It is our goal to make your visit to the Vanderbilt University campus as pleasant and as safe as possible. Please consult this game day guide for any questions you may have.
Construction Updates: (as of April 2023) Progress on Vandy United facility projects is under way. Please abide by signage and avoid construction areas on game days.
- North and south end zone seating options will not be available for the 2023 season. To view construction cams, visit vucommodores.com/vandyunited
- More details regarding parking, entrances to FirstBank Stadium, and seating options will be available closer to the 2023 season.
In compliance with the Southeastern Conference, FirstBank Stadium operates with a clear bag policy for all home football games. Please consider this policy when choosing the items that you bring into the stadium.
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.
Additional information on clear bag policy.
PARKING and TRAFFIC
– ADA Patron Shuttle service – Golf cart shuttles run between the corner of Jess Neely Drive/25th Avenue South and Gates 2/3. Shuttles begin 2 hours prior to kickoff and run through the end of the first quarter. Shuttles will resume at the start of the 4th quarter and run through 30 minutes after the conclusion of the game.
Parking Lot Information
– Game day parking lots (Lots 1-4, 29B, 64, 71, 72A and 72B) close at 12:01am on game day. (View map here) Only those with appropriate game day tags will be allowed to park in these lots once they open for game day parking. Please adhere to posted signage for exact regulations.
- Parking for game days begins at 8 am on game days. For 11 am kick offs, parking lots will open at 7 am.
– McGugin Center and Tennis Center parking lots will close at 7:00am on game day. Only those with a football season McGugin or Tennis Center hangtag will be permitted in these lots on game days.
– Towing – Vehicles without proper football game day permits parked in reserved parking areas are subject to towing. Please contact VUPD at (615) 322-2745 to claim your vehicle.
Road Closures
– No motorized traffic will be permitted to access roads during the below road closures.
-Natchez Trace from Jess Neely Drive to Children’s Way will close no later than 7 hours prior to kick office. Exact times may vary game to game.
– Jess Neely Drive and Natchez Trace from Jess Neely to Kensington Place will close no later than 5 hours prior to kick off. Exact times may vary game to game.
– NEW for 2022: Due to Vandy United projects, Kensington Place will be closed outside of Gate 1 and will not be accessible from Natchez Trace. Details of this closure may change throughout the 2022 season.
BAG POLICY
– 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-seal-able 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.
CLEAR BAG POLICY
– Medically necessary items must be screened at designated locations at Gate 2 and Gate 4. Medical exception bags will be tagged once cleared by security. Diaper bags are not considered a medically necessary item. All diaper bag supplies should be carried in a clear bag.
– Approved clear bags may be purchased at the Vanderbilt Bookstore (2525 West End Avenue).
– Please click here for Frequently Asked Questions.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
* Vanderbilt staff will make the final decision on any questionable items.
* Please note that even items received at a Vanderbilt-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.
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.
Carry-In Items – Guests are not permitted to bring food/beverage containers into the stadium. Bottles, coolers, and containers of any kind are prohibited. Each fan is allowed one empty clear plastic bottle. No metal or glass bottles will be permitted. The bottle must fit in a 12″x6″x12″ clear bag per the clear bag policy.
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 and beverage containers. Each fan will only be allowed to bring in one clear plastic water bottle. No metal or glass bottles will be permitted. The bottle must fit in a 12″x6″x12″ clear bag per the clear bag policy.
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
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 Vanderbilt Stadium. Attempting to bring weapons of any kind into the stadium will result in immediate arrest.
TICKET INFORMATION
All spectators over the age of two must have a ticket for entry. Children two and under are expected to sit in the lap of a parent.
Digital/Mobile Ticketing
Tickets to Vanderbilt home games are distributed digitally and should be scanned via mobile phone for entry. Fans should download their ticket(s) to their mobile wallet (Apple iPhones) or Google Play (Android phones) application on their phone. Learn more.
Game Day Ticket Assistance and Locations
To purchase tickets in person on game days, or for fans seeking ticketing assistance, please visit the ticket booth outside of Gate 3.
Ticket Office Hours – During the week, the ticket office is open during business hours inside the McGugin Center. On game days, they open 4 hours before kick off and are located in the ticket booth outside of Gate 3.
Player-Guest Will Call: Will call tickets for both teams can be picked up at the entrance to Hawkins Field, adjacent to Gate 3 of the stadium. Vanderbilt’s guest tickets are located on the right and the opponent will be set up on the left as you enter the Hawkins Field gates. Player-guest will call opens two hours prior to kickoff and closes at the end of the first quarter; fans must present their photo ID to claim their tickets.
Media Will Call: Media will call set-up is located inside Gate 4 of the stadium (near Kensington Garage/Memorial Gym). Media will call opens 2.5 hours prior to kickoff.
High School Coaches Will Call: The high school coaches will call set-up is at the entrance to Hawkins Field, adjacent to Gate 3 of FirstBank Stadium. High school coaches will call opens two hours prior to kickoff.
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.
ADA Seating – Wheelchair and companion seating is available on the south end of the stadium from Sections H through M. Please call (615) 322-4653 to arrange seating.
Vanderbilt Student Ticket Policy
Vanderbilt Faculty/Staff Tickets
For more ticket information, please visit the football ticket page.
ENTRY and SEATING INFORMATION
Gates to FirstBank Stadium open two hours prior to kickoff.
Suite ticket holders should enter through the suite holder entrance located near Gate 2.
Fans that experience issues entering the stadium should speak with any uniformed security or guest services staff at their gate.
OTHER 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.
