Ballpark History
Baseball's Return Home To North Nashville
The construction of First Horizon Park, previously known as First Tennessee Park, marked a return of baseball to the area where Sulphur Dell once stood. Sulphur Dell hosted Negro and Minor League Baseball teams from the 19th century through 1963, including a six-decade run as the home of the Southern Association's Nashville Vols.
On April 17, 2015, First Horizon Park opened its doors to a sellout crowd of 10,459 fans to cheer on the Nashville Sounds in the opener to the team's 38th season. With 19 sellouts in 71 openings, the first season welcomed a total of 565,548 fans to the park, which was the highest attendance the Sounds had over the previous 25 years.
Former Mayor Karl Deal celebrates the Grand Opening after the Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting with Owner Frank Ward, Governor Bill Haslam, First Tennessee President-Middle Tennessee Region Carol Yochem, Pacific Coast League President Branch Rickey and other esteemed city and baseball dignitaries.
The stadium proposal was spearheaded by former mayor Karl Dean and received project funding approval by the Nashville Metro Council. The ballpark was designed by Populous and Hastings Architectural Associates; constructed by Barton Malow and Bell & Associates Construction; with project management by Gobbell Hays Partners Inc and Capitol Project Solutions. Groundbreaking on the project took place in January 2014 and construction completed in time for Opening Day 2015.
“This was the location that the mayor wanted, and we wanted, and the stars all aligned in the right direction. Everything just worked, that’s probably the easiest way to say it.”
The state-of-the-art First Horizon Park includes many special elements that make the venue the best in Nashville. To name a few: a 360-degree game viewing experience; spacious concourses all within view of the on-field action; unique group outing spaces; an expansive club level with suites; LED and ribbon boards; and of course - the signature guitar scoreboard, bigger and brighter than ever.
The Mt. Rushmore of First Horizon Park, the scoreboard located beyond the outfield wall in right-center field features an HD LED screen that measures 4,200 square feet, making it one of the largest in minor league baseball. It would take approximately 860 32" flat panel televisions to fill the area of the video display.
Also unique to First Horizon Park is the perfect gathering spot known as 'The Band Box' in right field, which the Sounds created in collaboration with Strategic Hospitality/Centerplate joint venture, which features several entertainment options, not limited to ping pong, corn-hole, foosball and shuffleboard. With a laid back atmosphere, this outdoor bar and restaurant which features some of the most delectable ballpark fare is ideal for socializing with your friends or colleagues, while taking in a Nashville Sounds game.
All areas of the ballpark, including The Band Box, are available for rental on non-game days for both public and private events.