Nashville Convention Center
601 Commerce St, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 742-2000
Located in the heart of Tennessee, the Nashville Convention Center features 118,000+ square feet of exhibit floor space and 25 meeting rooms. Just eight miles away from the Nashville International Airport and situated at the crossroads of the state’s three major interstates, our convention center is easily accessible and the ideal venue to host your next event. Our pedestrian-friendly downtown features first-class hotels and historical landmarks, good eats and great views, honky tonks and symphony halls, major pro sports and fine art museums. And you’ll find it all right here.
So come explore; we hope to see you downtown soon!
History of Nashville Convention Center
In the Fall of 1974 , after considerable study and consideration, the Nashville Hotel/Motel Association agreed to support and seek approval for the passage of a room occupancy tax of three percent. Two-thirds of the proceeds collected were to be dedicated toward the promotion of conventions and tourism for Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County. In 1976, the Tourism Commission began actively considering a convention center for Nashville.
The Tourism Commission retained a consultant to determine the short- and long-range steps required to improve the existing Municipal Auditorium. After comparison of the Municipal Auditorium to the then-known and accepted requirements for exhibit space and meeting rooms for a modern convention center, it was determined there was a need for a convention center. On February 7, 1977, the Assistant to the Mayor for Urban Development requested a Feasibility Study be conducted of Nashville’s need for an exhibition hall facility. On March 17, 1977, the Nashville Hotel/Motel Association requested the Tourism Commission to recommend to the Metropolitan Council that the proceeds collected from one-third of the occupancy tax designed for tourism-related activities be placed in an interest-bearing escrow account. Pending the results of the Convention-Exhibit Hall Feasibility Study and provided the study favored the construction of such a facility, the proceeds in the escrow account were to be used for this purpose.
In late 1977, the Century III Authority , which was formed for the purpose of considering appropriate methods of observing the Bicentennial of the Founding of the City of Nashville, explored the possibility of constructing a convention center next to the existing auditorium building; however, a study indicated that this site was not large enough. In 1979, the Century III Authority explored the possibility of a domed stadium, a new arena, and a new convention center in the Sulphur Dell area north of the downtown developments to celebrate the City’s 200th birthday. Studies showed that only a convention center would be affordable.
In early 1982, Franklin Haney, a Chattanooga developer , offered to develop a hotel near the convention center if the site next to the Ryman Auditorium was selected. In late 1984, all the necessary financial arrangements were concluded.
By January 1985, contractors for the construction of the Nashville Convention Center were selected and the work commenced. In February of 1985, the Metro Hotel and Campground Room Occupancy Tax was increased to four percent. One percent was still designated for Metro’s General Fund, one percent for tourism and convention promotion, and the remaining two percent for retirement of the Center’s operating budget.
The Convention Center was completed and opened January 31, 1987 .
In 1998, the overhead pedestrian connector to Broadway and underground connector to the Sommet Center opened.
In May 2006, the original 20-year construction bonds were paid in full from the hotel tax collections. The citizens of Nashville never had to contribute to the operation or debt service for the facility.
In January 2008, the 10-year bonds for the Broadway Connector project were paid in full from the hotel tax collections as well.
In February 2006, the Music City Center Coalition unanimously recommended to build a state-of-the-art facility with 375,000 square feet of exhibition space and two ballrooms. It was to position Nashville to attract more than 70% of the meetings market. In September 2007 Mayor Karl Dean asked the Metropolitan Development & Housing Agency (MDHA) to being work on the Music City Center. Additional studies and reports including a feasibility study by HVS were completed. On January 19, 2010 the Metropolitan Council voted to approve the building of the new Music City Center just south of Demonbreun between Fifth and Eighth Avenues. Construction began immediately and is underway for a February 2013 opening. The new MCC will have a 350,000 square foot exhibit hall, 57 meeting rooms, an 18,000 square foot junior ballroom, and a 57,500 square foot ballroom. For more information regarding the Music City Center, please visit www.nashvillemusiccitycenter.com . To see the construction currently in progress click here .
On July 1, 2010 the Nashville Convention Center was transferred from oversight by the Metropolitan Convention Center Commission to the Convention Center Authority of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County.
Exhibitors
Make it happen in music city
No need to stress about leaving home when we’ll treat you like family. The Nashville Convention Center is not only equipped to take care of all your needs; we’re committed to seeing they’re met. From a technologically advanced building to extensive in-house services to information about all things Nashville, it’s all right here and ready to impress. Come on, ask for something hard and watch us make it easy.
Planners
Plan on it Being Easy
Nashville has something to offer everyone in your group, regardless of age or interest. In o ur Planners Section, you will find helpful information about our facility, staff, planning guidelines, booking availability and rates. With true Southern Hospitality, our dedicated and experienced staff is ready to assist you in every way possible to guarantee the success of your event.
What kind of facility do you need? Flexibility is designed into the Nashville Convention Center. With an exhibit hall, ballroom, meeting rooms, large lobbies, an outdoor terrace and other areas, we can provide an agile environment that best suits your needs. By partnering with the 673-room Renaissance Nashville Hotel and 20,000-seat Sommet Center, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to accessibility and function.
Contact Staff
Floor Plans
Green Meetings
In House Suppliers
Sales Information
Services
Handbook Testimonials
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Parking & Directions
From West on I-40
Follow Nashville signs and exit on Broadway (Exit 209). Turn left. Convention Center is on your left, between 7th and 5th Avenues.
From East on I-40
(Airport)
Follow I-40 West (Memphis signs). Take Exit 209 (Broadway) and turn right onto Broadway Ave. Convention Center is on the left between 7th and 5th Avenues.
From South on 1-65
Take the I-40 West fork (Memphis sign). Exit on Broadway (Exit 209). Turn right onto Broadway Ave. Convention Center is on the left, between 7th and 5th Avenues.
From North on I-65
Follow I-65 (Memphis sign), it joins I-40. Stay on I-40, following Nashville signs. Exit at Broadway Ave (Exit 209). Turn left onto Broadway. Convention Center is on the left, between 7th and 5th Avenues.
From Southeast on I-24
Merge with I-40. Follow I-40 West (Memphis sign). Take Exit 209 (Broadway Ave) and turn right onto Broadway Ave. Convention Center is on the left between 7th and 5th Avenues.
From Northwest on I-24
Join I-65. Follow I-65 until it merges with I-40. Exit on Broadway (Exit 209). Turn left onto Broadway Ave. Convention Center is on the left between 7th and 5th Avenues.
For more information regarding transportation and parking to and from the Convention Center:
Nashville Metro Transit Authority
Park It Downtown