Clear Bag Policy & Prohibited Items
- FirstBank Stadium follows the Southeastern Conference’s Clear Bag Policy. Each fan is limited to one clear plastic bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches, or a one-gallon, clear, re-sealable plastic storage bag. Fans will also be allowed a small clutch purse not to exceed 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Clear backpacks must also meet these regulations.
- No other bags will be allowed inside. All clear bags and clutch purses are subject to search at the gates. Any items left at the gates will be discarded.
- Medically necessary items must be screened at gates. Medical exception bags will be tagged once cleared by security. Diaper bags are not considered a medically necessary item and will not be permitted. All diaper bag supplies should be carried in a clear bag that meets regulations.
- Approved clear bags may be purchased at the Vanderbilt Bookstore (2525 West End Avenue).
- Please click here for Frequently Asked Questions.
- Fans who bring bags that are not permitted in the stadium may pay to store their bags in game day bag storage locations. Click here to view a map of those locations.
* VANDERBILT STAFF WILL MAKE THE FINAL DECISION ON ANY QUESTIONABLE ITEMS.
* Please note that even items received at a sponsored game day event (Alumni Tailgate, Parents Weekend, etc.) are subject to the same standards and will be denied access if it is determined to be a prohibited item.
Alcohol – Fans may not bring outside alcohol into any athletic facility.
Animals – Only service animals with proper documentation are permitted in the stadium. Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed.
Bags/Purses – FirstBank Stadium follows the SEC’s Clear Bag Policy. Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to:
- Backpacks (including clear backpacks)
- Binocular cases
- Briefcases
- Camera bags
- Cinch/drawstring bags
- Computer bags
- Coolers
- Diaper bags
- Fanny packs
- Luggage of any kind
- Mesh bags
- Printed pattern plastic bags
- Purses
- Tinted bags
- Any bag larger than permissible size
Banners/Flags – No unauthorized banners, signs, or flags may be brought into the stadium.
Cameras – No spectator cameras with lenses over six inches (6”) long will be permitted.
Noisemakers – No items that produce loud noises (air horns, whistles, etc.) are allowed.
Outside Food and Beverage – Fans are not permitted to bring in any outside food or beverage containers.
Outside Sporting Equipment, including but not limited to footballs, beach balls, etc are not allowed inside FirstBank Stadium.
Radios and TVs – Radios and TVs are only allowed if they do not interfere with other guests’ enjoyment of the game.
Seatbacks – Seatbacks are not allowed inside the stadium. They are available for rent inside the stadium at all gates.
Seat Cushions – Only seat cushions no larger than 16” x 16” with no pockets, backs, or zippers are allowed inside the stadium.
Selfie Sticks – All selfie sticks are prohibited.
Strollers – Strollers are not allowed inside the stadium and must not be left at the gates.
Tobacco – No smoking is permitted inside the stadium, including all areas inside and outside of the gates. Electronic and smokeless cigarettes are also prohibited. Vanderbilt University is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is prohibited in all buildings on campus, including University residence halls and Greek chapter houses, and on the grounds of the campus with the exception of designated outdoor smoking areas. There are no designated smoking areas at FirstBank Stadium.
Umbrellas – Umbrellas are not permitted in the stadium.
Weapons – Weapons of any kind, including guns, knives, pocket knives, explosive devices, etc. are not permitted in FirstBank Stadium. Attempting to bring weapons of any kind into the stadium will result in immediate arrest.
Cashless
Vanderbilt FirstBank Stadium and parking garages are fully cashless to provide faster, safer, and more convenient transactions for all fans.
All major credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other contactless payment methods are accepted at concessions, merchandise stands, and throughout the stadium.
Please plan accordingly—cash is not accepted anywhere inside the venue or in parking garages.
Drive-up parking sales in Lots 1-4, Children’s Way field parking, 25th Ave. Garage and West Garage are also cashless. Parking in Lots 1-4 and 25th Ave. garage are available for pre-purchase. Click here to purchase single-game parking. Click here for more single-game parking information.
