Nashville, TN, October 3, 2025
News Summary
Vanderbilt University has unveiled a new south end zone at First Bank Stadium, enhancing the game-day experience for fans and providing essential resources for student-athletes. The state-of-the-art facility, part of the Vandy United campaign, features over 130,000 square feet of space, including new locker rooms, premium seating areas, and improved amenities. University leaders emphasize the project’s significance in transforming collegiate athletics. Alongside other facility upgrades, the campaign has raised over $350 million to date, underscoring Vanderbilt’s commitment to competitive excellence.
Nashville, TN – Vanderbilt University has officially dedicated the new south end zone at First Bank Stadium, marking a significant enhancement to both the student-athlete and fan experience as part of the ongoing Vandy United campaign. The project has been made possible through contributions from thousands of donors supporting the campaign.
The newly constructed south end zone encompasses a state-of-the-art multi-use facility measuring over 130,000 square feet, replacing the previous seating bowl. This impressive upgrade includes a variety of features, among them a new football locker room, six new premium seating areas, and a renovated concourse that effectively encloses the stadium. Fans will also benefit from improved amenities such as new video and ribbon boards, a team store, and designated fan spaces, including mother’s, sensory, and guest services rooms.
In discussions about the project, University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier emphasized that this development fundamentally transforms the game-day experience for supporters while also acting as a vital resource for student-athletes aiming for success. Similarly, Vice Chancellor and Athletic Director Candice Storey Lee pointed out the facility’s importance, placing it within the context of a new era in college athletics.
Clark Lea, the football head coach, expressed his gratitude for the university’s leadership in bringing this vision to reality and challenged the community to continue striving for excellence beyond the new facility. The dedication event featured notable attendees, including Vanderbilt Board of Trust member and Vandy United donor Jennifer Frist.
This enhancement to the south end zone follows last season’s upgrades to the north end zone, indicating a continued commitment to improving the university’s athletics facilities. The Vanderbilt football team has already experienced early success, highlighted by a recent victory against Georgia State and the team’s current ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 for the first time since 1956.
To date, the aggregate total raised through the Vandy United campaign exceeds $350 million, reinforcing Vanderbilt’s dedication to achieving competitive excellence. In addition to the newly unveiled south end zone, ongoing enhancements include the development of the Frist Athletics Village and imminent renovations scheduled for Hawkins Field.
The Ingram Center for Student-Athlete Success has also made contributions by providing scholarships and support programs aimed at benefiting student-athletes both on the field and in their academic pursuits. Additionally, the brand-new Huber Center practice facility has been highlighted for its modern amenities, now accessible to both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. The Huber Center features separate spaces for each team and offers advanced technological capabilities and enhanced training conditions, which have already begun to benefit recruitment efforts.
Lastly, Athletic Director Lee reiterated the significance of investing in facilities as a means to enhance competitive recruitment.
Key Enhancements in the New South End Zone
- Multi-use facility over 130,000 square feet
- New football locker room
- Six new premium seating areas
- Renovated concourse enclosing the stadium
- New video and ribbon boards
- Team store
- Designated fan spaces: mother’s, sensory, and guest services rooms
FAQs
What is the new south end zone at First Bank Stadium?
The new south end zone is a multi-use facility at First Bank Stadium that enhances the game-day experience for fans and provides crucial resources for student-athletes.
How large is the new facility?
The facility encompasses over 130,000 square feet.
What new features are included in the project?
Key additions include a new football locker room, six new premium seating areas, and renovated concourse along with new video and ribbon boards, a team store, and designated fan spaces.
What is the significance of the Vandy United campaign?
The Vandy United campaign aims to raise funds for various athletic facility improvements and to enhance Vanderbilt’s commitment to competitive excellence.
Key Features Summary Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Facility Size | Over 130,000 square feet |
| New Locker Room | A brand new football locker room for players. |
| Premium Seating | Six new premium seating areas for enhanced viewing. |
| Concourse Renovation | Renovated concourse enclosing the stadium. |
| Enhanced Amenities | New video and ribbon boards and a team store. |
| Fan Spaces | Designated areas including mother’s, sensory, and guest services rooms. |
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Additional Resources
- Vanderbilt Athletics Dedicates Reimagined South End Zone
- Tennessean: Vanderbilt Basketball Practice Facility Updates
- Vanderbilt Golf House Debuts
- Tennessean: Vanderbilt FirstBank Stadium End Zone Demolition
- Enhanced Partnership Rewards for NIL Donors
- Wikipedia: Vanderbilt University
- Google Search: Vanderbilt Athletics
- Google Scholar: Vanderbilt University Athletics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vanderbilt University
- Google News: Vanderbilt University Athletics
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