Vanderbilt University is launching a survey of its athletics fans to determine interest in holding some future athletics events in a new stadium that has been proposed for a potential Major League Soccer franchise in Nashville.
The stadium discussion stems from a proposal submitted Feb. 1 by a local ownership group, the Nashville MLS Steering Committee, for an MLS expansion team. The Nashville proposal is one of 12 currently being considered by the league. Mayor Megan Barry has identified the Nashville Fairgrounds as the preferred stadium location should the franchise be approved.
Vanderbilt has been approached by the steering committee to determine if the university is interested in using the new stadium for some of its athletic events, including football games. David Williams, vice chancellor for university affairs and athletics and athletics director, and Brett Sweet, vice chancellor for finance and chief financial officer, are co-chairing a committee comprising Vanderbilt Athletics leaders, students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the Board of Trust to consider the issue.
The survey will be conducted April 25-May 5 and will poll Vanderbilt undergraduates, season ticket holders, single ticket buyers and other members of the public who may be interested in attending Vanderbilt athletics events. It is designed to gauge how much demand there is for a hypothetical new stadium and game day and fan experience factors that will make fans more or less likely to attend games there.