Welcome to Nashville, home of the Vanderbilt Commodores. If you’re heading to town to catch a game at Vandy, here’s what you need to know about where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate. First, a few key facts:
- SEC Team: Vanderbilt Commodores
- Coach: Clark Lea
- Stadium: FirstBank Stadium
- Fun Fact: Vanderbilt Stadium is the smallest in the SEC, which makes sense as their student body is also the smallest in the SEC, coming in 10,000 students less than the second smallest, which is Mississippi State.
WHERE TO STAY
There are too many fantastic accommodations in Nashville to name them all! The recommendations below are exceptionally well-suited for Vanderbilt games. But, if you prefer to stay in the center of the action downtown, be sure to check out our favorite downtown Nashville hotels.
Loews Nashville Hotel
2100 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 320-1700
Loews Nashville Hotel is less than a mile from Vanderbilt Stadium, which means you can easily leave your car behind on game day. It’s also convenient to lots of nearby dining destinations — and the bright lights of Lower Broadway, if that’s your thing.
Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University
2555 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 321-1300
As far as location goes, the Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University is your best option. Located quite literally on the edge of Vandy’s campus, you can catch a glimpse of the game by simply peering out your window.
The 121 Hotel
121 30th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37203 • (888) 875-8769
As Tennessee’s only hotel to qualify as a member of “Small Luxury Hotels of the World,” The 121 Hotel makes you feel at home immediately upon arrival. The hotel was designed with groups in mind, so it’s perfect for large families or groups planning a trip to Nashville to catch a Vandy game.
Hutton Hotel
1808 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 340-9333
Hutton Hotel has more of a boutique feel, with only 248 guest suites. The Hutton offers intimacy, excellent customer service, and eco-consciousness. Close to the stadium and conveniently located to plenty of great local spots for dining and drinking, it’s a good choice for any trip to Nashville.
Honorable mentions just a short Lyft or Uber ride away from the stadium:
The Westin Nashville, Graduate Nashville, Homewood Suites By Hilton, and Embassy Suites
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WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN NASHVILLE (NEAR VANDY!)
If you’re looking for a bite to eat before or after the game — or perhaps a few last-minute items to pick up for your tailgate — here are a handful of your best bets located near campus. If you prefer to try something new every time you’re in town, check out our New Nashville Restaurants series, updated monthly.
BrickTop’s
3000 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 298-1000
If you’re looking for elevated fare to celebrate a win or an upscale spot to reunite with fellow alumni, BrickTop’s is a local favorite for white tablecloth dining, located only a short walk from the stadium!
Fido
1812 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212 • (615) 777-3436
Fido is a much-beloved local coffee shop serving up Bongo Java coffee. Just a short walk from Vandy, you can stop by for any meal of the day and grab a quick caffeinated pick-me-up, while you’re at it.
San Antonio Taco Company (aka SATCO)
416 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 327-4322
SATCO is a nostalgic quick-service Tex-Mex joint that Vandy students, alumni, and Nashville natives fondly recommend. You can either eat at the restaurant or call ahead and get it to go. SB TIP: The queso is a must!
Tavern
1904 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 703-5289
Tavern recently made a return to the local scene after a long hiatus, with a fresh interior design and an emphasis on craft cocktails. They serve lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, with their ultra-popular Wagyu Burger available at every meal.
Village Wines Spirits & Beer
2006 Belcourt Avenue, Ste. B, Nashville, TN 37212 • (615) 499-4173
Located just off 21st Avenue, Village Wines Spirits & Beer is your nearest shop for alcoholic beverages to take to the tailgate.
West End Discount Liquors & Wines
2818 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 320-1446
A quick jaunt from campus, West End Discount Liquors & Wines also has a wide selection of liquor and wine for your adult beverage needs.
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BARS NEAR VANDERBILT
If you’re in the market for a pre- or post-game drink, here are a few popular game day spots to check out — equally well-suited to celebrating or drowning your sorrows. All of the bars listed below are located on Division Street, within walking distance of Vanderbilt Stadium (and each other).
Kung Fu Saloon
1921 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 818-0294
Kung Fu Saloon is your destination for old-school arcade games and fun-filled dance parties. Be sure to visit their outdoor patio to take a ride on their adult-sized seesaw. Because, why not?
Red Door Saloon
1816 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 320-6525
Red Door Saloon has been serving Nashville locals and tourists since 2002. Be sure to order a Red’s Irish Frozen Coffee Wacker when visiting. (SB Tip: Red Door does allow smoking, so be warned.)
Winners Bar & Grill + Losers Bar & Grill
Winners Bar & Grill: 1913 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 340-0004
Losers Bar & Grill: 1911 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 327-3115
Located right next door to one another, Winners Bar & Grill and Losers Bar & Grill are known for their live music and tap beers. However, if you’re looking to shake things up, consider ordering a Bootwacker, Boot-A-Rita, or a Kickin’ It Cooler (a booze-infused tropical juice).
The Patterson House
1711 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 598-2484Â
A decidedly less “rowdy” option on Division Street is The Patterson House, a long-time Nashville favorite cocktail bar. It’s an intimate, dimly-lit seated bar that allows limited reservations — but without a reservation, you’re always welcome to stop by and put your name on the list.
SB Tip: The Patterson House, along with its fine dining counterpart, The Catbird Seat, has announced an upcoming move, so this may be your last season to check it out in its original location.Â
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WHERE TO TAILGATE IN NASHVILLE
Much of the Vandy tailgating takes place along “Vandyville,” located at the corner of Jess Neely Drive and Natchez Trace, but it comes with several stringent requirements. (Here’s a great guide from Tailgate Guys.) A few of the key highlights to keep in mind include:
- Grilling is permitted (and encouraged).
- Fans range in all ages and connections to Vanderbilt.
- Fans who don’t wish to commit to every game set up their tents in nearby parking lots.
- Bring lawn chairs and games. Cornhole and ladder ball are great options.
SB TIPS:
To get to campus, Uber and Lyft are the easiest options. If you prefer to drive, there are plenty of pay-to-park options near the stadium, but please, don’t be tempted to park in a commercial or restaurant lot! You will get towed or booted, and both come with a hefty fee.
Go ‘Dores!
Click HERE for the complete SEC All-City Guide!
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