Football Game Day

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. Please note: construction is ongoing in and around FirstBank Stadium for the 2023 season. Please abide by posted signage and consult game day information prior to arrival on campus. 

Construction Updates: (as of August 2023) Progress on Vandy United facility projects and campus utility projects are underway. Please abide by signage and avoid construction areas on game days.

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.

PARKING and TRAFFIC

Parking Lot Information

– Game day parking lots (Lots 1, 2, 4, 64, and 72B) close at 12:01am on game day. 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 a.m. on game days. For 11 a.m. kick offs, parking lots will open at 7 a.m.

– Game day parking is available first come, first served in 25th Avenue and West Garages. These parking garages are located on 25th Avenue South, however due to construction should be accessed via Highland Avenue or 24th Avenue. Game day parking passes are available for purchase as you enter the garages. Prices will vary per game and are based on the opponent. Tailgating is not permitted in the garages.

*NEW for 2023* – The 25th Avenue entrances into 25th Avenue and West Garages are closed due to construction on 25th Avenue South from Jess Neely Drive to Blakemore Avenue. 25th Avenue Garage may be accessed through entrances on either Highland Avenue or 24th Avenue, and West Garage may be accessed through entrances on either 24th Avenue or Children’s Way.

Free parking is available in the Terrace Garage, based on first come, first served basis. Terrace Garage is located on campus at 2010 Terrace Pl, Nashville, TN 37203.

Click here to view a game day parking map.

– 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.

Accessible Parking

– ADA parking is available in Kensington Garage, 25th Avenue Garage and West Garage. Lots 2 and 4 also offer ADA parking options. A limited number of ADA parking is also available in Lot 72C.

  • The parking garages allow for drive up game day parking options.
  • Lots 2, 4 and 72C require advance parking permit purchase. Contact the ticket office to secure advance parking permit.

To purchase and secure ADA parking in advance, please contact the athletics ticket office.

Click here to view a game day parking map.

ADA Patron Shuttle Service

Shuttle service will begin when gates open and pause after the first quarter, resuming after the third quarter and ending 30 minutes after the game. Below is a list of pick up and drop off locations for the shuttles.


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West Side: There are two shuttle stop locations in Lot 2; look for shuttle pavilions. Both stops will take riders to the west side drop off on Vanderbilt Place next to FirstBank Stadium.

East Side: There are two shuttle stops, one on Highland Ave at 25th Ave Garage and another at West Garage on Children’s Way. Both stops will take riders to the east side drop off location at Gate 3 – Memorial Gym at Vanderbilt Place and 25th Avenue.

– 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 — vehicles may drop off patrons at the corner of 25th Avenue and Vanderbilt Place across from Memorial Gymnasium.
  • Tickets for seats in Sections A-G (West side) of FirstBank Stadium — vehicles may drop off patrons at the corner of 28th Avenue and Vanderbilt Place across from the Frist Family Gate Entrance.

NEW in 2023: ADA and Rideshare Dropoff locations have been identified around FirstBank Stadium. View Here

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 is temporarily closed to vehicular traffic.

– Natchez Trace from Jess Neely to Kensington Place is temporarily closed for construction.

– Natchez Trace from Jess Neely to Children’s Way will close no later than 7 hours prior to kick-off.

– 25th Avenue South from Jess Neely Drive to Blakemore Ave is temporarily closed for construction.

– Children’s Way is not accessible to traffic.

For more information on construction road closures, visit: https://vucommodores.com/construction/

For an interactive map, click here

CLEAR 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 gates. 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.

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.

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 ItemsNEW in 2023: Each guest will be allowed to bring in one clear unopened plastic bottle of water. No metal or glass bottles will be permitted. The bottle must fit in a 12″x 6″x 12″ 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 containers. NEW in 2023: Each fan will only be allowed to bring in one clear unopened 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.

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

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

Buy Tickets

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 one of the two ticket booth locations for the 2023 season.

  • One ticket booth will be located at the Memorial Gym Ticket Office (East Side of the stadium)
  • A second temporary ticket booth will be located in Lot 72B adjacent to the Frist Family Gate (West Side of the stadium).


click image to enlarge

For an interactive map, click here.

Ticket Office Hours – During the week, the ticket office is open during business hours inside the McGugin Center. On game days, the ticket booth locations will open 2 hours before kick off and are located in Memorial Gym and in Lot 72B. 

Player-Guest Will Call: Vanderbilt player guest tickets will be digital tickets this year. For assistance, please visit the temporary ticket booth outside the Frist Family Gate (West Side) in lot 72B. Player-guest will call opens two hours prior to kickoff and closes at the end of the first quarter.

Visiting Team Player-Guest: Located at Gate 4 of Memorial Gymnasium.

Media Will Call: Media will call set-up is located at Memorial Gym Gate 4. Media will call opens 2.5 hours prior to kickoff.

High School Coaches Will Call: The high school coaches’ tickets will be digital this year and sent out prior to each game. 