Single-Game Parking
Single-game Parking Information
- Single-game parking is available at
- Lots 1-4 💲♿️ – Advanced sales available. Drive up sales available based on unsold inventory. Lots 1-4 open at 1 p.m. on Monday, January 5.
- 25th Ave. Garage 💲♿️ – Advanced sales available. Garage opens at 4 p.m. on Monday, January 5.
- West Garage 💲♿️ – Day of game only (no advanced sale!). West Garage opens at 4 p.m. on Monday, January 5.
- Children’s Way Field 💲- Day of game only (no advanced sale!). This option opens at 1 p.m. on Monday, January 5.
- Tailgating is NOT permitted in parking garages.
- Parking passes purchased in advance have a discounted price compared to day-of drive-up sales.
- Cash will not be accepted at parking lots. (Apple Pay, credit, and debit are accepted.)
- Garages do not accommodate oversized/high clearance vehicles
ADA Accessible Parking
ADA Accessible Parking is available in the following locations:
- 25th Ave. Garage and West Garage offer drive-up ADA parking on game day. Both garages open at 4 p.m. on game day.
- 25th Ave. Garage – ADA parking is available in corners, near elevators
- West Garage– ADA parking available in ADA reserved spots
- Lots 1, 2, 4, and 72C, along with Kensington Garage, require an ADA parking permit purchased in advance. To secure a pass for one of these locations, please contact the ticket office — availability is limited.
The following locations will also be designated as drop-off points for individuals requiring assistance to enter the facility:
- Tickets for seats in Sections P-V (East side) of FirstBank Stadium, or in the North End Zone — vehicles may drop off patrons on Garland Avenue from 25th Avenue.
- Tickets for seats in Sections A-G (West side) of FirstBank Stadium, or in the South End Zone — vehicles may drop off patrons at the corner of 28th Avenue and Vanderbilt Place across from the Frist Family Gate Entrance.
ADA Seating – Wheelchair and companion seating is available throughout the stadium. Please call (615) 322-4653 to arrange seating. Fans with ADA seating are highly encouraged to enter the stadium through the entrance closest to their seating area.
- Seating in sections A-G should enter through the Frist Family Gate (near Natchez Trace/Vanderbilt Place – Gate 2) or Gate 1.
- Seating in sections P-V should enter through Gate 3 or Gate 4.
- Seating in the north end zone should enter through Gate 1 (NW) or Gate 4 (NE).
- Sections OE and OW are located in the South End Zone, accessed from the main concourse level.
Shuttle and Rideshare Information
Shuttle Information
Shuttle service begins when gates open (2 hours before kickoff) and runs until the end of the first quarter. It will resume after the third quarter and continue for 30 minutes following the end of the game.
ADA shuttle map
Click image to enlarge.
Rideshare Logistics
For patrons using any type of rideshare service, such as a taxi, Uber, or Lyft, there are specific locations – one on the east side of the stadium and one on the west side of the stadium.
- West pick up and drop off: Chipotle parking lot (2825 West End Avenue)
- East pick up and drop off: Off Garland Avenue, near 2402 Garland Avenue
Stadium Map & Road Closures
FCS Championship Map
Select image to enlarge
FirstBank Stadium Map
Select image to enlarge.
Road Closures
No motorized traffic will be permitted to access roads during the below road closures.
- Jess Neely Drive is permanently closed to vehicular traffic.
- Kensington Place closes to vehicular traffic at 2:30 p.m. and will reopen approximately 1 hour after the game ends.
- Natchez Trace from Children’s Way to Kensington Place closes at 1 p.m. and will reopen approximately 1 hour after the game ends.
For more information on construction road closures, click here.
Game Day Ticket Assistance & Locations
Game Day Ticket Assistance and Locations
To purchase tickets in person on game days (if available) or for fans seeking ticketing assistance, please visit the McGugin Center Ticket Office (2601 Jess Neely Drive, Nashville, TN 37212) open two hours prior to kick-off and close at halftime. An additional satellite location is in the Huber Center lobby adjacent to FirstBank Stadium Gate 1.
