Step Inside: Ascend Amphitheater in Downtown Nashville

Nestled on the bank of the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville, Ascend Amphitheater is a fantastic way to welcome both artists and fans alike to Music City. Offering a balance of bustling city life and serene nature, Ascend Amphitheater offers all who visit a unique music enjoying experience. Continue reading below to learn more about Ascend Amphitheater.

Ascend Amphitheater History

Prior to being a venue space, the plot of land was once a thermal energy plant. When the plant closed in 2004, the city intended to use the space as a minor league baseball stadium for the Nashville Sounds. Said plans were soon scrapped in favor of utilizing the location as an 11-acre park complete with its own open-air amphitheater.

In the early stages of construction then-mayor Karl Dean insisted that the amphitheater itself should not distract from the park, inspiring the architects to design a space that would make a minimal impact on the Nashville skyline. In addition to prioritizing the natural space, the site is committed to sustainable efforts. Ascend Amphitheater is the first outdoor amphitheater in the U.S. to earn LEED Gold for sustainable operation, also having won Pollstar’s Red Rocks Award for best outdoor venue.

The venue’s opening week was celebrated with performances from Eric Church, Chicago, Earth, Wind, and Fire and Phish. The amphitheater has continued to host acclaimed acts and events, including the CMA Festival in 2016, Snoop Dogg in 2017 and Jimmy Buffett in 2020.

Get to Know Ascend Amphitheater

Venue Features

The amphitheater and its surrounding greenery have become a staple in the Nashville Parks system. The amphitheater’s architecture is cohesive with Nashville’s 19th century limestone buildings, perfectly complementing the skyline. Inspired by 1960s Gretsch amplifiers, the roof’s sightlines frame downtown Nashville and the river, making any show a picturesque experience.

Seating and Viewing Options

Ascend Amphitheater has a capacity for 6,800 fans. Seats on the lawn are first come, first serve. There is an option to reserve space on the lawn, which comes with a lawn chair rental. Lawn chairs are available for rent for $12 per chair and must be returned at the end of the event.

The VIP Club is a private lounge complete with an outside patio for box seat and season ticket holders. VIP Club guests have access to restroom facilities and premium liquor and beer selections. If interested in purchasing a VIP Box or Reserved Seating for the season please contact the Venue Sales department at (615) 346-9042.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ascend Amphitheater (@ascend_amphitheater)

Venue Accessibility

ADA tickets can be purchased in advance online. There is accessible seating available in every price range, though seating is limited on the day of the event so make sure to add accessible seating in advance. ADA Lawn and ADA Boxes are Ascend Amphitheater’s designated ADA seating options, with the seated pavilion section also being ADA accessible. All venue bathrooms, concession stands and merchandise stands are accessible.

Parking and Admission at Ascend Amphitheater

Ascend Amphitheatre is located at 310 1st Ave S. Nashville, TN 37201. Guests with tickets should enter via Gate 1, located at the northwest corner of the venue, next to the box office. The VIP Entrance is located left of the box office.

General parking is not provided at Ascend Amphitheater but there are many nearby parking options. VIP parking (at the Peabody Garage levels LL2 and LL3) is included for box seat and season ticket holders. Guests may purchase premier parking that guarantees a spot close to the venue. Accessible parking is located at nearby downtown parking locations around the venue. An accessible drop-off point is at the corner of Molloy St. and 1st Avenue S. Gate. Gates open usually an hour and a half to two hours prior to showtime.

Ascend Amphitheater’s bag policy is as follows: bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ and/or small clutch bags (6″ x 9″). No other bags of any type will be allowed. All bags are subject to search upon entry.

Prohibited from the venue are: outside lawn chairs, umbrellas, large blankets, weapons of any kind, alcohol, beverages and camelbacks except sealed water, aerosol cans, illegal drugs/substances, strollers, glassware, coolers, audio/video recorders, selfie sticks, pets (except service animals) and signage over 8.5″ x 11″.

All events at Ascend Amphitheater are all ages unless stated otherwise. Children 2 and under do not require a ticket, but must sit on a parent’s lap.

Nearby Attractions

Food & Drink Near Ascend Amphitheater

While it is known far and wide as “music city,” Nashville’s culinary scene often goes under the radar. If guests are looking for a bite before or after the show they can explore six floors of varying cuisines at The Diner Nashville or enjoy reimagined farm-fresh Southern classics at The Farm House. If interested in an upscale affair, visitors can dine at The Hampton Social where seafood plates and beach-themed cocktails are the go-to.

Ascend Amphitheater offers a wide variety of concession options in the venue with local food vendors (differing for each show) offering food for purchase as well.

Hotels Near Ascend Amphitheater

Nashville has much to offer its visitors from the lively strip to peaceful green spaces. If interested in staying overnight, visitors don’t need to wander far to find accommodations. The Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, Hyatt Place Nashville Downtown, Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown and Bode Nashville are all a couple of blocks away from the Amphitheater.