Vandy United Stadium Upgrades To Begin Construction

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Vandy United rendering. Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

The work has begun on the initial phase of upgrades to the suite level and bridge seating at Vanderbilt Stadium as part of the Vandy United campaign.

The bridge level, which includes premium seating located under the press box, will undergo significant enhancements. New heating units and cooling fans will be installed, as well as new seating. The standing area behind the seats will include a drink rail, and the concessions area will also be upgraded. The entire space will receive new flooring, paint and graphics.

The suite level of the press box at Vanderbilt Stadium will have new windows installed. The windows can be opened and closed to bring a new level of game day experience to patrons. All suites will receive new seating, carpet and paint.

These projects, along with the 2021 addition of premium seating in the north end zone, give Vanderbilt Stadium a complete upgrade of existing premium seating offerings over the past two seasons.

The upgrades will be finished before the Commodores open the home portion of their season on Sept. 3 versus Elon.

Fans interested in purchasing bridge or north end zone seating can contact the ticket office at 615-322-4653. For suite availability, fans can contact the National Commodore Club at 615-322-4114.

Metro Nashville Public Schools, Titans Announce Girls Flag Football League

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Williamson County Girls Flag Football Tournament at Nissan Stadium. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) are partnering with the Tennessee Titans to bring Girls Flag Football to the high school level in Nashville and Davidson County.

The MNPS league will begin in spring 2023 and feature 15 schools in its first year. Participating schools and the schedule structure for the season will be announced at a later time.

This past year, Williamson County debuted a girls flag football league at the club level, which saw nine different programs and over a hundred girls play a full season as well as a weekend tournament hosted at Nissan Stadium.

Franklin High School Girls Flag Football team. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

“Women make up approximately half of the Titans’ and NFL’s fan base, and it’s clear from our experience in Williamson County that young women in Tennessee are craving more ways to get engaged in the sport,” says Kate Guerra, Titans Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “Throughout the NFL, we’re seeing more women working in football operations and front office roles than ever before, and it’s very possible we’re fostering the next generation right here in our backyard. We couldn’t be more thrilled to expand this league to MNPS and look forward to seeing the students out on the field.”

MNPS and the Titans will collaborate with the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) on the league as it continues to evaluate the potential to officially sanction the sport in Tennessee. TSSAA will advise in the area of game officials, championship planning, tournament format, rules interpretations, and any other areas that may be helpful in setting a framework for Girls’ Flag Football to grow in Tennessee.

Ravenwood High School Girls Flag Football team. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

NFL FLAG, which has led efforts to expand women’s flag football across the U.S. at the youth, high school and collegiate levels, will also partner with the program to provide training and guidance.

“We couldn’t wait to partner with the Tennessee Titans to bring girls flag football to Metro,” says Mark North, Athletics Director for MNPS High Schools. “We are proud of our student-athletes and the tremendous amount of talent in our school district, and we can’t wait to offer young women a new avenue to engage with football and utilize their athletic abilities. A huge thanks to the Titans organization for making this a reality.”

In spring 2022, the Titans worked with the Williamson County Sports Conference to establish the state’s first-ever interscholastic girls flag football league in Williamson County’s nine public schools. The inaugural season ran from March to May 2022, with Ravenwood High School earning the league championship. The WCS league will continue in 2023.

Titans Raise 20,890 Meals For Second Harvest Food Bank Of Middle Tennessee

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Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans Foundation raised 20,890 meals during its week-long food drive in honor of 615 Day, celebrated annually in Nashville on June 15. The Celebrate 615 food drive benefited Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and took place from Wednesday, June 8 – Wednesday, June 15.

Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

“We are grateful to the Tennessee Titans and their contribution to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. Through their efforts on 615 Day, we will be able to feed many families and individuals in Nashville,” says Courtney Blaise, Director of Community Engagement for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. “One in Eight Middle and West Tennesseans struggle with hunger daily, and Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee is dedicated to making an impact on that statistic. Thanks to the Titans and those who donated, we just got a little closer to that goal.”

Participants were encouraged to bring Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee’s most-needed food items to six locations throughout Nashville, including MILES Auto Spa (West Nashville), Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint (Belmont), Party Fowl (Donelson), Hunters Station (East Nashville), Slim and Husky’s (North Nashville) and Fifth + Broadway (Downtown).

Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

The day wrapped-up with a Titans pop-up store on the second floor of Fifth + Broadway. The store featured a retail area with 615 t-shirts, screen printing and giveaways, as well as $6.15 happy hour specials in the adjoining food hall.

Titans mascot T-Rac and Titans cheerleaders visited all six locations on June 15 to collect the donations, bringing giveaways and prize packs throughout the day.

