Nashville Street Circuit
Location:
Downtown Nashville, USA
Local Weather & Time
Upcoming at Nashville Street Circuit
|
Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix
IndyCar
17 - 19 Jul
|
Track Info
Nashville Street Circuit - Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Temporary street course around Nissan Stadium and downtown - clockwise - famous bridge run over the Cumberland River
When was the track built?
It is a temporary circuit assembled on city streets linking the Nashville Fairgrounds-side of the river to downtown via the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge. The 2021-2023 layout looped around Nissan Stadium and crossed the bridge in both directions; a revised 2.17 mile, 7 turn downtown-focused route was proposed for 2024 to keep the bridge while shifting more action into the city core.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race was the 2021 Music City Grand Prix, establishing Nashville’s street race on the IndyCar calendar and drawing huge crowds to the riverfront.
What's the circuit like?
- Bridge flat-out: Long full-throttle runs over the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge bookend each lap and create big drafting effects into heavy braking.
- Heavy stops and hairpins: The stadium-side complexes reward patience on entry and traction on exit - mistakes compound fast on the concrete.
- Best passing zones: Track designer notes highlighted Turns 1, 2 and 7 as the prime overtaking spots on the original 11 turn layout.
- Street-surface quirks: Crowned roads, paint lines and bumps mean grip builds rapidly through the weekend as rubber goes down.
- Benchmark pace: IndyCar race lap record 1:15.7491 - qualifying poles typically landed in the low 1:14s to high 1:13s.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- IndyCar (race lap): 1:15.7491 - Scott McLaughlin, 2022 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.
- Indy NXT (race lap): 1:20.8265 - Hunter McElrea, 2023.
- GT America GT3 (race lap): 1:28.883 - Jason Daskalos, 2023.
- Trans Am TA2 (race lap): 1:31.350 - Connor Zilisch, 2023.
- Toyota GR Cup (race lap): 1:43.082 - Tyler González, 2023.
Why go?
A dramatic river-crossing street race with skyline views, festival vibes and multiple heavy-braking passes per lap. The bridge shots are postcard-perfect and the downtown setting means food, music and nightlife are steps from the grandstands.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Turn 1 complex: Starts, restarts and bold out-braking after the long bridge run.
- Turn 7 hairpin: Classic divebomb zone leading back toward the stadium side.
- Bridge approaches: Feel top speed and slipstream trains before big stops at each end.
- Stadium-side complexes: Tight sequences where precision and traction decide exits back onto the bridge.
Not just IndyCar: support series in Nashville
SRO GT America/GT4 & GT2: Thundering GT sprints showcase big braking into the stadium hairpins.
Trans Am TA2: Muscle cars trade elbows through the concrete canyons with huge crowds.
Toyota GR Cup & ladder series: One-make action adds depth to the program with packed grids.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Nashville Street Circuit - Downtown around Nissan Stadium
Best options are the WeGo Star train to Riverfront Station when special Grand Prix service runs, WeGo buses into downtown then walk across the bridges, rideshare to Nissan Stadium's official zones, and downtown garages like Music City Center. Expect multi day road closures on Korean Veterans Blvd and streets around Nissan Stadium during race week.
Public transport - rail and bus
- WeGo Star special trains: On selected race days WeGo operates a special event train from Lebanon to Riverfront Station downtown. Buy tickets in advance and walk across the bridges to Nissan Stadium. Service is event specific - check announcements.
- Regular WeGo buses: Many routes serve downtown and SoBro near Riverfront Station and Broadway. Watch for temporary detours near the circuit footprint during race week.
Rideshare and taxis - simplest door to gate
- Official zones: Use Interstate Drive or S 2nd St at Crutcher St for Uber - Lyft - taxis, then follow the signed pedestrian routes to your printed gate.
- Post race tip: Walk a few blocks toward downtown via the Pedestrian Bridge or Woodland St before requesting to shorten wait times.
Driving and parking - use downtown garages
- Downtown parking: The Music City Center Garage has 1,800 spaces and multiple entrances on 6th - 7th - Demonbreun. Other public garages downtown are a short walk to the bridges.
- Road closures: During race week, streets including Korean Veterans Blvd and segments around 1st - 4th Ave near the stadium close on set dates - allow extra time and follow signed detours.
Walking from stations - garages - downtown
- From Riverfront Station: You are beside the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Cross directly to Nissan Stadium and the circuit perimeter.
- Preferred bridges: Nissan Stadium advises using Woodland St Bridge to avoid Pedestrian Bridge congestion. The Korean Veterans Blvd Bridge also has sidewalks.
