NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt fans come in all forms, from the multi-generation, die-hard families to the sidewalk alumni to the first-year students living on the Commons.
As Nashville has grown over the last decade, an increasing number of newcomers have given Vanderbilt Athletics a shot – and they have liked what they’ve seen. Take Jim Galyon and his family.
When Galyon, his wife and three children moved to White House, Tennessee, from Virginia for his job with a division of Comcast, he knew he wanted to give Vanderbilt football a try. Galyon had grown up in East Tennessee, had played college football at Carson-Newman and loved the game.
When his daughters’ Girl Scout troop had an opportunity to attend the Vanderbilt game against Northern Illinois in 2019, he knew he had his opportunity to introduce the family to SEC football.
So Jim, wife Brandee, daughters Charleigh and Clementine and son Tip drove down from White House, met up with the other members of the troop and thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. His kids especially loved the Star Walk, a chance to see the players and cheerleaders up close and dance along with the band.
Before kickoff, all three children enjoyed the free activities in the Kids Zone and then munched on popcorn and cotton candy while mom and dad watched the action on the field.
Galyon said he was so impressed with the family-friendly environment, which came as a pleasant surprise compared to his experience with unruly fans at some other venues, he brought his nephew to a game later in the season and then decided to buy season tickets for the 2020 season. While those plans were put on hold due to the attendance restrictions necessitated by COVID-19, he says he’s looking forward to getting back to Vanderbilt Stadium next season.
And he encourages other new Nashville families to give it a shot, too.
“If you’re looking for a good wholesome environment with something to offer everybody, with not a bad seat in the stadium, and not have to worry about the atmosphere for your kids, you can’t beat it,” Galyon said. “I’d definitely recommend it.”