Hours of Operation for Vanderbilt Athletic Ticket Office Phone Calls or In-Person Purchases (for purchase of premium seats only) –
- Monday, Dec. 22: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. central
- Tuesday, Dec. 23: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. central
- Wednesday, Dec. 24 – Thursday, Jan. 1: CLOSED
- Friday, Jan. 2 – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Monday, Jan. 5: 9 a.m. – halftime of the game
The Vanderbilt ticket office staff will also be keeping an eye on their emails on days when the office is closed, but they may be slow to respond. For email communication, please use ticket.office@vanderbilt.edu or premiumseating@vanderbilt.edu, and a staff member will be in touch.
Team Will Call: Tickets are distributed via digital tickets to email/cell phone. For assistance, please visit the McGugin Center Ticket Office during business hours (2601 Jess Neely Drive, Nashville, TN 37212).
Media Will Call: Media credentials will be available for pickup starting 3.5 hours prior to kickoff outside of Gate 4 at FirstBank Stadium on the north side of the facility (off 25th Avenue South behind Kensington Garage and Memorial Gymnasium). Once you have obtained your credential, you will proceed down the ramp and through the North end zone in order to access the entrance to reach the elevator to go to the press box.
Re-entry: Re-entry into FirstBank Stadium is not permitted, except in the event of a weather evacuation.
No solicitation is permitted on the Vanderbilt campus. Please click here for the full policy.
For a full list of ticket policies, click here.
Fan Services
FirstBank Stadium is proud to offer a dedicated Mother’s Room for nursing parents and families.
Located on the South End Zone Concourse, the Mother’s Room provides a quiet, private, and comfortable space away from the stadium action.
The FirstBank Stadium/Hawkins Field Sensory Room is located at the east concourse first aid room by Section P. The Sensory Room offers a calm, supportive environment for guests who may experience sensory overload during game day. Vanderbilt is working together with globally recognized nonprofit KultureCity to serve fans with sensory needs. Designed by medical professionals, the sensory room will provide a quiet and safe environment for those in need. Vanderbilt’s sensory rooms will feature bean bags, light-up walls and cubes, activity panels, bubble walls, and custom art pieces. The Sensory Room provides a safe place to take a break, recharge, and return to the action when ready.
Additionally, Sensory bags will be available upon request. These bags include a KCVIP lanyard, noise-canceling headphones, verbal cue cards and feeling thermometer, fidget tools, and weighted lap pads. As part of KultureCity certification, staff members in both venues also receive training on how to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation.
Stadium Security
Any uniformed police officer, security officer, guest services member, or Vanderbilt Athletics staff member are available throughout the stadium to provide assistance on game day.
First Aid (Defibrillators/AEDs)
There are two first aid locations in the stadium:
- Near Section G in the South End Zone
- Section P on the east concourse.
For assistance in an emergency situation, please contact a security officer or a Guest Services team member.
Heat-Related Illness Guide
In Tennessee, particularly in August and September, development of heat related problems are a common occurrence during football games at FirstBank Stadium. A high heat index increases the body temperature leading to significant sweating and fluid loss. Unless fluids are appropriately replaced, heat-related illness may occur. Fans with cardiac, respiratory, or gastrointestinal problems are at a higher risk for heat illness.
When the anticipated temperature at kickoff is above 90 degrees misting fans will be ordered and serve as cooling stations for guests and staff. In additional to the cooling stations, guests will also be allowed to bring in a 20 oz (or smaller) unopened, disposable bottle of water. Heat problems can be mitigated by:
- Applying sunscreen 15-30 SPF
- Wearing a hat, and light, loose fitting clothes
- Limiting alcohol intake and drinking plenty of water or sports drinks such as Gatorade
If you become hot, sweaty, fatigued and thirsty, you should get out of the sun immediately and begin to replenish your fluids. If these symptoms continue or you develop dizziness or muscle cramps, you should go to a First Aid station for treatment.