Accessibility - pick up zones and routes
- Accessible routes: Use the signed sidewalks on Woodland St and KVB bridges for step free access, and the stadium's official rideshare zones if you require a closer drop.
Airports and long distance travel
- Nashville International Airport BNA → downtown: approximately 8 - 9 miles to downtown Nashville. WeGo Route 18 runs between the airport and downtown if you prefer bus plus walk to the bridges.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- WeGo Star arrivals at Riverfront: cross the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge for the most direct walk to Nissan Stadium gates.
- Rideshare users: set to Interstate Dr or S 2nd St at Crutcher St - these are the official zones.
- Drivers - garages: park at Music City Center Garage or other downtown garages, then walk via the Pedestrian or Woodland bridges.
Note: In recent seasons the Music City Grand Prix has run at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon on certain dates. If your race is listed at the Superspeedway, follow that event s parking - shuttle - rideshare instructions instead of this downtown guide.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Nashville Street Circuit - Music City Grand Prix area (Downtown - East Bank, Tennessee, USA)
Whether you are here for an INDYCAR festival weekend or other special motorsport events, the former street course zone wraps the Cumberland River, Nissan Stadium and the downtown core - perfect for family attractions, live music, riverfront walks and easy day trips on non race days.
Family friendly highlights within a short walk or ride
- Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum: Big crowd pleaser with hands on galleries for kids in the education center. Easy pair with the Walk of Fame Park outside.
- Ryman Auditorium tour: Historic Mother Church of Country Music with an engaging self guided route and photo spots on stage.
- Johnny Cash Museum and Patsy Cline Museum: Compact, memorabilia rich stops that suit mixed age groups.
- Cumberland Park: Riverfront lawns, climbing features and a seasonal splash zone below the pedestrian bridge.
- Adventure Science Center: Hands on science, a planetarium and skyline views from the hilltop.
- Nashville Zoo at Grassmere: Boardwalks, a historic house and award winning habitats - a solid half day if you have extra time.
- Nissan Stadium tours: When available, behind the scenes routes fit neatly between morning practice and dinner.
Popular museums and tours often use timed tickets on summer weekends - book earlier slots if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Frist Art Museum: Art Deco landmark with rotating exhibitions and a strong kids studio area.
- National Museum of African American Music: Interactive galleries right off Broadway - excellent for music lovers.
- Printer’s Alley and the Arcade: Historic downtown passages for quick photo stops and cafés when a shower passes.
- Tennessee State Museum: Free admission, broad state history and an easy loop with the capitol grounds.
- Goo Goo Chocolate Co.: Make your own cluster classes and tasting bar - a sweet hour indoors for families.
Eat and drink like a local
- Lower Broadway - SoBro: Honky tonk verandas for live music with kid friendly daytime vibes. Assembly Food Hall is a handy all in one option for groups.
- Germantown: Tree lined streets with brunch, bakeries and patios - great after a morning museum loop.
- The Gulch: Stylish cafés, rooftops and dessert bars for a celebratory night.
- East Nashville: Across the river from the stadium for inventive menus, coffee roasters and relaxed neighborhood feel.
- Race week tip: Reserve Friday and Saturday dinners in the core districts - prime tables go fast on festival weekends.
Active outdoors between sessions
- John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge: Iconic skyline walk linking downtown and the stadium side - perfect at sunset.
- Riverfront run or ride: Flat paths on both banks of the Cumberland for easy miles before gates open.
- Kayak the Cumberland: Guided downtown paddles launch near the East Bank for a different angle on the skyline. Morning slots are calmest.
- Shelby Bottoms Greenway: Shaded riverside trails and boardwalks a few minutes east of the bridge.
- Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: Lawn promenades, farmers market next door and capitol views for a gentle stroll.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Franklin and Leiper’s Fork - 30 to 45 minutes. Civil War sites, Main Street boutiques and back road cafés. Add Natchez Trace Parkway overlooks.
- The Hermitage - 20 to 30 minutes. Mansion, grounds and history museum in a leafy setting.
- Jack Daniel’s Distillery - Lynchburg - 1.5 to 2 hours. Classic Tennessee whiskey tour and a small town square for lunch.
- Mammoth Cave National Park - About 1.5 to 2 hours. Choose a family friendly cave tour and pair with Green River trails.
- Cummins Falls or Burgess Falls State Parks - 1.25 to 1.75 hours. Waterfall viewpoints and short hikes. Check trail and flow advisories in summer.
- Radnor Lake State Park - 25 to 35 minutes. Wildlife rich loop trails under tall trees for a cool morning reset.