VANDERBILT ATHLETICS FAN CODE OF CONDUCT
Vanderbilt is committed to providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere for our teams and fans to enjoy. Vanderbilt Athletics reserves the right to institute measures for any language, actions or demonstrations in violation of the Vanderbilt Athletics Fan Code of Conduct. This includes, but is not limited to, ejection from the facility and revocation of future ticket privileges. Violation of laws or city ordinances may result in arrest or prosecution.
Fans are expected to …
• Show respect to all student-athletes, coaches, officials and surrounding fans at all times.
• Assume responsibility for their conduct.
• Comply with zero-tolerance policies related to any form of harassment, discrimination or abusive language.
• Adhere to requests and directives from game day event staff and law enforcement personnel regarding venue operation and emergency response procedures.
• Refrain from entering the playing surface without proper authorization or credentials.
Enjoy the game and Anchor Down.
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. Fans will be directed to Memorial Gymnasium through the West Lobby ramp, and to their vehicles. 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.
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. In this situation, re-entry to the stadium will be allowed.
GAME DAY SCHEDULE
Vandyville – Vandyville offers close to 90 tailgating spaces, inflatable games, food truck vendors, live entertainment, and more. It is located on Natchez Trace between Jess Neely Drive and Children’s Way.
Vandyville now features music stages:
- Puckett’s Stage: Located on Dudley Court, just off Natchez Trace, Vandyville’s main stage will feature live music beginning two hours prior to kick off. Here you’ll also find food trucks, common seating and a videoboard to catch key college football action.
- Black and Gold Stage: Located at the corner of Natchez Trace and Jess Neely Drive, this stage will feature the pregame Tailgate Radio Show hosted by Kevin Ingram and Norman Jordan, followed by live music leading up to kickoff.
For more information on Vandyville, click here. To rent a tailgate tent in Vandyville, click here.
Kids Zone – The Max Nance Kids’ Zone is located at the outdoor track and field complex, conveniently located off Natchez Trace. Opens two hours prior to kickoff, and all activities are free (inflatables, face painter, balloon artist, etc). It closes at kick off.
Star Walk – The team will take a longer route to the stadium, expanding on the popularity of this game day tradition. Approximately one hour prior to kickoff, the team will exit the practice field gates and proceed onto Natchez Trace. They will turn down Jess Neely Drive and into the tunnel entrance of the stadium. Fans are encouraged to line the path and cheer on the Commodores as they enter the stadium.
click image to enlarge
FAN SERVICES
click images to enlarge
Merchandise/Apparel – On game days, the Vanderbilt Bookstore offers merchandise and apparel in Vandyville near the intersection of Natchez Trace and Jess Neely, at Dore Stop (Section H) and at the Vanderbilt Bookstore trailer located just inside Gate 3. The main University bookstore is located at the corner of 25th Avenue South and West End Avenue.
Concessions – A variety of food offerings are available at FirstBank Stadium. Concessions stands are cashless and accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
To learn more about concessions, along with information about non-profit fundraising opportunities, click here.
Tailgating – The kickoff time will determine when the Natchez Trace parking lots are open for tailgating.
Elevate your tailgating experience with full-service tailgating options. Learn More.
11 a.m. kickoff times – Lots open at 7 a.m.
All other kickoff times – Lots open at 8 a.m.
Vandyville opens four hours prior to kickoff.
To provide a memorable experience for all attending events within the athletic complex, the following policies are applicable:
– Trailers of any kind are prohibited.
– You must have a parking pass for every parking spot you occupy.
– No common containers such as kegs
– All charcoal from charcoal grills must be disposed of properly
– Please do not encroach on another’s space
– All trash must be disposed of properly
– Be considerate of others around you with loud music
– Fire pits are strictly prohibited
Fan Information – Guest Services tents are located inside Gate 2. There are also Guest Services members at Gate 2 and 3 seated in lifeguard chairs that are designated for fan assistance.
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.
Parking Lot Restroom Facilities – There are portable restroom units located throughout the surface parking lots along Natchez Trace.
First Aid (Defibrillators/AEDs) – Emergency medical personnel are located at the first aid stations near Sections G and P. For assistance in an emergency situation, please contact a security officer or usher.
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 and Found is located at Gate 3. Valuable 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 tent located at Gate 2.
Family Restroom – There is a family restroom located outside of Section H near Gate 2. All restrooms are equipped with a changing table. Nursing mothers may go to either First Aid location for privacy.
ADA Seating – Wheelchair and companion seating is available on the south end of the stadium from Sections H through M. Please call (615) 322-4653 prior to game day to arrange seating. Vanderbilt is unable to provide wheelchairs.
Fans that need wheelchair assistance from an entry gate to their seat should find a security or guest services member.
Shuttles – Golf cart shuttles run between the corner of Jess Neely Drive/25th Avenue South and Gates 2/3. Shuttles begin 2 hours prior to kickoff and run through the end of the first quarter. Shuttles will resume at the start of the 4th quarter and run through 30 minutes after the conclusion of the game.
Reserved parking locations – Season ticket holders interested in season-long reserved and reserved ADA parking should contact the Vanderbilt Ticket Office.
Single-game parking passes are also available to purchase, and have a cost reduction if purchased in advance of game day.
Public parking locations and guidelines
– 25th Avenue and West Garages are located on 25th Avenue South. Game day parking passes are available for purchase as you enter the garages. Prices will vary per game and are based on opponent. Tailgating is not permitted in the garages.
Accessible Parking
– ADA parking is available in both the 25th Avenue and West Garages.
Ride Share Logistics
– For patrons using any type of rideshare service such as a taxi, Uber, or Lyft, the three options for pick-off and drop-off are West End Ave/Natchez Trace, 28th Ave/Vanderbilt Place, or Garland Ave off of 25th Ave South.
