Nashville SC Officially Sells 23,000 Season Tickets, Opens Waitlist For 2023

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Nashville SC Supporters Section at GEODIS Park. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC

Nashville Soccer Club has surpassed 23,000 Season Ticket Memberships (STM) and sold out of its allotment of season tickets for the 2022 Major League Soccer season at GEODIS Park.

This historic moment has prompted the club to open a waitlist for 2023 season tickets for fans still wanting to be a part of the MLS action.

Following the 2023 STM renewal period and ability to relocate seats, fans on the waitlist will be contacted by the club in order of priority for newly available season ticket options. Fans can get a more in-depth view of GEODIS Park seating by visit Nashville SC’s Virtual Venue for an architecturally accurate 3D map and seat views.

“Everyone at Nashville Soccer Club has literally been blown away by the size of the support, energy and commitment that Nashville has shown to our team and particularly to our new home GEODIS Park,” says Nashville SC CEO Ian Ayre. “To reach the number we defined originally as our cap for season tickets in our first season in the stadium is truly outstanding.

He continues, “Twenty-three thousand puts us in the top group of MLS team season ticket memberships only behind teams like Atlanta United and the Seattle Sounders, all of whom play in shared stadiums with NFL teams. Another great example of Nashville competing at the highest level.”

For current STM’s, the renewal process for the 2023 season will begin July 1 at 10 a.m. CT and continue through July 31. Later this month, STM’s will receive information regarding 2023 season pricing, as well as instructions on how to log into and manage their accounts. The first payment of auto-renewals for STM’s will run on Aug. 1.

As part of the 2023 renewal package, STM’s will be able to be a part of the newest club tournament in North American soccer, the Leagues Cup. Here, all MLS and Liga MX clubs will pause their respective seasons to face each other in an annual, month-long tournament.

Officially sanctioned by Concacaf, the Leagues Cup champion will earn automatic qualification to the Concacaf Champions League Round of 16. Clubs finishing second and third in Leagues Cup will qualify for the CCL Opening Round.

Leagues Cup 2023 is the latest and most ambitious step in the growing partnership between MLS and Liga MX to further elevate the special rivalry, sport and confederation. Leagues Cup 2023 will make history as the first major soccer tournament to feature every club from a pair of top-flight leagues.

Nashville SC Snaps 22-Game Unbeaten Streak At Home After Abysmal Loss To Kansas City

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Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC

After going unbeaten at home for 22-straight MLS matches, Nashville SC suffered its first home loss to Kansas City who won 2-1 in one of the poorest performances the Boys in Gold have had all season.

Nashville has only picked up one point in the last two weeks with back-to-back home games against the two worst teams in the league in San Jose and Sporting KC. Both poor performances from NSC have pushed them to sixth place in the conference, just three points ahead of the Seattle Sounders and the Vancouver Whitecaps.

“Obviously [we’re] really frustrated and disappointed,” said head coach Gary Smith in a postgame press conference. “Deep down inside you always feel that this day will come. You hope it’s going to go on a tad longer, given the way we’ve been able to play here and perform at home. [We’re] just real disappointed in the way the game unfolded.”

Nashville SC supporters section at GEODIS Park. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC

The Boys in Gold were unable to make many opportunities out of the midfield, failing to create anything offensively in the first half. The lack of creativity allowed Kansas City to set up a free kick outside of the penalty box where Felipe Hernández scored, getting the ball just by Joe Willis in the 41st minute.

Maybe adjustments were needed in the first half, but any momentum that was to be created was stifled after KC scored in the 50th minute to go up 2-0. Nashville would play catch-up for the remainder of the game.

“I’ve got to shoulder some of the blame here,” said Smith. “We played with three, what we would class, genuine midfield players. My mindset was to try and control that midfield area and get our wingbacks in more aggressive positions. And quite honestly, we just weren’t able, in possession, to be effective enough to manage the ball well and move it sharply enough.”

He continued,  “That ultimately set the scene for what we saw in the first period. I think the inclusion of Aké [Loba] in the second period helped galvanize a more purposeful approach, but there were definitely some dings over the last two games that we need to look back at and digest probably a little bit deeper, certainly the footage of this one. It’ll be a lot clearer in my mind as to some of the steps we need moving forward to get back to that type of form that has given us a lot of joy.”