Times are approximate and can rise on headline weekends. Distilleries, caves and some parks use timed tickets or have last entry cutoffs - check before you go.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Summer race weeks often bring concerts and fan zones across the riverfront. Hotels in downtown, Germantown and East Nashville fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Hot afternoons and humid evenings are common. Pack sunscreen, a hat, a light rain layer for pop up showers and comfortable shoes for long days on pavement and riverfront boardwalks.
Practical notes during race weeks
- Access changes: Sections of the pedestrian bridge, riverwalks and East Bank streets may be fenced or rerouted. Follow the event map for gate locations and bridge crossings.
- Construction watch: East Bank redevelopment and stadium projects can shift walking routes and viewing points. Allow extra time when moving between districts.
- Timed entries: Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman tours, popular museums and some river activities use dated or timed tickets - book ahead for peak afternoons.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, refillable water bottles and a small seat pad for temporary bleachers or lawn viewing areas.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, construction and event week operations can change - check official sites for your exact dates.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location:
Downtown Nashville, USA
Track Info
Nashville Street Circuit - Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Temporary street course around Nissan Stadium and downtown - clockwise - famous bridge run over the Cumberland River
When was the track built?
It is a temporary circuit assembled on city streets linking the Nashville Fairgrounds-side of the river to downtown via the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge. The 2021-2023 layout looped around Nissan Stadium and crossed the bridge in both directions; a revised 2.17 mile, 7 turn downtown-focused route was proposed for 2024 to keep the bridge while shifting more action into the city core.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race was the 2021 Music City Grand Prix, establishing Nashville’s street race on the IndyCar calendar and drawing huge crowds to the riverfront.
What's the circuit like?
- Bridge flat-out: Long full-throttle runs over the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge bookend each lap and create big drafting effects into heavy braking.
- Heavy stops and hairpins: The stadium-side complexes reward patience on entry and traction on exit - mistakes compound fast on the concrete.
- Best passing zones: Track designer notes highlighted Turns 1, 2 and 7 as the prime overtaking spots on the original 11 turn layout.
- Street-surface quirks: Crowned roads, paint lines and bumps mean grip builds rapidly through the weekend as rubber goes down.
- Benchmark pace: IndyCar race lap record 1:15.7491 - qualifying poles typically landed in the low 1:14s to high 1:13s.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- IndyCar (race lap): 1:15.7491 - Scott McLaughlin, 2022 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.
- Indy NXT (race lap): 1:20.8265 - Hunter McElrea, 2023.
- GT America GT3 (race lap): 1:28.883 - Jason Daskalos, 2023.
- Trans Am TA2 (race lap): 1:31.350 - Connor Zilisch, 2023.
- Toyota GR Cup (race lap): 1:43.082 - Tyler González, 2023.
Why go?
A dramatic river-crossing street race with skyline views, festival vibes and multiple heavy-braking passes per lap. The bridge shots are postcard-perfect and the downtown setting means food, music and nightlife are steps from the grandstands.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Turn 1 complex: Starts, restarts and bold out-braking after the long bridge run.
- Turn 7 hairpin: Classic divebomb zone leading back toward the stadium side.
- Bridge approaches: Feel top speed and slipstream trains before big stops at each end.
- Stadium-side complexes: Tight sequences where precision and traction decide exits back onto the bridge.
Not just IndyCar: support series in Nashville
SRO GT America/GT4 & GT2: Thundering GT sprints showcase big braking into the stadium hairpins.
Trans Am TA2: Muscle cars trade elbows through the concrete canyons with huge crowds.
Toyota GR Cup & ladder series: One-make action adds depth to the program with packed grids.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Nashville Street Circuit - Downtown around Nissan Stadium
Best options are the WeGo Star train to Riverfront Station when special Grand Prix service runs, WeGo buses into downtown then walk across the bridges, rideshare to Nissan Stadium's official zones, and downtown garages like Music City Center. Expect multi day road closures on Korean Veterans Blvd and streets around Nissan Stadium during race week.
Public transport - rail and bus
- WeGo Star special trains: On selected race days WeGo operates a special event train from Lebanon to Riverfront Station downtown. Buy tickets in advance and walk across the bridges to Nissan Stadium. Service is event specific - check announcements.
- Regular WeGo buses: Many routes serve downtown and SoBro near Riverfront Station and Broadway. Watch for temporary detours near the circuit footprint during race week.
Rideshare and taxis - simplest door to gate
- Official zones: Use Interstate Drive or S 2nd St at Crutcher St for Uber - Lyft - taxis, then follow the signed pedestrian routes to your printed gate.
- Post race tip: Walk a few blocks toward downtown via the Pedestrian Bridge or Woodland St before requesting to shorten wait times.
Driving and parking - use downtown garages
- Downtown parking: The Music City Center Garage has 1,800 spaces and multiple entrances on 6th - 7th - Demonbreun. Other public garages downtown are a short walk to the bridges.
