In Nashville, the journey of soccer from a niche sport to a widely beloved pastime has been nothing short of remarkable. Decades ago, soccer lovers in the city were so few in number that they would recognize each other from the bumper stickers on their cars. However, times have certainly changed, and today, soccer’s popularity has surged, mirroring the city’s vibrancy.
The transformation of soccer culture in Nashville started with immigrants who took to the parks long ago and persisted with passionate semi-pro teams entertaining a dedicated fan base. This growing interest was pivotal in Nashville securing a Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion franchise. The fruition of this endeavor was visible in February 2020, when Nashville SC played its first match in front of an audience that broke records in Tennessee. The city is now gearing up to host significant Club World Cup games at GEODIS Park in the coming June.
Ian Ayre, hired as Nashville SC’s first CEO in May 2018, recalls the skepticism he faced about the city’s soccer potential. On his initial visit, a local taxi driver laughed upon hearing that Ayre was there to establish a soccer team, dismissing the idea as unlikely. But a relentless effort has since changed that perception entirely.
Presently, Nashville boasts the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States, with a capacity of 30,000. This venue has already hosted significant events, including a Leagues Cup Final where global soccer icon Messi faced the jeers of local fans. The venue is also set to welcome Aston Villa from the Premier League in August. Nashville’s soccer facilities have garnered praise from high-ranking officials like FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who commended the authentic soccer atmosphere the city has created.
The foundation for this thriving soccer scene was laid by visionaries like Jose Fernandez and Fred Eckhardt in the 1970s. They were instrumental in developing soccer fields south of the city and bringing the first professional soccer team to Nashville in 1982. Their efforts started the wave of transformation for soccer in Tennessee.
In the past, when soccer was still finding its roots, Steve Klein played on fields developed by these pioneers. He later played for the Nashville Metros, where crowds could swell to 2,000—a respectable number for those times. Although earlier attempts to build a dedicated stadium didn’t materialize, Nashville’s current progress in soccer infrastructure and support has fulfilled those past aspirations.
Back in 1999, there was curiosity about establishing an MLS presence in Nashville, but few believed the city could support it. Yet, with committed investors like John Ingram, who paid $150 million for Nashville SC’s MLS franchise in 2017, that vision has now come to life. Local soccer advocate Devinder Sandhu, active since his days at Vanderbilt University in the 1970s, has played a crucial role in nurturing the sport’s growth by launching youth programs and supporting local teams.
The burgeoning popularity of soccer was evident with significant developments such as the establishment of the Tennessee State Soccer Association in 1976. By the late 1980s, high school soccer championships had become commonplace. The landscape of soccer continued to evolve with contributions from figures like Hans Hobson. Now, the Nashville area alone boasts about 35,000 registered players, a testament to soccer’s expanding footprint.
Nashville’s role in national soccer events has also played a part. The U.S. women’s national team debuted in Nashville in 2004, retaining an undefeated record in matches held there. Similarly, the men’s national team has played several times in the city since 2009, helping to spotlight Nashville’s passion for the sport.
Efforts by individuals like Clay Trainum in showcasing Nashville’s soccer fervor to the nation have amplified the city’s stature in the soccer community. Nashville is seen as a supportive soccer city with strong national connections, partly thanks to key figures with ties to the region, like U.S. Soccer Federation President Cindy Parlow Cone from Memphis.
The city’s Southern-style embrace of soccer includes lively tailgating traditions facilitated by supporters’ groups like the Backline, which unites numerous fan organizations under one umbrella. For many, like Stephen Robinson from the Roadies group, the soccer community is akin to family, underscoring the strong bonds formed through shared passion.
Beyond mere spectating, these groups actively contribute to the community. The Roadies, for instance, are involved in charitable outreach, supporting initiatives like Soccer for the Nations, which aids youth soccer programs.
Nashville’s soccer culture is part of a wider Southern embrace of the sport, similar to the enthusiasm seen in North Carolina, home to both professional women’s and newly established men’s teams, along with a history of collegiate success.
Looking ahead, Nashville has its sights set on further ambitious goals, such as hosting the Women’s World Cup in the future and potentially adding a new team to the National Women’s Soccer League. The city’s ongoing commitment to growing and welcoming the sport ensures that Nashville will continue to be a significant player in the soccer world.