Nashville Secures 2030 Super Bowl, Commits Tens of Millions in Tourism Funds
Former Gov. Bill Haslam confirms Nashville will use tens of millions in tourism funds after NFL owners unanimously approve the city’s 2030 Super Bowl bid.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — Nashville officials will tap tens of millions of dollars from the city’s tourism development zone to support hosting Super Bowl LXIV in 2030, former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced this week following the NFL’s unanimous approval of the bid.
NFL owners voted unanimously Wednesday to award the 2030 Super Bowl to Nashville, with the announcement made at Nissan Stadium. The decision marks a significant milestone for the city’s efforts to establish itself as a premier destination for major sporting events.
Financial Commitment and Funding Structure
Haslam, who serves as chairman of the board of Music City Major Events Inc. and majority owner of the Nashville Predators, confirmed that public funds will support the event. “There’s obviously a big cost to it, and that’s one of the reasons that we wanted to get that bill passed,” Haslam said.
Tennessee lawmakers passed legislation this year creating a joint capital tourism board to oversee $30 million in excess funds generated in the tourism development zone and $300 million in surplus funds held by the Nashville Convention Center Authority. The state will hold most authority on the board with six appointments and chairmanship by a gubernatorial pick, while Metro Nashville will have three seats.
Haslam told the Tennessee Lookout that the entire $30 million won’t be used for other projects, creating additional funds available for Nashville’s Super Bowl hosting efforts.
Multi-Event Vision and Broader Applications
Officials are already planning beyond the 2030 game, with organizers expressing confidence about hosting multiple Super Bowls in Nashville in the future. The legislation was written to direct money toward various major events including Super Bowls, college football championships, World Wrestling Entertainment matches and other significant sporting and entertainment events.
The funding structure also allows for infrastructure improvements, including helping pay for a new road on the developing east bank of the Cumberland River and potentially assisting Broadway bar owners with escalating property tax bills.
Celebrity Support and Local Investment
Sportscaster Jim Nantz, a Nashville resident, joined Haslam at the May 20 press conference to promote the 2030 Super Bowl bid. Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk also participated in the announcement events, demonstrating broad support from local sports and entertainment figures.
The successful bid represents years of planning and investment by Nashville officials who have worked to position the city as a major destination for premier sporting events. The 2030 Super Bowl will be held at Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans.
The announcement comes as Nashville continues to experience rapid growth and development, particularly along the Cumberland River corridor where new infrastructure projects are planned to support the influx of visitors expected for the Super Bowl and other major events.
