FIRST TENNESSEE PARK
Nashville, Tennessee

OUR RATING: 
45 / 50

HOME OF THE:
NASHVILLE SOUNDS

MLB AFFILIATE:
OAKLAND ATHLETICS

BUILT: 2015
CAPACITY: 10,000
CLASS: TRIPLE-A
LEAGUE: PACIFIC LEAGUE

Review from July 8, 2018
Nashville Sounds vs. Iowa Cubs
Music City Experience
By: Matthew Preslar

Realizing the fluidity of minor league rosters, the Nashville Sounds publicly declare there is no need to “promote” players, but simply to create an event every time they host a game. I agree with this concept and appreciate their efforts. First Tennessee Park had many completely unique features, all while remaining loyal to perception of the city. The most predominant feature is the score/video board in the shape of a guitar. We had read about this in our research and were somewhat skeptical. However, it was one of the most creative signature attractions I have seen in any ballpark. Other events helped maintain the country party theme: with corn hole and ping pong in a private party area to classic country music playing over the speakers before the game. There was also a $5 putt-putt course open to the entire crowd. I have never seen amenities like these in any other park. There was also a full bar and couches along the outfield concourse in "The Band Box" section.

My disappointments are few with the Nashville Sounds. I prefer seeing more team branding and mentions of the parent team. I saw absolutely nothing announcing the affiliation with the Oakland A’s and very little commemorating current or former Nashville players in the Major Leagues. I only saw a poster of Don Mattingly in the team store, and I believe that dated him back to the early 1980’s. I like learning franchise history as we tour MILB parks. Nashville, for whatever reason, choose not to share that information.

My other negative point was the lack of attendance. By looks, the stadium seemed only half full. Maybe 1/4 or more of those were Cubs fans, cheering on the visiting Iowa Cubs. We have learned that Cubs fans show up for their team: from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach, and all points in between. I believe the stadium would have been even less full without those Cubs fans. I would think the park alone could sell itself. It is a beautiful facility and the talent is one injury away from a call up: any AAA park provides high quality baseball. ​I hope team officials can increase engagement with the people of the city (or passers by like us) and bring more people in to see the wonderful First Tennessee Park.
"Minor-league baseball isn’t about the game as much as it is the atmosphere, and First Tennessee Park has become a place to be."

—Nashville Sounds GM, 2017
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TICKET VALUE 8/10

  • $11 GA standing room only; $17 "corner"; Up to $31 upper deck club seats
  • GA and Corner tickets were not available to purchase online in advance
  • Bern (GA) had plenty of families with blankets enjoying the game
  • ​4-top tables behind right field wall
  • Standing room only bar along entire 360 concourse
  • So many different types of seating options, but was not clearly detailed on website. Had to call ticket office to ask about features of upper deck seats since they were listed so much more expensive than the lower level
  • Our "corner" seats and seats behind the plate had good views; upper level would offer an excellent skyline view, along with a cushioned seat, and access to air-conditioned lounge.

CONCESSIONS  7/10

  • $5.50 souvenir soda. Asked for another drink halfway through game and they were out of Diet Pepsi
  • $8 domestic draft, most stands only served beer in cans.
  • Food prices were higher than average AAA... $9 chicken tender and fries at Sun Trust Park (MLB), yet $10.50 for similar meal in Nashville
  • Three primary concession stands, each with a different theme food (Pizza, "Hot" Chicken, BBQ), along with standard options
  • $6 soft serve ice cream helmet; $5 waffle cone
  • A few people walking around selling King of Pop popsicles and beer
  • No unique vendors or anything that stood out as special to Nashville. Concession vibe felt like single-A, but with high MLB prices.

FAMILY FRIENDLINESS  6/5

  • Nursing area (trailer) near Team Store along main concourse. 
  • Family bathroom available, plus changing tables in regular bathrooms
  • ​Tons of kids activities ($1 speed pitch, inflatables, $5 mini golf, plus corn hole, & ping-pong in The Band Box section)
  • Designated birthday tent
  • Booster the mascot walking around the whole game
  • ​Kids run the bases​

ATMOSPHERE  9/10

  • ​Military Sunday (Camo jerseys, Full color guard on field for national anthem, $2 off ticket price with Military ID)
  • Superhero weekend (Free Booster mascot bobblehead giveaway)
  • "The Band Box" party section in outfield (Couches, Bar, Ping-pong, Cornhole)... Focused on the party more than the game. Great place for groups!
  • Another group picnic area along first-base line
  • NO Programs - long homestand, apparently they ran out the night before
  • ​Classic country playing on speakers pre-game, truly sets the tone of being in Nashville / Music City
  • 7th inning stretch: God Bless America, Take Me Out to the Ballgame & Line Dancing on the Dugouts
  • Cubs fans chimed in with "Root, Root, Root for the CUBBIES" during the 7th inning stretch
  • Some giveaways and activities on field between innings
  • Racing Legends: Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Reba, George Jones (mascots of country music legends race on the field!)
  • Many fans wearing Nashville Sounds apparel. Playing against the Iowa Cubs, and LOTS of fans in Cubs gear
  • Air conditioned bathrooms, well-stocked and clean
  • Bar across Box Office and Entrance with Nashville Sounds banners. Looked like an inviting place to grab a bite or a drink pre-game or post-game
  • Low attendance - only about half full

CHARACTER  9/10

  • 360 degree concourse with bar for standing-room only, enjoy the game from several views around the park comfortably
  • Nets cover down to the dugouts, and 2nd deck overhang protects covered part of concourse behind the plate
  • Overhang also obstructs cityscape view from fans walking along concourse
  • No mention of parent club: Oakland A's
  • Ushers in "First Tennessee Park" yellow polos were very attentive to their sections. Handheld fan to hold in air when they needed additional assistance.​
  • Minimal signage of past players, a few posters in the Team Store
  • ​Sulphur Dell park sign behind the batters eye. A tribute to history of ballpark. First Tennessee Park was built on the same land as Sulphur Dell Historic Ballpark
  • Guitar shaped videoboard / scoreboard. Excellent details!
  • View was fantastic with guitar and Nashville skyline in the distance
  • Well-stocked Team Store, no pre-game hours advertised on website but once arrived we noticed an outdoor entrance
  • Home hat had Guitar pick with "N". Silver sparkle details on the pick were a nice token to the glitz and glamour of Nashville

PARKING  6/5

  • We attended a weekend game, so street parking was FREE, paved and close
  • Also a parking deck right behind outfield gate
  • Parking situation may be more difficult during the week

TICKET VALUE
(10 points)

• Ticket Prices
​• View from Seat

​CONCESSIONS
​(10 points)

• Variety, Quality & Price of Food
• Variety of Drinks / Souvenir Cups
• Length of Lines at Concession Stands

​FAMILY FRIENDLINESS
​(5 points)

• Play Areas
• In-Between Inning Activities & Contests
• ​Mascot
• Family Bathrooms

​ATMOSPHERE
​(10 points)

• Local Experience
• Sound-Effects & Music
• Programs
• ​Restrooms

​CHARACTER
​(10 points)

• Home Team Uniforms & Colors
• Architecture of Stadium
• History of Stadium
​• Tributes to MLB Affiliate / Local Players
• Location of Stadium & Surrounding Scenery

​PARKING
(5 points)

• Price for Parking
• ​Size, Quality & Location of Lot