Is There Any REAL Movement At the Nashville Fairgrounds?

The Nashville Fairgrounds recently released some new renderings of the upcoming renovations at the race track. Matt Weaver described it as, “Part of a package showing a commitment to addressing structural concerns for the facility’s longtime viability.”

Speedway Motorsports unveils new renderings of renovated Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.

The renderings are part of a package showing a commitment to addressing structural concerns for the facility's longterm viability while creating an entertainment, tourism destination. pic.twitter.com/VxKpyuN4iS

— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) July 20, 2023

It’s another rendering in what is becoming many renderings of the Nashville Fairgrounds renovation. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be much movement in terms of getting things done at the race track. So, what is the hold up, and will there be any real movement in the near future?

The Politics

Ahh yes, politics. Some love it, some hate it, some tolerate it, and we all have to live with it. The bottom line is that the Nashville Fairgrounds has been stymied by significant political opposition. Some politicians support the renovation, but some do not.

Back in March, Cassandra Stephenson of The Tennessean reported that the Fair Board passed the plans put together by Bristol Motor Speedway. From there, it moved on to the Nashville Metro Council.

There, the proposal has stalled, and no vote has been cast. However, the Nashville Fairgrounds does have an important date coming up. According to Bob Pockrass, on August 1st, the first of three readings before the Metro Council will occur before the vote can be cast.

The first reading (of three) for the Bristol proposal to renovate and operate the Nashville Fairgrounds was postponed to Aug. 1 b/c public comment hearing July 25. That means a final vote won't come until after elections (and not before September)

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 6, 2023

He also made note about elections. According to Nashville.gov, the Nashville Metropolitan General Election will be held on August 3rd, which is two days after the first reading. Also, with the vote not coming anytime before September, it is unlikely that this track will be added to the 2024 NASCAR schedule.

However, some politicians have shown some support for the track. Nashville Metro Councilman Zach Young made the Fairgrounds a feature of his most recent campaign ad.

My first campaign ad is now live! pic.twitter.com/xDexRNjJHF

— Zach Young (@ZachYoungTN) July 20, 2023

For now, the proposal is mired in the Metro Council. It could likely be a couple of months at least before we see a definitive answer on this issue.

In the Stands

MK_USA1 is looking for some legitimate action instead of just renderings.

NASCARWoman wants this race track to return.

Eric Vigneau feels the new soundboards could be used for advertising.

AA-Ron says that the track is good just the way it is now.

The Fairgrounds remains in a standstill, but the time is coming when a decision will be made on it. Soon, we will know the exact future of the Nashville Fairgrounds.