Ake Loba. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC

Nashville got on the board in the 63rd minute on a Loba goal, his first at GEODIS Park.

It was a highly contentious game with physical play, as well as some controversial calls which included a penalty on Kansas City that was later called back due to Nashville being offside. NSC had four offside calls, one of which was called by the penalty and one that would’ve resulted in an equalizing goal in the 85th minute.

Nashville heads to the nations capital to face D.C. United on Saturday, June 25 before returning home for the Fourth of July Weekend to play the Portland Timers on Sunday, July 3.

Both teams are currently in the bottom of the standings.

Nashville Fails To Be Named 2026 FIFA World Cup Host City

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Nissan Stadium. Photo: Tanner Boriack

After a long and extensive effort by the city, Nashville was not selected as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

FIFA announced all 16 host cities in an event held in New York City where 11 American cities were picked as hosts, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle. Three Mexican cities were picked, including Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey, while Toronto and Vancouver were the only two Canadian cities selected.

Nashville hosted a FIFA delegation in the summer of 2021 where officials were given tours of the city’s facilities and Nissan Stadium.

Concerns arose when the Titans announced that they would be looking to either build a new, enclosed stadium or renovate Nissan Stadium. The cost would be over $2 billion, but nothing has been solidified.

The Titans announced that it would cost $1.8 billion to repair Nissan Stadium, which the city hasn’t agreed to pay for.

If a new stadium is to be built there was no timeline for if it would be completed by the 2026 World Cup.

Cities that were rumored to outrank Nashville for a bid were Kansas City, Cincinnati, Boston, Baltimore/ Washington D.C. and a third Mexican city. Monterrey, Kansas City and, to the surprise of some on social media, Boston were selected.

The games in Boston will be held at at Gillet Stadium, the home of the New England Patriots, which is in Foxboro–nearly an hour outside of downtown Boston.

Apple TV, MLS Announce Exclusive Broadcasting Deal Beginning In 2023

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Apple and Major League Soccer (MLS) have announced that Apple TV will be the exclusive destination to watch every single live MLS match beginning in 2023. The two parties have signed a 10-year deal.

This partnership is a historic first for a major professional sports league and will allow fans around the world to watch all MLS, Leagues Cup, and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches in one place–without any local broadcast blackouts or the need for a traditional pay TV bundle.

This live and on-demand MLS content will provide in-depth, behind-the-scenes views of the players and clubs. A broad selection of MLS and Leagues Cup matches, including some of the biggest matchups, will also be available at no additional cost to Apple TV+ subscribers, with a limited number of matches available for free. Access to the new MLS streaming service will be included as part of MLS full-season ticket packages.

“Apple is the perfect partner to further accelerate the growth of MLS and deepen the connection between our clubs and their fans,” says MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “Given Apple’s ability to create a best-in-class user experience and to reach fans everywhere, it’ll be incredibly easy to enjoy MLS matches anywhere, whether you’re a super fan or casual viewer.”

In addition to all of the match content, the service will provide fans a new weekly live match whip-around show so they never miss an exciting goal or save, as well as game replays, highlights, analysis, and other original programming.

At launch, all MLS and Leagues Cup matches will include announcers calling the action in English and Spanish, and all matches involving Canadian teams will be available in French. Apple and MLS will also provide enhanced league and club coverage for fans to easily follow the league or their favorite clubs in Apple News, with the ability to watch highlights right in the News app.

“For the first time in the history of sports, fans will be able to access everything from a major professional sports league in one place,” says Eddy Cue, Apple’s SVP of Services. “It’s a dream come true for MLS fans, soccer fans, and anyone who loves sports. No fragmentation, no frustration—just the flexibility to sign up for one convenient service that gives you everything MLS, anywhere and anytime you want to watch. We can’t wait to make it easy for even more people to fall in love with MLS and root for their favorite club.”

Complete details for the new service, including when fans can sign up, subscription pricing, specific details about the new MLS programming, an improved match schedule, broadcast teams, production enhancements, and pre and postgame coverage will be announced in the coming months.

Will Alexander Steps Down As Nashville SC Chief Revenue Office

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Will Alexander. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC

Nashville Soccer Club’s Chief Revenue Officer, Will Alexander, has stepped down from his role with the team to return to Hall Capital where he will serve as Chief Investment Officer, the club announced on Tuesday (June 14) morning.

