Commodores Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Clark Lea

Team Mascot: Mr. C

Year Opened: 1922

Capacity: 40550

City / State: Nashville / Tennessee

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Vanderbilt vs Tennessee

Rival Team: Tennessee Volunteers

Vanderbilt and Tennessee are founding members of the SEC, so when these pioneers play, everyone comes to watch. This in-state rivalry has been played for over a century as these bitter rivals have battled 109 times since 1892. Tennessee has taken 74 of those contests, but the Commodores have won two of the last three meetings.

Vanderbilt vs Ole Miss

Rival Team: Ole Miss Rebels

The Rebels are Vanderbilt’s second-oldest rival as well as their annual crossover opponent. These two schools are the two smallest in the SEC, and both have a high percentage of students involved in Greek life. Ole Miss holds the all-time series lead 50-38-2. However, the Commodores record of 18 straight wins in the series from 1894 to 1938 remains the longest winning streak in the series.

Vanderbilt vs Kentucky

Rival Team: Kentucky Wildcats

The Commodores rivalry with the Wildcats is one of the most evenly contested rivalries in not only the SEC but also all of college football. The Wildcats hold a one-game lead in the all-time series with a 42-41-4 lead. The Commodores will look to even things up when these two teams meet next in Nashville.

Commodores Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

There is always an optimistic feeling surrounding the Vanderbilt tailgate as while the Commodores aren’t known for being one of the best teams in the SEC they do manage to pull their share of upsets. One of Vandy’s most recent upsets occurred in 2013 when the Commodores upended #15 Georgia 31-27. You’ll find the tailgate abuzz as everyone anticipates another upset of a ranked SEC foe.

The scene around Vanderbilt is that of a typical fraternity tailgate. You’ll see plenty of singing, dancing, red Solo Cups, and lively conversation. Unlike regular campus tailgates here at Vanderbilt, you’ll notice that everything and everyone revolve around the school’s Vandyville  tailgate setup.

Vandyville is the heart of the Vanderbilt tailgate scene as you’ll find a variety of events and activities that will make your gameday experience at Vanderbilt a special one. You’ll be able to enjoy the action from all around the SEC as VandyVision will keep you up to date on what’s going on around college football. Vandyville opens three hours before kickoff, so get here early to make the most of your day.

Tailgating at Vanderbilt has grown significantly over the last decade. It used to be that you’d only find about five tents at Vandyville; however, today Commodores fans flock to Vandyville setting up a sea of tents filled with delicious game day fixins. Commodores spirit is on full display these days as everyone gets up bright and early to make a full day of tailgating at Vanderbilt. Vandy fans love their team, and they love their tailgate, so come on by to experience a great tailgating experience filled with plenty of food, drinks, and die hard fans.

Traditions

Star Walk

One of Vanderbilt’s most fun tailgate traditions is the Star Walk. The Star Walk is a great chance for fans to see and meet the players. The band and cheerleaders lead the players’ walk through throngs of fans and students. The Star Walk is a great spectacle to take in before heading into the stadium to root on the Commodores.

play Watch video

Vandyville

Vanderbilt’s Football tailgate community. Fans can reserve tents here along the closed Natchez Trace Parkway. Here you’ll find over 100 tents filled with die hard fans and will also be able to watch all the action going on around college football on the giant video screen. This spot is a place for ‘Dores to come together, and cheer on Vandy!

play Watch video

Where to tailgate

Commodores Stadium Guide

In Game

FirstBank Stadium is an intimate 40,550-seat facility located in the heart of campus, which gives you the feeling you are part of the action. The Commodores began playing home games at the current location in 1922 making them the first school in the South to have a stadium exclusively for college football. The history and aura of FirstBank Stadium along with its intimate setting create a unique feel that helps to attend a game at Vandy stand out from other SEC schools.

As a fan going to a Commodores game, it is going to be very loud. You have to try and match the intensity of the person sitting next to you because these fans wear their heart on their sleeve. Commodores haven’t had a ton to cheer about over the years, but that doesn’t stop students and fans from coming up in large numbers to support their team. The diehard fandom of Vanderbilt fans means that everyone here has an unbridled passion for the Commodores that emanates all throughout the game.

When at Vanderbilt you’ll also get to experience their awesome victory flag tradition. Following every football team victory, a solid black flag with the Vanderbilt Athletic mark is hoisted above the west side of FirstBank Stadium, where it remains for seven days. Students and fans alike love raising the flag and being able to look at the Victory Flag after every conquest.

You’ll have a blast at Vanderbilt hanging out and cheering alongside some of the most diehard fans in college football. You’ll also love the amazing intimate atmosphere you’ll find here that makes FirstBank Stadium a venue like no other.

Things to check out

Anchor

There is a special display case of an anchor in the locker room to signify the strength and grit of Commodore Country.

Intimate Setting

The new and improved stadium decreased its seating capacity, but this has created an intimate feel for the audience and makes the opposing team feel completely surrounded by Commodores!

The Admiral

This naval horn signifies game time and is played after every Commodore score. You can hear the Admiral all throughout campus on game days allowing even those not attending the game to know when the Commodores score.

Victory Flag

Following every football team victory, a solid black flag with the Vanderbilt Athletic mark is hoisted above the west side of FirstBank Stadium, where it remains for seven days.

