If you’re a visitor who can’t go too long without a sports fix, Tennessee offers fans of every stripe the opportunity to watch a wide range of sporting events, from the professional level to some can’t-miss local matchups. Here are seven only-in-Tennessee sports experiences guaranteed to get your blood pumping.
Cheer on Memphis’ Home Team
See the NBA Memphis Grizzlies take on teams in high-action games at the FedExForum. You’ll hear the fans loudly cheer during high-flying dunks...it's an electrifying atmosphere you have to experience.
Catch the Predators Fever
The Nashville Predators have been a part of the Nashville sports scene for 20 years. The momentum and hype are shown by the infectious enthusiasm of the Preds’ hometown crowd. Even if you’re not a big hockey fan (yet!), a Preds game is a fun and unforgettable experience for any trip.
Feel the Need for Speed
Bristol Motor Speedway, heralded as the world's fastest half-mile, serves up steep banks, deafening noise, fan popularity and sheer spectacle. About 50 miles southwest in Bull's Gap lies another racing hotspot: Volunteer Speedway, claimed as the world’s fastest dirt track.
Watch a Clash of the Titans
Tennessee Titans' fans cheer on their favourite team during home games at Nissan Stadium every autumn. College football is another statewide pigskin pastime, with the University of Tennessee Volunteers consistently dazzling crowds at Neyland Stadium, the sixth largest in the world. And in late December/early January, the annual AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis adds extra excitement to the season.
Join the Soccer Craze
While Nashville is home to the Nashville SC, Tennessee's Major League soccer team, soccer fans across the state can get their kicks in Knoxville, Memphis or Chattanooga, where just-below-professional level teams in the National Premier Soccer League battle it out in fun, high-energy matches.
Enjoy America’s Favourite Pastime
Tennessee is home to nine Triple-A affiliate baseball teams like the Chattanooga Lookouts, Elizabethton Twins, Johnson City Cardinals, Kingsport Mets, Greeneville Astros, Tennessee Smokies and Jackson Rockabillys. The Memphis Redbirds, the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, have been smashing victory records to the delight of adoring fans in Memphis. Meanwhile, in Music City, fans are also flocking to First Tennessee Park, where the Nashville Sounds have been hitting it out of the park. Catching a minor league game is the perfect way to spend a warm summer evening in Tennessee.
