Nashville, United States
Metro Nashville Sports Authority
Nearly two years after their inaugural match, Nashville SC took the pitch in their new home at GEODIS Park — the largest soccer-specific stadium in the U.S. and Canada.
The stadium is nestled in the storied fairgrounds of the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, a buzzing art hub dawned with revitalized historic factories. As architect of record, Populous collaborated with Nashville-based HASTINGS Architecture to design an MLS stadium that authentically reflected the Nashville community and offered year-round activation opportunities.
GEODIS Park fosters an electric and intimate match day experience for fans, with tight sightlines just 150 feet between the last row of seats and the pitch touchline, bringing fans closer to the action than ever before. The standing supporters’ section is angled specifically for incredible sightlines and an intimidating game day atmosphere.
The stadium features a variety of seating options, including three distinct club experiences. The Valkyrie Premier Club offers a luxury experience with high-quality finishes and sleek design. The GEODIS WeHo Club reflects the signature Nashville music-centric theme, and the Lo Siento Goal Post Club provides a classic sports bar feel.
The composition of materials utilized throughout the stadium reflects the juxtaposition between the neighborhood’s now creative, residential community and its former manufacturing facilities. A 360-degree high exposed structural steel canopy and the brick-clad ground level structures honor the industrial aesthetic. This canopy also protects the open-air stadium, allowing the venue to be activated year-round for a variety of events.
The design reflects Nashville SC’s unique history and gives space for new traditions to be made. Colorful banners featuring the faces of players and fans adorn the stadium’s exterior columns. The stadium even features a stage in the seating bowl that houses a Nashville SC branded Gibson Les Paul guitar used for the pregame riff.
I think this is going to be a hard place for people to come and play and beat us. That’s the whole point.
GEODIS Park keeps Nashville’s notable music scene at its core, with its flexibility to accommodate 27,000 people for concerts. The back-of-house — including a flex room for stage crew, auxiliary locker rooms, a concert power room and a loading dock with a truck tunnel that runs directly to the field — creates a seamless experience for event operators, performers and artists. The stadium also integrates multiple mini stages where spectators are welcomed by local artists and songwriters.
GEODIS Park is a state-of-the-art stadium that flawlessly highlights the rich history of the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood in juxtaposition with its creative and residential aesthetic. The stadium energizes the Nashville SC fan base and greater community with the flexibility to host game day matches, concerts, community events and more year-round. Since opening, the stadium has served as a catalyst for continued development and community involvement.
