NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — More than 200,000 people welcomed 2020 in downtown Nashville at Jack Daniel's Music City Midnight New Year's Eve celebration -- and event organizers said that's a new attendance record.
The famous Music City note drop rang in the new year along with a fireworks display over Bicentennial Mall.
Butch Spyridon, President and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. says event organizers and Metro Nashville police estimate that the total number could be more than 250,000. That makes it the largest New Year's Eve crowd ever for Nashville.
Several artists performed for the massive crowd including Keith Urban, Jason Isbell, Ashley McBryde, the Fisk Jubilee Singers as well as a special performance from rock legend Stevie Nicks.
The city increased security to ensure the massive crowd was safe. About 500 personnel from the Metro Nashville Police Department, State Police, Park Police, Office of Emergency Management, Nashville Fire and a private security company are taking part to help enhance safety and guide traffic flow at this year's event.
This marked the city's 11th annual New Year's Eve celebration, and it was the fourth year the event was held at Bicentennial Mall.
Crews started tearing down the main stage, tents and fencing throughout the park almost immediately after the event ended. Officials at the park said it took three weeks to set up for the event, but they expected to have everything removed in 5 days.
Bicentennial Mall will be closed until Sunday, Jan. 5 while cleanup efforts are underway. Officials on scene encouraged pedestrians to avoid the area until the park reopens.
Last year’s record New Year’s Eve event generated an all-time high $23 million in direct visitor spending. Final numbers for this year's celebration have not been released yet by the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp.