A special collection of Titans 615 clothing is now available at the Titans Pro Shop in-store and online. A portion of proceeds from all t-shirts sold will be donated to the Titans Foundation, which supports communities throughout the state.

Tennessee Titans To Host Muscles & Mimosas Event With Celebrity Trainer Erin Oprea

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The Tennessee Titans have announced its second annual Muscles & Mimosas fitness event presented by LG Electronics USA, to be held at Saint Thomas Sports Park’s indoor practice facility on Saturday, June 25 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

The one-hour fitness session will be led by celebrity trainer Erin Oprea with a live DJ bringing music and energy. Oprea is best known for coaching Nashville country stars like Carrie Underwood, Maren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini, Kasey Musgraves and more. She is also the founder of the Pretty Muscles app, which offers celebrity style personal training from the convenience of your phone.

“Muscles and Mimosas has quickly become one of our favorite events, and we’re thrilled that Erin Oprea was available to give us the workout of our lives again,” says Kate Guerra, Titans Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “We don’t often host events in what we call ‘The Bubble,’ our indoor practice facility, and this will also be the first time we’ve hosted the public at our headquarters since it was renovated. This should be a special experience for those who join us with a delicious brunch to follow.”

Oprea will be joined by Wirth Campbell, a Nashville native and owner of TRUMAV, along with Nashville triathlon/run coach James Crumlin. Both will assist in leading the workout.

The event will feature a post-workout live Q&A session with Oprea and additional special guests, as well as a delicious brunch with mimosas inside the Titans offices and mimosas. A limited-edition Muscles & Mimosas tank will be available for purchase for $15 in advance or $25 day of event. All proceeds will support the Titans Foundation.

Tickets are $45 and include admission to the workout, brunch, complimentary mimosa, yoga mat, sweat towel, and a Titans swag bag. VIP tickets are limited and include all general ticket items, along with reserved front row workout spot, a meet and greet with Oprea, complimentary brunch, unlimited mimosas and exclusive Titans swag bag. Purchase tickets by visiting  www.tennesseetitans.com/musclesandmimosas.

Kris Freeman Named New PA Announcer For Middle Tennessee Football

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Kris Freeman will be joining the Middle Tennessee State University family, serving as the new PA announcer for Blue Raiders football.

He will take over from long-time MTSU PA announcer Larry Tolbert beginning Sept. 17 at Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium, when the Blue Raiders open the 2022 home season against Tennessee State.

“Anytime you replace a legend, that’s always really difficult to do,” Director of Athletics Chris Massaro says. “But Kris has filled in for us in the past and been great. We’ve had a lot of fan feedback on what a great job he did. We’re excited that he’s going to be our football PA announcer. He’s not a rookie, we know exactly what we’re getting. And we’re getting an excellent PA announcer. I think our fans are going to really enjoy his skills from the PA booth. We will miss Larry and look forward to seeing him in the stands as a fan.”

Freeman has been in the PA announcing world for a number of years, taking on the Vanderbilt basketball job in 2015. He currently announces for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the lacrosse team at Vanderbilt, and is also the voice of the TSSAA basketball championships, along with several other TSSAA events.

“I’m very thankful that Middle Tennessee State would give me the opportunity to be able to do this,” Freeman says. “I want to bring excellence and professionalism to everything that I do, and I hope that at the end of the season they can look back and be thankful for the investment they made in me.”

Freeman will be taking over for Tolbert, who retired after 52 seasons in the role, starting with the 1970 season, the fall after he graduated from Murfreesboro Central High School.

“I’m extremely honored to be able to sit in the seat of someone as legendary as Mr. Tolbert,” adds Freeman. “Because there’s nothing else that needs to be said for all the incredible work that he’s done. This is a tremendous honor to have that opportunity.”

Tennessee Titans Launch Week-Long Food Drive To Celebrate 615 Day

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The Tennessee Titans are launching a week-long food drive in honor of next week’s 615 Day, celebrated annually in Nashville on June 15.

The Celebrate 615 food drive benefits Second Harvest Food Bank and will take place from Wednesday, June 8-Wednesday, June 15. Participants are encouraged to bring most-needed food items like peanut butter, rice and beans, macaroni and cheese, pasta, cereal, canned fruits, meat and veggies to any of the six donation locations.

The Titans will also host a pop-up store on the second floor of Fifth + Broadway near the escalators on Wednesday, June 15 at 5 p.m. CT. The store will feature a retail area with 615 t-shirts, screen printing, and giveaways. Additionally, $6.15 happy hour specials will be running until 6:15 p.m. CT in the adjoining food hall.

