Tennessee State Fairgrounds | Nashville

The Tennessee State Fairgrounds, officially known today as The Fairgrounds Nashville, is a large, multifunctional event complex with deep historical roots in Tennessee’s agricultural and cultural traditions. Located just south of downtown Nashville, this site has evolved from a rural fairground into a year-round urban venue hosting major events, trade shows, and local institutions.

Historical Background

The Tennessee State Fairgrounds date back to 1906, when they were established as the official site of the Tennessee State Fair. The fair had previously been held at various locations in Nashville, but this permanent site allowed for the development of dedicated buildings, livestock barns, racetracks, and midway areas.

For most of the 20th century, the fairgrounds were a centerpiece of Tennessee’s agrarian and community life, offering annual exhibitions of livestock, produce, crafts, and technology. These fairs brought together people from across the state to celebrate rural heritage, modern innovations, and entertainment.

The fairgrounds also hosted other events year-round, from circuses and rodeos to auto shows and flea markets. The racetrack, known as the Fairgrounds Speedway, became a nationally known short track in motorsports.

Site Layout and Key Features

The Fairgrounds Nashville occupies over 117 acres of land just off Nolensville Pike and Wedgewood Avenue. Over the years, the site has undergone substantial redevelopment, especially since the 2010s.

Key areas and features include:

1. Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway

Opened in 1904, the speedway is one of the oldest continually operating auto racetracks in the U.S.

The track is a high-banked, 0.596-mile oval used for stock car racing, including NASCAR-sanctioned events and local series.

Legendary racers like Dale Earnhardt, Darrell Waltrip, and Sterling Marlin have competed here.

The track remains active and central to redevelopment discussions involving NASCAR’s return to Nashville.

2. Expo Center

A modern Expo Center was constructed in recent years to replace aging structures.

It includes over 100,000 square feet of climate-controlled exhibition space, divisible into multiple halls.

Hosts trade shows, conventions, antique fairs, gun shows, and public expos year-round.

3. Flea Market Pavilion

One of the largest public attractions at the site is the Nashville Flea Market, held monthly.

Vendors come from multiple states to offer antiques, collectibles, crafts, and food.

It draws tens of thousands of visitors and remains one of the largest flea markets in the Southeast.

4. Nashville Fairgrounds MLS Stadium – GEODIS Park

A major transformation came with the construction of GEODIS Park, completed in 2022.

This 30,000-seat soccer-specific stadium is the home of Nashville SC, the city's Major League Soccer team.

The stadium is the largest dedicated soccer venue in the U.S. and integrates into the fairgrounds complex.

It hosts not only soccer matches but also concerts and large-scale cultural events.

5. Historic Buildings and Barns

Several historic buildings, like the Agricultural Pavilion, still exist, though many have been replaced or updated.

These areas used to host livestock shows and agricultural contests and were central to the traditional state fair.

Tennessee State Fair (Historical Context)

The traditional Tennessee State Fair was held annually at the site from 1906 until 2019.

In 2020, the fair was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2021, the state moved the official Tennessee State Fair to Wilson County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, TN, and merged it with the Wilson County Fair, effectively ending the state fair’s run in Nashville.

However, the Fairgrounds Nashville continues to host fairs, festivals, and exhibitions under various local banners.

Accessibility and Transportation

The Fairgrounds is located close to I-65 and I-440, making it easily accessible by car.

A new multi-modal transit center has been proposed to improve public transport access.

Ample parking is provided for events, with overflow facilities for major gatherings like stadium events and large expos.

Current Role and Community Integration

Today, the Fairgrounds Nashville serves multiple community functions:

Event Space: Ongoing rotation of expos, collector shows, cultural festivals, home shows, and sports events.

Community Hub: Hosts civic events, job fairs, and seasonal festivals.

Public Recreation: The site includes green space, walking paths, and occasional outdoor installations.

Economic Engine: Through GEODIS Park and large expos, the Fairgrounds has become a vital economic and tourism driver for south Nashville.

Future Development and Controversies

Redevelopment plans have faced opposition and legal battles over historic preservation and neighborhood impact, particularly around the future of the speedway.

In 2023, efforts to finalize a partnership between the city and NASCAR for speedway renovation continued, with plans to modernize the facility while preserving its legacy.

Nearby neighborhoods have expressed concern over noise, traffic, and gentrification resulting from major construction and expansion, especially tied to the soccer stadium.

Cultural Significance

The fairgrounds represent over a century of Tennessee’s agricultural heritage, motorsports history, and community gatherings.

As it continues to evolve into a mixed-use, urban entertainment zone, it retains deep cultural roots that link modern Nashville to its rural and working-class past.

The Tennessee State Fairgrounds are no longer the official site of the state fair but remain an iconic venue reflecting the city’s past, present, and future. Through its continued use for racing, commerce, and sport, it maintains a unique position in Tennessee's civic landscape.