Nashville Sports Council and ESPN Events Host First Women’s Collegiate Volleyball Tournament in Bridgestone Arena
Sprouts Farmers Market Broadway Block Party unites Big Ten and SEC for a triple-header
Nashville Sports Council partners with ESPN Events to bring theSprouts Farmers MarketBroadway Block Party, an inaugural triple-header marking the venue’s first-ever collegiate volleyball match, to Bridgestone Arena.
“Bringing elite, high-quality sporting events to Nashville has always been our priority, and the Sprouts Farmers Market Broadway Block Party will deliver a world-class collegiate volleyball event,” said Scott Ramsey, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nashville Sports Council. “We anticipate this inaugural event will create excitement among the visiting and local fans alike.”
Packed with volleyball fans from across the county, Bridgestone Arena will feature concourse activations such as the Regions photo booth, Sprouts Farmers Market custom photo tattoos, opportunities for Tennessee Titans season tickets and more.These interactive fan experiences are made possible by the collaborative efforts of the Nashville Sports Council, ESPN Events and Sprouts Farmers Market as title sponsor.
The Nashville Sports Council has also partnered with Carter Vintage Guitars, Music City’s legendary vintage guitar destination, to present each head coach with a wrapped guitar ahead of the tournament as a token of appreciation and Southern hospitality for teams to take back to campus.
Sunday, Aug. 31:
- 10 a.m. —Doors and concourse activations open
- 11 a.m. —#1 Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. #7 Kentucky Wildcats
- 2 p.m. —#15 Purdue Boilermakers vs. Tennessee Volunteers
- 5 p.m. —Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Vanderbilt Commodores
FIRST MATCHUP (ABC):
- #1 Nebraska Cornhuskers, five-time national champions with new head coach, Dani Busboom Kelly
- #7 Kentucky Wildcats, defending SEC conference champions, led by Big Tenkill leader Eva Hudson
SECOND MATCHUP (ESPN2):
- #15 Purdue Boilermakers, 2024 NCAA regional semifinalists
- Tennessee Lady Vols, 2023 NCAA regional semifinalists for the first time since 2005
THIRD MATCHUP (SEC NETWORK):
- Illinois Fighting Illini, coming off their 28th NCAA tournament appearance
- Vanderbilt Commodores, opening their historic inaugural season in their hometown
The Broadway Block Party marks a turning point for Nashville’s emergence as a destination for major sports.
“As Nashville solidifies its position as a prominent sports city, it’s essential we amplify women’s sports in the community,” said Dawn Davenport, former Auburn volleyball player and current member of the Nashville Sports Council’s Women’sSports Committee. “The Sprouts Farmers Market Broadway Block Party is the first time the city’s foremost arena will welcome volleyball athletes and their passionate fan base, and we look forward to making this event a highly anticipated tradition.”
The event carries a significant local impact as Vanderbilt prepares to launch its historic inaugural season at the Division 1 level.
“Vanderbilt is proud to be part of the Sprouts Farmers Market Broadway Block Party and to help shine a spotlight on the power of women’s sports,” said Candice Storey Lee, Vanderbilt’s Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director. “As we launch our inaugural women’s volleyball season, it’s especially meaningful to compete against the nation’s best right here in Nashville. Events like this are more than great matchups—they signal a future where women’s sports take center stage, and where Nashville continues to lead as a dynamic and inclusive sports city.”
For more information and to purchase event tickets, visit www.nashvillesports.com/broadway-block-party.
About Nashville Sports Council
The Nashville Sports Council, Inc. is a private, non-profit, membership-based organization of area companies and individual sports enthusiasts. Created in 1992, the Nashville Sports Council’s mission is to positively impact the Greater Nashville Area’s economy and quality of life by attracting and promoting professional and amateur sporting events. The Nashville Sports Council has hosted hundreds of major sporting events that have produced more than $1.4 billion in direct economic impact for the region. For more information, call 615-743-3120 or visit www.nashvillesports.com.
About ESPN Events
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide. With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, and provides unique experiences for teams and fans. Each year, the portfolio of events features more than 20 Division I conferences and hosts over 4,000 participating student-athletes. For more information, visit www.espnevents.com.
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