NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — There are just a few days left in the decade and Nashville wants to end the year on a high note. The Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight: New Year’s Eve in Nashville event will kicked off Tuesday, December 31 with gates opening at 4 p.m.
Rock legend and successful solo artist Stevie Nicks, member of one of the world’s best-selling bands Fleetwood Mac, will appear as a special guest with headliner Keith Urban.
This is the eleventh annual celebration and the fourth year at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. But before the big night, crews were out Friday setting the stage and risers while transforming Bicentennial Mall into a festival.
There will be food and entertainment and staff with the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp say they're expecting a large turnout. Last year’s record New Year’s Eve event generated an all-time high $23 million in direct visitor spending over 2017's $22.3 million.
Attendance also broke records with 175,000 to 200,000, exceeding the previous record in 2015 of 150,000.
"This is a huge undertaking, it’s a big event for this city and we start really after the Fourth of July, start booking the talent, start making the plans, it takes about six months," said Deanna Ivey, executive vice president of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Ivey says construction started last week to build the stage and put down the flooring to protect the grass around the park.
"Every year it’s a great challenge for us and we’re so fortunate that we have so many artists that live here and they’re nationally known and internationally known; and we always try to make sure that our line up has a great diverse lineup and the people and the music to mix it up," said Ivey.
There will also be some new additions to the celebration this year. Designated drivers will receive complimentary water, soda and coffee throughout the evening at select beverage locations. Pick up your wristband at the “Celebrate the Season Responsibly” tent located at the main entrance by Sixth Avenue and Harrison or stop by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp Information Booths located at Sixth Avenue and Harrison and Seventh Avenue near the Tennessee State Museum.
Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp is partnering with Second Harvest. Staff will collect nonperishable food items during the Music City Midnight. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods to collection bins that will be located near the event entrances.
