NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt athletics has announced fan events and other details for the football team’s annual Black and Gold Spring Game April 8. The scrimmage to cap spring practice will begin at 5 p.m. at the Vanderbilt Soccer and Lacrosse Complex.
With the Vandy United campaign’s ongoing impact on the areas surrounding FirstBank Stadium, the football scrimmage is set to take place following the Commodore lacrosse game at 11 a.m. Admission to both the lacrosse game and Black and Gold Spring game is free of charge.
Parking & Entrance
Fans are encouraged to take advantage of free parking in the lots located between Natchez Trace and Vanderbilt Place (also known as the “Flat Lots”). Fans should be aware that Jess Neely Drive has closed to through traffic.
Fans arriving for the Black and Gold Spring Game and Vandyville will enter at the gate to the football practice fields on Natchez Trace, just southwest of the McGugin Center.
Gates for the Black and Gold Spring Game and Vandyville will open at 3 p.m. Fans will not be permitted to remain in the facility between the conclusion of the lacrosse game and the opening of Vandyville.
For both games, Vanderbilt’s clear bag policy remains in effect.
Lacrosse
The day starts with an 11 a.m. lacrosse contest between Vanderbilt and American Athletic Conference foe James Madison. Admission is free.
Fans attending the lacrosse game should enter at the northeast corner of The Plex, adjacent to the Lummis Family Tennis Center.
Vandyville
Vandyville will be open from 3-6 p.m. on the grass practice field behind the McGugin Center. Free fan activities will include inflatables, Lil’ Commodore football combine, a balloon artist, a face painter, tailgate games, photos with Mr. C (3:45-4 p.m.) and arts and crafts.
In addition, multiple food trucks are scheduled to be available for fans to purchase from, including Daddy’s Dogs, McAlister’s Deli, Salsarita’s, Kernels Popcorn, Mallie’s Food Truck, Hattie B’s, Ice Crown, Superpuff Cotton Candy and concessions pop-ups.
The Vanderbilt Bookstore will be on-site for fans to purchase merchandise, as well.
Star Walk will take place through Vandyville as the football team takes the field for warm-ups, with a majority of the team moving through at approximately 4:15 p.m.
The cheer team and Spirit of Gold band will perform at 4:15 p.m., following Star Walk.
Free Vandy items will be available, including phone wallets, cups, magnets stickers and more.
Black and Gold Spring Game
The scrimmage will begin at 5 p.m. in The Plex as fans get their first look at Clark Lea’s Team 3. Extra bleachers will be set-up around the field in addition to the permanent stadium seating.
For fans not in attendance, the game will air live on ESPN+ and SEC Network+. The game will also be available on 93.3 FM in the Nashville area, as well as on the Vanderbilt Athletics app.
The exact format for the scrimmage is to be determined.
Postgame Autographs
Following the game, the Vanderbilt football team will be available for autographs on the field for 30 minutes. No outside items will be permitted, with autographs only available on the 2023 team poster. The posters will be available at marketing tables within Vandyville, as well upon entering the field for the autograph session.
Vandy United
Fans are encouraged to allow extra time to arrive on campus due to continuing Vandy United projects. Click here for the latest on construction impacts to the athletics facilities.