Other medical problems may occur during a game. Should you become ill and feel the need for medical attention during a game, event staff or security personnel can direct you to the nearest First Aid station or contact Emergency Medical personnel if you are too sick to be moved. If you have significant medical problems, please bring a list of your medications with you to the game in case you have to be seen in our aid stations.
Lost & Found
Lost & Found is located in the South End Zone.
Items of declared value are turned over to Vanderbilt Police. All found items will be turned over to Vanderbilt’s Police Department following the game. To contact VUPD, please call (615) 322-2745.
Lost Persons
In case you become separated from your group, designate meeting locations, such as at your seat, as well as a location outside of the stadium for before and after the game.
If you are separated from your child, please alert the nearest usher or security staff member and go to the Guest Services booth on the South End Zone concourse.
Tailgating Information
Tailgating
Lots 1-4 and the Children’s Way field parking will open at 1 p.m. on Monday, January 5. Lots close immediately upon conclusion of the game. Overnight parking is not permitted.
- Tailgating is prohibited in parking garages.
- Tailgating is limited to parking spaces and may not encroach on sidewalks, roads, or bike lanes.
- The drive lane must be left clear for emergency vehicle access. Pedestrians should remain aware of their surroundings, as this will remain an active drive lane at all times.
- Tailgate setup may not exceed 5 ft past the end of the lane line.
- Set up may not begin until lots open on game day and must be broken down at the end of the day. Any items left behind are subject to removal and disposal.
- Vanderbilt is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- You must have a parking pass for every spot occupied. There is no space saving allowed.
- Be respectful of your neighbors’ space, stay in your designated lane, and be courteous.
- Music must be played at a reasonable level. Speakers should be facing your own tailgate space.
- The maximum pop-up tent size is 10’x10’. Tents must be secured with tent weights; stakes are prohibited. Before leaving your tailgate space to enjoy the game in the stadium, you must break down your tent fully.
- Tents must be free of corporate logos.
- When wind is expected to reach 20mph or above, the setting up of tents is strongly discouraged for the safety of all fans.
- Anyone attempting to enter lots to make deliveries to tailgates must have the proper parking permit for the lot. Once you exit the lot, you may not re-enter the lot.
- Trash/recycling must be disposed of properly. Take out what you bring in or place in designated containers.
Full-service tailgates are available!
Prohibited Items/Activities
- Trailers of any type
- Motorized vehicles such as scooters, hoverboards, or golf carts.
- Drones/remote-controlled aircraft on Vanderbilt property, without prior approval and clearance
- Smoking/vaping on Vanderbilt property
- Fire pits
- Kegs
- Food sales/vendors, without written prior approval from the athletics department
- Live bands/DJs, unless part of NCAA scheduled activities
Cooking Guidelines
- No cooking is permitted in parking structures, under tents, or within 25 ft. of a campus building.
- Grills must be set up away from, or protected from, pedestrian traffic and flammable or combustible materials.
- Grills must be monitored at all times; no grills shall be left unattended while still in use.
- Extinguish all flames before leaving your area.
- Vanderbilt does NOT provide or designate any area or receptacles for charcoal disposal.
- Grill operators are responsible for the operation as well as cleanup of any remaining ashes or coals.
- Hot coals and/or ashes may NOT be placed in any VU receptacles or on the grounds.
- Depending on weather conditions, VU Public Safety may prohibit any and all grilling on campus.
- Propane Grills shall not exceed 20lbs
- Charcoal Grills must have cover
Generators
- Recreational generators are permitted – electric generators preferred.
- Generators must be kept within the immediate tailgate area.
- No generators are permitted in parking structures.
- Special consideration should be given to the noise level and should not exceed 60 decibels.
- Vanderbilt University may prohibit the use of any generator or sound system deemed disruptive to others or poses a safety or health hazard.
Commercial Tailgating
All corporate and/or commercial tailgating activities must be reserved through RevelXP and Learfield Sports Properties. Please contact vanderbilt@revelxp.com for more information on tailgate locations and Learfield Sports Properties on sponsorship and partnership activities.
