The siren call of college football championships is luring the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to Nashville for the 2026 and 2027 title games. Throwing its hat into the ring as the upcoming host is Vanderbilt University's recently refurbished FirstBank Stadium, as reported by WKRN. This move marks a significant departure from the previous venue in Frisco, Texas, which had been home to the championship since 2010.
According to official announcements, Vanderbilt will showcase its stadium, complete with modern amenities, a cutting-edge locker room and a press box that wouldn't just impress journalists – it might just overwhelm them, with a planned 35,000 seating capacity poised to accommodate swathes of football enthusiasts. "We appreciate the confidence of the NCAA and FCS Selection Committee in our ability to showcase this prestigious championship event in Nashville," stated Scott Ramsey, Nashville Sports Council President and CEO, in a statement obtained by WKRN. The city's officials, including Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell, have already expressed their enthusiasm in hosting these marquee games, touting them as a chance to bask in Music City's renowned hospitality.
It's not just local dignitaries painting the town in team colors; institutions are vocal about their readiness to highlight what Nashville has to offer. Beth DeBauche, Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner mentioned in a report by FOX 17, "As a storied FCS conference, we are delighted to work with our partners to showcase our city. We are committed to ensuring that the student-athletes competing in this premier championship event have an exemplary experience."
Looking back, the FCS Championship had its Tennessee roots in Chattanooga from 1997 to 2009, and now, after a Texas interlude, the game is returning to the Volunteer State. This pivot comes as Toyota Stadium undergoes a multiyear renovation project, detailed by KELOLAND Media Group, that led the championship game to seek new pastures. Despite leaving a legacy in Frisco, the game's shift to Nashville represents a fresh chapter for the FCS championship.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, Nashville is set to add two more illustrious days to its calendar: January 5, 2026, and January 4, 2027. While up-and-coming teams focus on the current season, with ESPN airing the next championship clash on January 6, 2025, at 6 p.m., Nashville is busy prepping to become more than just another host city.
