The 2024 TransPerfect Music City Bowl, held at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, drew an attendance of 43,375 spectators. This figure placed it sixth among all non-College Football Playoff bowl games this season. Despite being one of the smallest crowds in Music City Bowl history, it still ranked nearly in the top five for non-CFP bowls. The largest crowd for a non-CFP bowl game this year was the Valero Alamo Bowl with 64,261 attendees. Meanwhile, local sports figures such as Dave Jarvis and Jeff Forehand are set to be inducted into the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, adding to the region's sporting accolades.
Attendance Trends and Economic Impact of the Music City Bowl
The Music City Bowl's attendance has fluctuated over the years, reflecting broader trends in college football viewership. In 2024, the event saw a smaller crowd compared to previous years, yet it still managed to rank highly among non-CFP bowl games. Historically, the largest Music City Bowl crowd was recorded in 2021 with 69,489 spectators. The economic impact of these events is significant, with the 2023 game generating $23 million for Nashville's economy. Since its inception in 1998, the Music City Bowl has contributed over $400 million to the city's economy.
While the 2024 Music City Bowl did not break attendance records, its economic contribution remains substantial. The game between Missouri and Iowa attracted 43,375 fans, which, while lower than the average of 53,552 over the past five seasons, underscores the enduring appeal of college football in Nashville. The economic impact of such events extends beyond ticket sales, benefiting local businesses and tourism. For instance, the 2023 Music City Bowl generated direct economic benefits of $23 million, highlighting the event's importance to the city's financial landscape. Future economic impact reports will provide further insights into the value of hosting major sporting events in Nashville.
Honoring Local Sports Legends and Supporting Future Athletes
Nashville's sports community celebrated several milestones in 2024, recognizing both past achievements and nurturing future talent. Notably, Dave Jarvis and Jeff Forehand were selected for induction into the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Jarvis, Belmont's baseball coach, boasts an impressive record of 1,061 wins over 36 years, including nine seasons with more than 30 wins. Forehand, Lipscomb's coach, has led his team to three NCAA tournament appearances during his 19-year tenure. Their contributions have significantly impacted the sport in Tennessee.
In addition to honoring these coaches, the Nashville Old Timers Baseball Association awarded 16 scholarships to local high school athletes. These scholarships aim to support the next generation of baseball players by providing financial assistance for their education. Recipients include students from various schools across the region, ensuring that promising young athletes receive recognition and support. Furthermore, the association's annual banquet, featuring guest speaker Don Mattingly, continues to bring together the community to celebrate the sport's rich history and future prospects. Meanwhile, former Henry County star Luke Brown announced his medical retirement from football due to health concerns, marking a poignant moment in the local sports scene. Tony Neely, a long-time sports communicator, also received recognition for his career achievements, further highlighting the depth of Nashville's sporting legacy.