing open-air rooftop patio where one can people watch on lower Broadway or just kick back and relax in the sun!

    429 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

    615-244-7477

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  12. Coyote Ugly

    beer

    The most famous bar on the planet!

    154 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201, USA

    866-520-UGLY

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  13. Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar

    Fat Daddys

    Live music every day! Delicious Cajun & Creole eats made from scratch! And of course, cold beer, wine, and spirits!

    220 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37201, USA

    615-242-5837

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  14. Legends Corner

    Legends Corner

    The real attraction is the bar's live music: Some of the city's finest contemporary acts make their mark onstage.

    428 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37219, USA

    615-248-6334

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  15. Wildhorse Saloon

    Wildhorse Saloon

    IN the music, ON the dance floor, or WITH the taste of our award-winning BBQ.

    120 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201, USA

    615-902-8200

    Bar website

    bbq - sportsbar - $$

  16. Hattie B’s Chicken

    Hattie Bs Chicken

    A family-run restaurant that serves "Nashville Style" Hot Chicken and homemade sides.

    112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

    615-678-4794

    Bar website

    american - $$

  17. Etch Restaurant

    Etch Restaurant

    Etch features an array of global flavors and bold cuisine by Chef/Owner Deb Paquette.

    303 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37201, USA

    615-522-0685

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$

  18. Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant

    Pucketts Grocery Restaurant

    Authentic comfort food — classics like the meat-and-three and our famous slow-smoked BBQ — in a laid-back and down-home atmosphere.

    500 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219, USA

    615-770-2772

    Bar website

    american - $$

  19. Monell’s Dining and Catering

    Monells Dining and Catering

    Great Southern Food served Family Style in Historic Settings. Skillet Fried Chicken, Green Beans, Cheese Grits, Cornbread, Biscuits and gravy, pork chops, pot roast.

    1235 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208, USA

    615-248-4747

    Bar website

    american - $$

  20. Manny’s House of Pizza

    Mannys House of Pizza

    Nashville's first choice for NY-style pizza.

    15 Arcade Alley, Nashville, TN 37219, USA

    615-242-7144

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  21. 417 Union

    Union burger fries

    417 Union is a place where great food driv​es an ongoing celebration of vibrant community and rich history.

    417 Union St, Nashville, TN 37219, USA

    615-401-7241

    Bar website

    american - $$

  22. Jack’s Bar-B-Que

    Jacks Bar-B Que

    “The Best Bar-B-Que in Nashville, Tennessee”.

    416 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

    615-254-5715

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  23. Varallo’s Chili Parlor and Restaurant

    pasta

    Nashville's Oldest Restaurant

    239 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, USA

    615-256-1907

    Bar website

    american - $

  24. Merchants

    Merchants

    Beautiful ambiance and delicious food will definitely sweep you off your feet

    401 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

    615-254-1892

    Bar website

    american - $$