Situated just south of bustling Nashville, GEODIS Park provides a new home for Nashville SC, reflective of its community, culture and heritage. The partnership of design firms Populous and HASTINGS joined to design GEODIS Park, the largest purpose-built soccer stadium in the United States and Canada as a testament to Nashville’s loyal, diverse fan base. Throughout the stadium, the growing support of soccer in the U.S. and Nashville is on display, as well as a true, authentic manifestation of all that sets Music City apart.
From international cultures, local cuisine and materials inspired by surrounding neighborhoods, to Nashville’s crown jewel — live music — GEODIS Park’s development, design and functionality showcase the best the city has to offer.
At the southern end of Wedgewood-Houston, GEODIS Park is sited at a critical crossroads one mile south of bustling downtown Nashville, just under two miles east of the campuses of prestigious Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities, and the city’s strong international community to the southeast. The stadium acts as a catalyst for development and community interaction, upholding and revitalizing the Fairgrounds legacy of community gathering.
Through narrative research and close collaboration with Nashville SC, the design team gained a deep understanding of the new organization and its ardent fan base. From the beginning, the stadium’s design nurtured the infancy of the Nashville SC brand identity and created opportunities to further the team’s identity, bringing the passion of the Nashville SC fan base alive with an authentic design aesthetic that allows fans to influence emerging tradition with their own distinct enthusiasm to game day traditions.
Unlike some sports venues, GEODIS Park does not overwhelm fans with team colors and branding. The modern design is complemented by warm materials and factory-inspired wayfinding that lend a comfortable ‘lived-in’ sensibility to the park and the individual spaces. Bespoke graphics, including the lyrics to the Nashville SC song displayed on the bamboo concourse ceiling of the Backline Supporters Section and team slogans lining the walls of the field tunnel, serve to incorporate the Nashville SC identity further into the stadium.
The design team worked closely with Nashville SC to create a customized experience for event attendees at GEODIS Park. Keeping in line with the creation of an exceptional fan experience, the stadium offers attendees a variety of options at a range of price points. Suite options include a shared suite concept – the C Spire Captain’s Club – designed to bring social connections to attendees who wish to mingle with fellow fans on game day or during musical events. In other areas of the stadium, fans can purchase tickets for distinct seating options on the Corner Kick Terraces or loge boxes along the club spaces, or frequent the Studio Terrace, which uniquely incorporates broadcast function into a premium space, giving fans behind-the-scenes access.
The suite products are comprised of individual suites for small groups, a hospital suite for larger groups, and a shared suite where patrons share the food and beverage amenities of a typical suite design in a more lively and vibrant atmosphere. The suite corridor is home to the display of local art, creating a strong sense of place that is unique to Nashville. Within the suites, stone tile backsplashes and walnut millwork create a timeless and elevated feel. These high-end materials were paired with more industrial details using concrete, black metal, and neon accents. This juxtaposition creates an environment that is elegant, yet still approachable; this balance is the true essence of Nashville hospitality.