Looking for hassle-free tailgating options?
Book your full-service tailgate today!
Political Activities
- Political activity is subject to the same rules that apply to all signage, banners, solicitation, distribution of literature, and other non-Vanderbilt activities on Vanderbilt’s campus. Distribution of any materials (fliers, stickers, buttons, signs, or promotional items) is prohibited without prior approval from Vanderbilt Administration.
Signage and Banners
- Banners and signs recognizing businesses may not be displayed, nor may promotional/commercial materials be distributed without prior approval by Vanderbilt Athletics Administration. Non-commercial messages (non-profit or political) are subject to reasonable restrictions to protect safety and pedestrian access.
Solicitations
- Solicitations of any kind, for commercial, non-profit, political, or any other purposes, within Vanderbilt facilities or on Vanderbilt premises are prohibited unless specifically approved by Vanderbilt Administration. The distribution of flyers/leaflets on parked vehicles or to pedestrians is expressly prohibited.
Inclement Weather
- Please pay attention to weather in the area.
- If there is lightning in the vicinity, fans should seek shelter in their vehicles.
- If there are high winds, please remove any items that may blow away or be a hazard.
Entry and Seating Information
Entry and Seating Information
All gates open 2 hours prior to kickoff.
Fans with bowl tickets may enter FirstBank Stadium through all four corners of the stadium
- Gate 1 – NW corner
- Gate 2 – Frist Family Gate, SW corner, located near Natchez Trace and Vanderbilt Place
- Gate 3 – SE corner, closest to Hawkins Field
- Gate 4 – NE corner
Premium seating ticket holders should use the following entrances for admission to FirstBank Stadium. Please note that a valid game ticket for specific premium areas is required for access.
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West Suites (Suites 1-16) and Bridge: A dedicated entrance on the west side of the stadium is available for Bridge ticket holders and West Suite holders. A dedicated lane at the Frist Family Gate 2 entrance for premium ticket holders is also available. Elevators are conveniently located outside of Sections C and E for access to the Bridge and West Suites. At the base of the west elevators, your game ticket will be scanned, and a wristband will be provided to grant you access to the appropriate area. Only West Suite holders and Bridge ticket holders will be permitted access.
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North End Zone Pepsi Terrace & Field Level Club: North end zone ticket holders are recommended to enter FirstBank Stadium through Gate 1 or Gate 4. To access the North End Zone Field Level Club, your game ticket will be scanned, and a wristband will be provided to grant you access to the appropriate area. Only North End Zone ticket holders will have access to the North End Zone Field Level Club.
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Anchor Down Club (Field Level Seating, Loge Boxes, and Living Room Boxes): Field Level Seating, Loge Box ticket holders, and Living Room Box ticket holders are recommended to enter FirstBank Stadium through the dedicated lane at the Frist Family Gate 2. Ticket holders who have access to the Anchor Down Club should proceed to the club entrance, located across from the Team Store. Upon arrival at the Anchor Down Club entrance, your game ticket will be scanned, and a wristband will be provided to grant you access to the appropriate area. Only South End Zone Field Level seat holders, Loge Box ticket holders, and Living Room Box ticket holders will have access to the Anchor Down Club.
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Commodore Club (Sections N-H): Commodore Club ticket holders must enter through the dedicated premium entrance, located next to Gate 3. Upon arrival at the dedicated premium entrance, your game ticket will be scanned, and a wristband will be provided to grant you access to the appropriate area. Only Commodore Club ticket holders will have access to the Commodore Club.
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Commodore Suites (Suites 401-405): Commodore Suite holders must enter through the dedicated premium entrance, located next to Gate 3. Upon arrival at the dedicated premium entrance, your game ticket will be scanned, and a wristband will be provided to grant you access to the appropriate area. Only Commodore Suite holders will have access to the Commodore Suites.