Alexander was an initial architect of Nashville’s MLS expansion bid and was instrumental in helping grow the movement to bring professional soccer to Music City. He was the co-founder of the MLS2Nashville Committee and was key in bringing together the ownership group.

He will remain a minority owner moving forward.

“It’s bittersweet to see Will leave us, but he is certainly leaving the club in an excellent position,” says Nashville SC Owner John Ingram. “In some ways, Will is responsible for helping put all the pieces together that led to us getting an MLS team, so I will always be incredibly grateful to him and all the hours he put into turning professional soccer from a dream into a reality. While he may be stepping away from his role with us, I look forward to seeing him at many matches moving forward.”

As Chief Revenue Officer for the club, Alexander helped propel its rise as a premier club in MLS. Among a number of successful moves, he sold out the premier seats and suites at GEODIS Park, as well as secured a host of high-profile naming partners, including Renasant Bank, Hyundai, Vanderbilt Health and Valkyrie among many others.

“Will has been a wonderful partner and colleague, and we absolutely would not be where we are today without him,” adds Nashville SC CEO Ian Ayre. “His stepping down at this time is a fairly normal practice in the sport, as we’ve now successfully opened GEODIS Park and have our sponsors set for the foreseeable future. Again, neither of those two things would have been possible without him. I wish him nothing but the best in his new role at Hall Capital.”

Walker Zimmerman Calls On Congress To Act On Gun Violence

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Walker Zimmerman. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC

Nashville SC and U.S. Men’s National Team center-back Walker Zimmerman called on Congress to act on gun violence after an international friendly against Uruguay in Kansas City on Sunday, June 5.

The two-time MLS Defensive Player of the Year, along with other members of MLS and the USMNT, have been extremely vocal for comprehensive gun legislation in wake of the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas

“We’ve really talked about embracing this be the change mantra for a couple of years now,” said Zimmerman. “It came internally and a lot of that is making sure they take action. It’s not just something we want to keep in our hearts and prayers, though those things are also very important. But we want a team who takes action.”

Zimmerman’s words went viral both within the US soccer community and also nationwide. He made an appearance on CNN’s Don Lemon Tonight to discuss both his and the organization’s frustration with the country’s current gun violence issue.

The Georgia native explained how the team’s ‘Be The Change’ mantra began after the murder of George Floyd in the summer of 2020 and the importance for being vocal and supporting social and legislative change.

The USMNT released a letter on Sunday calling for Congress to put their party line aside and pass legislation that will help temper mass gun violence in the nation.

“Our ability to affect change is limited, but yours is not,” the USMNT said in the letter. “You could vote this week to address gun violence in America, and in fact, you will be given that opportunity. In the coming days, the U.S. House of Representatives is voting on several bills that would address this serious issue. Please vote yes on all the bills being considered.”

The USMNT is preparing for the Qatar World Cup this winter after qualifying for the World Cup fro the first time since 2014. Zimmerman has been an integral part of the team’s journey back to the World Cup.

Nashville SC & Nashville LGBT Chamber Of Commerce Partner For PRIDE Night

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Nashville Soccer Club and the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce are joining forces to celebrate Pride Month by hosting the official Nashville SC PRIDE Night at GEODIS Park on Saturday, June 11. The club will face the San Jose Earthquakes at 5 p.m. CT.

The event will highlight the LGBTQ+ community and raise funds in support of programming and advocacy initiatives focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.

“To have the ability to celebrate PRIDE and the LGBTQ+ community with this initiative is extremely special for our organization,” says Nashville SC Head of Community Brandon Hill. “Our club and our league believe that ‘Soccer is For All’ regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation. We are committed to being the most inclusive of all sports leagues in North America, and this initiative is a great opportunity to show our support for LGBTQ+ athletes and individuals in Nashville and beyond.”

Throughout the month and during PRIDE Night on June 11, the club and the Chamber will partner for a variety of festivities and celebrations.