“615 Day is all about celebrating our Nashville community and what makes this city so incredibly special,” says Kate Guerra, Titans Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “I can’t think of a better way to honor our city than working together to benefit one of our most critically important organizations, Second Harvest. We hope fans will drop off donations throughout the week and join us on June 15, ending the day at Fifth + Broadway.”

Titans mascot T-Rac and Titans cheerleaders will visit all six locations on June 15 to collect the donations, bringing giveaways, prize packs, WWE SummerSlam tickets and more throughout the day. Visit times can be found at www.tennesseetitans.com/celebrate615.

A special collection of Titans 615 clothing is now available at the Titans Pro Shop in-store and online. A portion of proceeds from all t-shirts sold will be donated to the Titans Foundation, which supports communities throughout the state.

Donation locations:

  • MILES Auto Spa (West Nashville)
    855 Hillwood Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209
  • Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint (Belmont)
    3108 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212
  • Party Fowl (Donelson)
    2620 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
  • Hunters Station (East Nashville)
    975 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206
  • Slim and Husky’s (North Nashville)
    911 Buchanan St, Nashville, TN 37208
  • Fifth + Broadway (Downtown)
    5036 Broadway Pl, Nashville, TN 37203

25th Annual TransPerfect Music City Bowl To Make Network TV Debut This New Year’s Eve On ABC

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After a historic and extremely successful 2021, the 2022 TransPerfect Music City Bowl will air on network TV (ABC) for the first time ever on New Year’s Eve, bowl representatives announced.

Kickoff is slated for Saturday, Dec. 31 at 11:00 a.m. at Nissan Stadium. The Bowl is entering its third year of its six-year agreement with the Big Ten and SEC.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming fans from the Big Ten and SEC back to Nashville during one of the city’s marquee weekends and showcasing Nashville on network television,” Scott Ramsey, President & CEO of the TransPerfect Music City Bowl, says. “Last year saw unprecedented success for both our game and the city in terms of economic impact. We’re grateful for the opportunity to showcase Nashville on a large stage like ABC. We’re thankful for the continued support of our title sponsor TransPerfect, ESPN, the Tennessee Titans and Nissan Stadium officials along with the Metro Nashville Government as we look forward to another great experience this December.”

This past year Tennessee and Purdue faced off in the Music City Bowl where the Volunteers fell to the Boilermakers 43-41 in overtime. The game broke records for attendance, as well as viewership.

“We’re excited to again serve as the title sponsor of the TransPerfect Music City Bowl,” says TransPerfect President and CEO Phil Shawe. “For the first time in history, the game will be played on network television—and on New Year’s Eve! Like last year, the game will feature opponents from the Big Ten and the SEC, the two most competitive conferences in college football. We are honored to welcome all to Nashville for what promises to be a marquee matchup.”

Tennessee Titans Coaches, Players Host ‘Camp 59,’ The Tim Shaw Youth Football Camp

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Titans head coach Mike Vrabel with campers at Camp59. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans hosted ‘Camp 59’ Tim Shaw Youth Football Camp at the team’s Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park indoor practice facility. The camp was led by Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, special teams coach Craig Aukerman, general manager Jon Robinson and the full Titans coaching staff.

Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

The camp honors former linebacker Tim Shaw who played three seasons with the Titans from 2010-2012. In 2014, Shaw announced he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and has since dedicated his life to research and discovering a cure for the disease. In 2017, Shaw released a book Blitz Your Life: Stories from an NFL and ALS Warrior.

“This event is deeply important to the Titans organization for a multitude of reasons,” says Josh Corey, Titans Director of Marketing, Youth and Community Engagement. “Not only does it benefit young athletes in our community, but it also honors a person who best personifies teamwork and selflessness–qualities Tim always aims to instill at youth football camps. The game is important, but teaching strong character is at the top of our priority list. There is nothing more rewarding than watching these kids practice with the pros as Tim provides the best example of tackling adversity.”

Tim Shaw and Titans offensive tackle Taylor Lewan. Photo: Courtesy of Tennessee Titans

Local organizations such as Nashville Christian, Hendersonville Titans, Backfield in Motion and Preston Taylor Ministries attended the camp.

The Tim Shaw Camp welcomed more than 120 kids from Middle Tennessee for skills and drills, agility, offensive and defensive stations led by Titans coaches, the 2022 Rookie Class, and several veteran players. Campers participated in sessions on throwing mechanics, footwork, tackling, run and drive blocking, cone and ladder drills, and more.

This camp marked the first of many community events the 2022 Titans Rookie Class will participate in. Shaw attended the event and addressed campers with a motivational speech.