Blackouts

Blackouts are a staple for big Vanderbilt home games. Playing in the SEC every conference game his huge. The fans here come out painted and wearing all sorts of black to get rowdy and cheer on their team.

Dropping the Anchor

Before each home game, a group or individual is selected to “drop the anchor” at midfield to mark the beginning of the evening’s events.

Spirit of Gold Marching Band

Fight Songs

  1. Fight Song "Dynamite"

    Dynamite, Dynamite
    When VANDY starts to fight. Down the field with blood to yield,
    If need be, save the shield.
    If vict’ry’s won, when battle’s done,
    Then VANDY’s name will rise in fame.
    Win not lose,
    It’s ours to choose, And VANDY’s game will be the same.
    Dynamite, Dynamite
    When VANDY starts to fight! (YELL)
    V-A-N-D-Y VANDY! VANDY! GO! GO! GO!

  2. Vanderbilt Alma Mater

    On the city’s western border Reared against the sky
    Proudly stands our Alma Mater
    As the years roll by.
    Forward ever be thy watchword,
    Conquer and Prevail.
    Hail to thee our Alma Mater, Vanderbilt, All Hail!
    Cherished by thy sons and daughters,
    Thy mem’ries sweet shall throng Round our hearts, O Alma Mater,
    As we sing our song.

Commodores Bars & Restaurants

  1. Whiskey Bent Saloon

    Whiskey Bent Saloon

    A place to be for great drinks and fun vibes!

    306 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201, USA

    615-401-2580

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. The Stage On Broadway

    The Stage On Broadway

    THE STAGE ON BROADWAY is a little bit Texas and a whole lotta Nashville. It’s Downtown’s hottest, edgiest place to party hard with all your rowdy friends.

    412 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

    615-726-0504

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  3. Whiskey Kitchen

    Whiskey Kitchen

    Whiskey Kitchen evokes the cool, intimate scene that offers a bit of everything. The menu is a mix of chef-inspired pub favorites, southern classics, and wood-fired pizzas.

    306 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201, USA

    615-254-3029

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. 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 - $$

  5. Red Door Saloon

    Red Door Saloon

    A full bar, great food, unique decor, exceptional staff & a distinct ambiance you’ll instantly take to.

    1816 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

    615-320-6525

    Bar website

    american - $

  6. Corner Bar At Elliston Place

    Corner Bar At Elliston Place

    This place serves really good food and an amazing selection of drinks!

    2200 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

    615-320-4979

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  7. Beyond The Edge

    Beyond The Edge

    At Beyond the Edge, we enjoy serving up a diverse selection of Local, Craft, Seasonal, High Alcohol, and Traditional Beers.

    112 S 11th St, Nashville, TN 37206, USA

    615-226-EDGE (3343)

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  8. Springwater

    beer

    Springwater is the oldest bar serving alcohol, whether legally or illegally, in Tennessee (it was a speak-easy during prohibition).

    115 27th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

    615-320-0345

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. Calypso Cafe

    Calypso Cafe

    Eat Better, Be Better! Affordable, healthy, hearty meals featuring renowned salads, rotisserie chicken, Vegan options, sandwiches, & inspired side items.

    700 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204, USA

    615-297-3888

    Bar website

    american - $

  10. Elliston Place Soda Shop

    Elliston Place Soda Shop

    The Elliston Place Soda Shop offers a classic southern dishes and creamy milkshakes.

    2105 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

    615-327-1090

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $

  11. Margot

    Margot

    Margot café & bar is a French-inspired restaurant with a southern influence.

    1017 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206, USA

    615-227-4668

    Bar website

    european - italian - $$$

  12. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

    Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar

    At Fleming’s, every visit is filled with indulgent possibilities. Experience our passion for steak and wine, served with inspired hospitality.

    2525 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

    615-342-0131

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$$

  13. Mason’s

    Masons

    This longtime staple of the Nashville food scene offers guests a warm and inviting gathering place to share a drink, grab a bite and escape the hustle and bustle of Music city.

    Loews Vanderbilt Plaza, 2100 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

    615-321-1990

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Rotier’s Restaurant

    Rotiers Restaurant

    Rotier's has been serving cold beer, burgers, and handmade milkshakes since 1945.

    2413 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

    615-327-9892

    Bar website

    american - $

  15. BrickTop’s

    BrickTops

    Good food, courteous staff, and a cool, neat place.

    3000 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

    615-298-1000

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. San Antonio Taco Company

    San Antonio Taco Company

    SATCO is a landmark that enjoys an endless patronage of students and professionals alike.

    416 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

    615-327-4322

    Bar website

    american - mexican - $

  17. Pancake Pantry

    Pancake Pantry

    Uncommonly good food, great service and friendly smiles you’ve always known.

    1796 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212, USA

    615-383-9333

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$

  18. Mellow Mushroom

    Mellow Mushroom

    Serving Stone Baked Pizza, Calzones, Hoagies, Salads, Vegan & Gluten-Free options with a wide selection of beer since 1974.

    212 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

    615-342-0044

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  19. Tin Roof

    Tin Roof

    Whether you're coming for the tunes, the tasty food, a drink or just a good time, enjoy the Roof!

    1516 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

    615-313-7103

    Bar website

    american - $

  20. 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 - $$