From Frisco to Broadway: Why the FCS National Championship Move to Nashville Just Makes Sense
- Stone Labanowitz
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
Let’s get one thing out of the way: Kevin Marshall, my co-host and resident greybeard of FCS Nation Radio, is old enough to remember when the FCS Championship was played in Tennessee the first time around. I, on the other hand, wasn’t even born yet.
Back in the day (and by that I mean 1997-2009), Chattanooga played host to the title game. Kevin probably covered it using Morse code. But after a long and chilly stint in Frisco, Texas, the game is finally making its way back to the Volunteer State, and let me tell you, I’ve never been more fired up.
Since 2010, we’ve all packed our bags and braved the 20-something degree weather to watch our guys battle it out at Toyota Stadium, the home of FC Dallas, not exactly a gridiron cathedral. Respect to Frisco, but ask just about any fan, media member, or player on a contending roster, and they’ll tell you: it’s time.
And now, it is time. Nashville, Tennessee will host the FCS National Championship beginning January 5, 2026, inside FirstBank Stadium, an actual football stadium, and one with some serious history and upgrades.
The Move, the Stats, the Facts:
Nashville becomes the 11th city to host the FCS Championship since 1978.
FirstBank Stadium (formerly Vanderbilt Stadium) will serve as the host site for the 2026 and 2027 Championship games.
The venue holds approximately 35,000 fans and features player-first amenities like a state-of-the-art locker room and a 4-level press box.
The move was triggered by long-term renovations planned for Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
The decision was led by the NCAA, with support from the Nashville Sports Council, the Ohio Valley Conference, Vanderbilt University, and the City of Nashville.
Why This Matters As a former player, I can’t understate the difference this makes. FirstBank Stadium brings football back to a football stadium. And let’s be real, when even the NFL and the Ohio States of the world play their championships indoors, it’s about time we prioritize the athlete experience too. Nashville may not be Cancun in January, but it’ll be warmer than Frisco. More importantly, it’s designed to support elite football.
The Team Behind the Scenes: Nashville Sports Council You can’t talk about this move without tipping your cap to the Nashville Sports Council. These folks have been the heartbeat of sports tourism in Music City since 1992. Their mission? Bring world-class sporting events to town and inject real economic value into the community. With over $1.4 billion in direct impact and a history of hosting everything from SEC tournaments to NFL Draft events, Nashville isn’t just ready, they’ve been waiting for this moment. President & CEO Scott Ramsey and his team take great pride in making sure everything is buttoned up and ready to roll.
Now Let’s Talk About Broadway... Look, the Championship isn’t just about the X’s and O’s. It’s about the people who make this subdivision the heart and soul of college football. Fans. Families. The ESPN+ die-hards who follow teams from Sacramento to Richmond. And yeah, it’s about the media members and former players like us who show up to make sure these athletes get their shine.
And we’re not going to pretend like we’re not going to have a little fun while we’re at it. God forbid someone from FCS Fans Nation ends up riding a mechanical bull at Tequila Cowboy. God forbid Kevin grabs the mic at Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk and refuses to give it back on karaoke night. With over 50 bars on Broadway alone, this is more than a game, it’s an experience. One that finally matches the energy, the community, and the celebration that FCS football deserves.
What’s Next As we look ahead to January 5, 2026, that’s 216 days from today, we’ve got a lot to look forward to. At FCS Nation Radio, things are heating up. Behind the scenes, we’re working harder than ever with our friends at Northwestern Mutual and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
We’re teaming up again this season to raise money and awareness to help put an end to childhood cancer. Dozens of athletes will be dedicating their seasons to this cause, and every dollar donated goes straight to funding better treatments, research, and hope for families. You’ll be seeing more coverage, more involvement, and more ways to support this incredible mission all season long.
So yeah, we’ll see you in Nashville. We’ll be there to rep the subdivision, highlight the stars, and maybe, just maybe, belt out a country tune or two.
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