Nashville SC will launch the 2022 PRIDE Patch with all proceeds benefitting LAUNCH PAD, a volunteer-based initiative striving to provide street-free sleep to displaced youth in Davidson County with a focus on being affirming and welcoming to LGBTQ+ youth. This year’s Nashville SC Pride Patch honors the history of the traditional rainbow colors of the Pride Flag while also incorporating the colors of the inclusive flag, which represents the commitment to racial and transgender equity and honoring the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.

The PRIDE Patch is now on sale through Thursday, June 30. Fans will also have an opportunity to purchase the PRIDE Night Bundle Package with a ticket to the match in the PRIDE Section and a game-day poster. For each package purchased, a $5 donation will go to the LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

The Team Store at GEODIS Park will carry the exclusive Nashville SC PRIDE Month collection. The 2022 collection includes PRIDE scarves, PRIDE shirt, PRIDE headband, PRIDE Gameday Poster and commemorative PRIDE Patch. Nashville SC will also donate 10 percent of sales from the 2022 PRIDE scarves, shirt, headband and poster to benefit LAUNCH PAD.

“Sports have the power to bring people together,” says Nashville LGBT Chamber Board President Terry Vo. “Visibility with partners like Nashville SC and at venues like GEODIS Park are an important piece of creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all. NSC has been a thoughtful, generous and engaged partner in supporting LGBTQ+ communities throughout the region since before their first kickoff.”

During its PRIDE Night, Nashville SC will host the PRIDE Plaza Party with an Opening Act performance by queer alt-country artist Gina Venier and participation from LGBTQ+ allied businesses. Nashville SC’s special Section 615 will also host guests from the Nashville LGBT Chamber and Nashville Pride.

The club will recognize Terry Vo, the Nashville LGBT Chamber Board President, as the 2022 PRIDE Ambassador and Hyundai Hero of the Match. Additionally, Nashville SC will hold a special Military Salute recognizing Melissa Eldridge, U.S. Air Force Veteran and founder of 1-On-1 Care Matters, LLC, that provides home care needs for disabled seniors and veterans in Montgomery County, Tennessee.

GEODIS Park will feature a variety of performances by LGBTQ+ artists and allies on the June 11 match including Harper Grae, Brandon Stansell and Nathaniel Banks of Arlie.

Hany Mukhtar Punches Nashville’s Ticket To US Open Cup Quarterfinals With Late Goal

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Hany Mukhtar. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC

Nashville SC is headed to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals after defeating Louisville City FC 2-1 with a brilliant 89th minute goal from none other than Hany Mukhtar.

“I’m very pleased to be in the next round,” said head coach Gary Smith in a postgame press conference. “There were stages in that game I felt Louisville were staring to get a little more of a grip. Not loads and loads of chances either way, but I think we saw almost exactly what we expected. A top USL side, probably the best USL side, at home with a lot of passion against with what we could classify as a local rival.”

The club started goalkeeper Elliot Pannico who was recalled from Indy Eleven just a few days prior to the Cup match. He was the first goalkeeper to play consecutive minutes for Nashville other than Joe Willis since joining the MLS. He made four saves for Nashville in his debut.

Louisville struck first with a fantastic header across the goal to sneak past Pannico in the 37th minute. But it wasn’t long before Ake Loba would hit the top of the crossbar for a Nashville goal to tie it 1-1 in the 39th minute.

In the second half, both sides fought desperately to create scoring chances. Nashville was coming off a long night at GEODIS Park on Saturday, playing a full 90 in between an almost three hour weather delay. But it didn’t break down the Boys in Gold as they held on to win in the end.

Nashville SC fans at Lynn Family Stadium. Photos: Courtesy of Nashville SC

Both Mukhtar and CJ Sapong came in as substitutes in the 77th minute and really changed the momentum of the game.

“When CJ and Hany came into the game, there was a different feel to it,” Smith added. “It gives everyone a bit of a lift, so of course some energy is injected into the game. I [was] looking at the clock and [knew we had] a game on the weekend and played 120 minutes against Atlanta. The goal scored in the final minute was a real relief.”

Nashville’s next step to win the U.S. Open Cup is to face Orlando City SC in Orlando on June 29 in the quarterfinals. Until then, Nashville has four MLS games, two of which are at home.

This weekend the Boys in Gold are headed to Denver to play the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, May 28. Colorado sits in ninth place in the Western Conference standings with 18 points, one point behind Nashville.