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SRM Suites (Suites 101-105; 201-205; 301-305): A dedicated entrance on the west side of the stadium is available for SRM Suite holders. South Suite holders should proceed to the SRM Suites lobby where your game ticket will be scanned, and a wristband will be provided to grant you access to the appropriate area. Only South Suite holders will have access to the SRM Suites.
For additional questions related to premium seating at FirstBank Stadium, please contact the premium seating team at premiumseating@vanderbilt.edu.
Other Entry Guidelines
- Per Southeastern Conference policy, no re-entry is allowed. In the event of inclement weather, you may re-enter the stadium with your ticket. The clear bag policy will be followed for re-entry.
- Dates and times on game tickets are subject to change.
- Vanderbilt University policies and state and federal laws will be in effect.
- Failure to adhere to rules may prevent admission, cause removal from an event, and jeopardize the violator’s attendance at future Vanderbilt Athletics events, including forfeiture of season tickets and the opportunity to purchase single-game tickets.
ADA Seating – Wheelchair and companion seating is available throughout the Stadium. Please call (615) 322-4653 to arrange seating. Fans with ADA seating are highly encouraged to enter the stadium through the entrance closest to their seating area.
- Seating in sections A-G should enter through the Frist Family Gate (near Natchez Trace/Vanderbilt Place) or Gate 1.
- Seating in sections P-V should enter through Gate 3 or Gate 4.
- Seating in the north end zone should enter through Gate 1 (NW) or Gate 4 (NE).
- Sections OE and OW are located in the South End Zone, accessed from the main concourse level.
Weather Policies and Procedures
Weather Policies and Procedures
Vanderbilt University Police, Emergency Management, and Athletics will monitor the threat of inclement and severe weather. As needed, announcements will be made over the Public Address system to provide updates to fans. In the event of lightning or other severe weather, the stadium must be evacuated. Below are the evacuation protocols for each side of the stadium:
For the East Side of FirstBank Stadium (Sections P through V):
- Fans sitting on the east side of the stadium will have the option of taking refuge inside of Memorial Gymnasium.
- Fans will also have the option of leaving the stadium and seeking refuge in their vehicles.
- Fans will be allowed to reenter the stadium once the all-clear is given and the stadium is ready for reentry.
- Standing on the concourse is discouraged.
- The home and visiting bands will take refuge in Memorial Gymnasium.
For the West Side of FirstBank Stadium (Sections A through G, The Bridge and Suites):
- Fans sitting on the east side of the stadium will have the option of taking refuge inside of Memorial Gymnasium.
- Fans will also have the option of leaving the stadium and seeking refuge in their vehicles.
- Standing on the concourse is discouraged.
- Fans will be allowed to re-enter the stadium once the all-clear is given and the stadium is ready for re-entry.
For the North End Zone seating areas (Field Level Seating and Terrace):
- North End Zone field level and Pepsi Terrace level may seek refuge in Memorial Gymnasium or return to their vehicles.
- No other fans will be encouraged to seek shelter within the North End Zone.
- Standing on Terrace or in field level seating area will be discouraged.
For the South End Zone seating areas (Commodore Club and Anchor Down Club):
- Fans within the South End Zone building may continue to shelter there.
- No other fans will be encouraged to seek shelter within the South End Zone.
- ADA Patrons in OE and OW should shelter in Memorial Gymnasium.
- Standing on Terrace or in field level seating area will be discouraged.
Please follow directions from uniformed officers, security, ushers, and Vanderbilt Athletics staff. If you need assistance evacuating the seating area or stadium, please find the nearest event personnel. Please note that the stadium concourse and seating areas are not safe shelter areas. Fans will be allowed to re-enter the stadium through the gate designated on their ticket once the all-clear is given and the stadium is ready for reentry.
Vanderbilt University personnel will not provide updates on the restart of play until it is determined that the threat of weather has subsided. Fans that do not shelter in Memorial Gymnasium should monitor Vanderbilt football Twitter @VandyFootball. Updates will also be sent via athletics text updates, fans can sign-up by clicking here.