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 SeatingWheelchair and companion seating is available on both the east side and east side of the stadium in 2023. Please call (615) 322-4653 to arrange seating. Fans with ADA seating MUST enter the stadium through the assigned entrance. Seating in sections A-G should enter through the Frist Family Gate (near Natchez Trace/Vanderbilt Place); seating in section P-V should enter through Memorial Gymnasium. 

Vanderbilt Student Ticket Policy

Vanderbilt Faculty/Staff Tickets

For more ticket information, please visit the football ticket page.

ENTRY and SEATING INFORMATION

NEW in 2023: Patrons with tickets on the west side of the stadium in sections A-G, The Bridge, or Suites, will be required to enter on Natchez Trace through the Frist Family Gate.  Upon conclusion of the game, fans will exit the stadium via the same way they entered.

NEW in 2023: Patrons with tickets on the east side of the stadium in sections P-V will be required to enter through Memorial Gymnasium Gates 1 and 3. Upon conclusion of the game, fans will exit the stadium north of the stadium, near Section V, out towards Kensington Place, or through the baseball outfield gate located near Section T. Please note: the baseball outfield gate will open at halftime of each game and then be available for exiting the game.


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For an interactive map, click here.

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.

 

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 features the Dudley Court music stage! Located 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 video board to catch key college football action.

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 inside of the outdoor track, just off of Natchez Trade. It is open to fans young and old! Conveniently located off Natchez Trace, the event kicks off two hours prior to kickoff, includes free activities (i.e., inflatables, face painter, balloon artist, arts and crafts) and closes at kick off.

Click here to view a map.

For an interactive map, click here.

Star Walk – Star Walk in 2023 will occur by the football practice fields. The team will exit out of the back of McGugin and walk towards the soccer/lacrosse complex. Access to the Star Walk space will begin 1 hour prior to kick off, with Star Walk occurring approximately 47 minutes prior to kick off.

Click here to view a map.

FAN SERVICES

Merchandise/ApparelNEW FOR 2023 – On game days, the Vanderbilt Bookstore will be transitioning to cashless transactions. The bookstore will offer several  merchandise and apparel locations throughout the game day footprint. Guests can check out the pop-up location on Dudley Court in Vandyville. The Vanderbilt Bookstore trailer will be located just inside the Frist Family Gate as guests enter the west concourse and a pop-up location will be available for guests sitting on the east concourse by Section P. 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 tailgating 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

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 a new temporary station on the west concourse at Section B and in the first aid station. 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 – There are two lost and found locations for the 2023 season. On the west side of the stadium, lost and found is located at the Frist Family Gate. On the east side, lost and found is located at the First Aid Station. 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 tent.

ADA Shuttle –

– Shuttle service will begin when gates open and pause after the first quarter, resuming after the third quarter and ending 30 minutes after the game. Below is a list of pick up and drop off locations for the shuttles.


select image to enlarge

West Side: There are two shuttle stop locations in Lot 2; look for shuttle pavilions. Both stops will take riders to the west side drop off on Vanderbilt Place next to FirstBank Stadium.

East Side: There are two shuttle stops, one on Highland Ave at 25th Ave Garage and another at West Garage on Children’s Way. Both stops will take riders to the east side drop off location at Gate 3 – Memorial Gym at Vanderbilt Place and 25th Avenue.

– 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 — vehicles may drop off patrons at the corner of 25th Avenue and Vanderbilt Place across from Memorial Gymnasium.
  • Tickets for seats in Sections A-G (West side) of FirstBank Stadium — vehicles may drop off patrons at the corner of 28th Avenue and Vanderbilt Place across from the Frist Family Gate Entrance.

 

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 in advance via the Vanderbilt Ticket Office, and have a cost reduction if purchased in advance of game day.

Game Day drive up parking sales will be available on a first come, first served basis in the 25th Ave Garage and West Garage. Parking rates vary per game.

Game Day drive up parking sales are not available for Lots 1, 2 and 4 on game days. Passes must be purchased in advance.

Free parking is available on game days in the Terrace Garage located at 2010 Terrace Pl, Nashville, TN 37203.

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 Kensington Garage,  25th Avenue Garage and West Garage.

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: near Vanderbilt Place and 28th Avenue.

– East drop off: Garland Avenue by the Engineering and Science Building.
– East pick up: 24th Avenue S & Pierce Avenue

For an interactive map, click here.

 

Directions from Lots

To view videos showing the pathway from various parking lots to the 2023 FirstBank Stadium entrances, select the corresponding video below.

Fans

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. Below are the evacuation protocols for each side of the stadium:

For the East Side of FirstBank Stadium (Sections P through V) fans will be able to seek refuge inside of Memorial Gymnasium using the west lobby ramps or exit to their vehicles. The stadium can be exited through the northeast corner of the stadium at Section V to Kensington Place or through the Hawkins Field outfield across the concourse from Section T.

For the West Side of FirstBank Stadium (Sections A through G) fans will be instructed to exit the stadium through the Frist Family Gate across the concourse from Section G. Fans wishing to seek refuge in Memorial Gymnasium will need to exit the venue and proceed along the south walkway on Jess Neely Drive to turn left on 25th Avenue to Memorial Gymnasium. Entry will be allowed at the east side entrances.

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.