Planning to ring in 2025 on Broadway or at Bicentennial Mall? Fox 17 News Nashville reports that the city's already deep into safety planning for one of Nashville's biggest nights of the year.
If you're heading downtown for Nashville's Big Bash, here's what you need to know before you go.
Who's Performing at Nashville's Big Bash?
According to Fox 17, the free concert at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park features some serious country star power this year. Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean, and Bailey Zimmerman are headlining Jack Daniel's New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. on New Year's Eve, and the headliners start performing around 7 p.m. The show runs until about 12:30 a.m., which means you're getting a full night of entertainment. And yes, the iconic Music City Note Drop is back to kick off the new year.
Did I mention it's completely free?
The Bag Policy You Need to Know About
Here's where people get tripped up every year. Fox 17 reports that only clear bags are allowed inside Bicentennial Mall State Park for the event.
That means no backpacks, no coolers, and no duffel bags. If you're bringing a bag, it needs to be clear so security can see what's inside. This isn't new for big Nashville events, but it catches people off guard every time.
Check the event's prohibited items list before you head out. Trust me, you don't want to be that person stuck at the gate trying to figure out what to do with a backpack full of stuff.
Where You Can (and Can't) Drive
Several roads around Bicentennial Mall will be closed, especially north of Jefferson Street. Fox 17's reporting shows closures on 5th Avenue North, 6th Avenue North, 7th Avenue North, and Junior Gilliam Way.
Downtown Broadway gets shut down too, from Representative John Lewis Way to 1st Avenue. If you're thinking about driving downtown and parking, you might want to rethink that plan.
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Read more →Rideshare Pickup and Drop-Off Spots
Fox 17 reports that the city has designated specific rideshare locations to keep things organized. You can catch an Uber or Lyft at:
- James Robertson Parkway between 4th Avenue and Representative John Lewis Way
- James Robertson Parkway from Charlotte Pike to Rosa L. Parks Boulevard (on the Capitol Hill side)
- Rosa L. Parks Boulevard from the Nashville Farmers' Market entrance to Jefferson Street
- Jefferson Street between 6th Avenue and Rosa L. Parks Boulevard
Screenshot these locations now, because cell service gets spotty when you've got thousands of people in one area all trying to use their phones at once.
Safety Planning is Already Underway
According to Fox 17, Metro Nashville Police will have hundreds of officers working throughout the night. You'll see them all over downtown, Bicentennial Mall, and the Gulch.
The Department of Emergency Communications is activating its Nashville Telecommunicator Emergency Response Team (NTERT) specifically for New Year's Eve. These tactical dispatchers will be stationed downtown working directly with police, fire, and emergency medical services.
They're using something called Prepared 911 technology that lets them share live video, text messages, and caller location data with first responders. When you're dealing with massive crowds, every second counts.
What to Do If You Lose Something
Fox 17 reports that Nashville has set up two separate lost-and-found systems depending on where you lose your stuff.
If you lose something at Bicentennial Mall events, check the information tents at the park. You can also visit the Nashville Visitor Center at Bridgestone Arena on New Year's Day from noon to 5 p.m.
If you lose items downtown or in the Gulch, head to the lobby of the Metro Police Central Precinct at 601 Korean Veterans Boulevard. They'll be staffed from early New Year's morning until noon to help reunite people with their belongings.
Download This App Before You Go
The Department of Emergency Communications suggests downloading the what3words app before the event. It lets you share your exact location using three words instead of trying to describe where you are in a sea of people.
It's also helpful for finding your friends when you inevitably get separated in the crowd.
A Smart Tip for Parents
If you're bringing kids, Fox 17 reports that emergency officials recommend taking a photo of them when you arrive. That way, if you get separated, you have a current image showing exactly what they're wearing and what they look like right now.
It's one of those things you hope you never need, but you'll be glad you did if the worst happens.
Fireworks Are Actually Illegal Here
Fox 17 reminds everyone that fireworks are illegal in Davidson County without a permit. If you see or hear fireworks in your neighborhood, report it to hubNashville at hub.nashville.gov or by calling 311.
Don't call 911 for fireworks or noise complaints. Save 911 for actual emergencies, especially on a night when dispatchers are already handling one of the busiest events of the year.
How Many Agencies Are Involved?
According to Fox 17's reporting, New Year's Eve planning involves coordination among the FBI, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Nashville Fire Department, Davidson County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee State Parks, Nashville's Office of Emergency Management, and the Nashville Department of Transportation.
That's a lot of people working behind the scenes to keep everyone safe.
“New Year's Eve and Nashville's Big Bash is one of the biggest events of the year, broadcast to a nationwide audience,” DEC Director Stephen Martini told Fox 17. “Our people are ready and proud to serve the city and its visitors. Events of this scale require extensive planning and strong partnerships.”
Stay Alert Out There
Metro Police are urging people to stay aware of their surroundings, keep personal items close, and report anything suspicious immediately. If you see something that seems off, find a uniformed officer and tell them. If you can't find an officer, call 911.
With hundreds of thousands of people downtown, it's easy to let your guard down and just enjoy the party. But keeping your head on a swivel helps everyone stay safe.
This guide is based on reporting by Fox 17 News Nashville along with publicly available city and event information. For the most current updates, visit their original coverage.For the most current updates and additional details, visit their original article.
