Tennessee Approves $500M for $2B Domed Titans Stadium

Tennessee lawmakers approved a record $52.8 billion budget on Thursday, including $500 million in bonds for a new Tennessee Titans stadium.

Slated to open for the 2026 season, the 1.7 million-square-foot, domed stadium — which could host major sporting events, including a future Super Bowl — is estimated to cost between $1.9 billion and $2.2 billion. As of August, the Titans were valued at $2.6 billion by Forbes.

• The Adams family, owners of the team, will contribute $700 million to the venue. In December 2020, Susie Adams Smith sold her one-third stake to family members, increasing Amy Adams Strunk’s ownership to 50%.
• Metro Nashville will add another $700 million to the state’s $500 million.
• The funds will require $55 million in annual payments.

The Titans previously considered upgrades at Nissan Stadium but also looked at building a new home due to their rising costs. The team’s lease requires the city to pay for maintenance.

Mixed Reviews

The stadium was initially left out of budget appropriations, but the Senate later agreed on a budget that had already passed in the House. 

While some lawmakers criticized the budget — and even proposed amendments — others applauded it. 

Rep. Jason Zachary emphasized the reported economic impact of the stadium, cited the Titans’ charitable work, and provided confidence that the $4 billion-$6 billion mixed-use development around the stadium — funded by the team — would have a positive impact.