- Road closures: During race week, streets including Korean Veterans Blvd and segments around 1st - 4th Ave near the stadium close on set dates - allow extra time and follow signed detours.
Walking from stations - garages - downtown
- From Riverfront Station: You are beside the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Cross directly to Nissan Stadium and the circuit perimeter.
- Preferred bridges: Nissan Stadium advises using Woodland St Bridge to avoid Pedestrian Bridge congestion. The Korean Veterans Blvd Bridge also has sidewalks.
Accessibility - pick up zones and routes
- Accessible routes: Use the signed sidewalks on Woodland St and KVB bridges for step free access, and the stadium's official rideshare zones if you require a closer drop.
Airports and long distance travel
- Nashville International Airport BNA → downtown: approximately 8 - 9 miles to downtown Nashville. WeGo Route 18 runs between the airport and downtown if you prefer bus plus walk to the bridges.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- WeGo Star arrivals at Riverfront: cross the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge for the most direct walk to Nissan Stadium gates.
- Rideshare users: set to Interstate Dr or S 2nd St at Crutcher St - these are the official zones.
- Drivers - garages: park at Music City Center Garage or other downtown garages, then walk via the Pedestrian or Woodland bridges.
Note: In recent seasons the Music City Grand Prix has run at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon on certain dates. If your race is listed at the Superspeedway, follow that event s parking - shuttle - rideshare instructions instead of this downtown guide.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Nashville Street Circuit - Music City Grand Prix area (Downtown - East Bank, Tennessee, USA)
Whether you are here for an INDYCAR festival weekend or other special motorsport events, the former street course zone wraps the Cumberland River, Nissan Stadium and the downtown core - perfect for family attractions, live music, riverfront walks and easy day trips on non race days.
Family friendly highlights within a short walk or ride
- Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum: Big crowd pleaser with hands on galleries for kids in the education center. Easy pair with the Walk of Fame Park outside.
- Ryman Auditorium tour: Historic Mother Church of Country Music with an engaging self guided route and photo spots on stage.
- Johnny Cash Museum and Patsy Cline Museum: Compact, memorabilia rich stops that suit mixed age groups.
- Cumberland Park: Riverfront lawns, climbing features and a seasonal splash zone below the pedestrian bridge.
- Adventure Science Center: Hands on science, a planetarium and skyline views from the hilltop.
- Nashville Zoo at Grassmere: Boardwalks, a historic house and award winning habitats - a solid half day if you have extra time.
- Nissan Stadium tours: When available, behind the scenes routes fit neatly between morning practice and dinner.
Popular museums and tours often use timed tickets on summer weekends - book earlier slots if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Frist Art Museum: Art Deco landmark with rotating exhibitions and a strong kids studio area.
- National Museum of African American Music: Interactive galleries right off Broadway - excellent for music lovers.
- Printer’s Alley and the Arcade: Historic downtown passages for quick photo stops and cafés when a shower passes.
- Tennessee State Museum: Free admission, broad state history and an easy loop with the capitol grounds.
- Goo Goo Chocolate Co.: Make your own cluster classes and tasting bar - a sweet hour indoors for families.
Eat and drink like a local
- Lower Broadway - SoBro: Honky tonk verandas for live music with kid friendly daytime vibes. Assembly Food Hall is a handy all in one option for groups.
- Germantown: Tree lined streets with brunch, bakeries and patios - great after a morning museum loop.
- The Gulch: Stylish cafés, rooftops and dessert bars for a celebratory night.
- East Nashville: Across the river from the stadium for inventive menus, coffee roasters and relaxed neighborhood feel.
- Race week tip: Reserve Friday and Saturday dinners in the core districts - prime tables go fast on festival weekends.
Active outdoors between sessions
- John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge: Iconic skyline walk linking downtown and the stadium side - perfect at sunset.
- Riverfront run or ride: Flat paths on both banks of the Cumberland for easy miles before gates open.
- Kayak the Cumberland: Guided downtown paddles launch near the East Bank for a different angle on the skyline. Morning slots are calmest.
- Shelby Bottoms Greenway: Shaded riverside trails and boardwalks a few minutes east of the bridge.
- Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: Lawn promenades, farmers market next door and capitol views for a gentle stroll.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Franklin and Leiper’s Fork - 30 to 45 minutes. Civil War sites, Main Street boutiques and back road cafés. Add Natchez Trace Parkway overlooks.
- The Hermitage - 20 to 30 minutes. Mansion, grounds and history museum in a leafy setting.
- Jack Daniel’s Distillery - Lynchburg - 1.5 to 2 hours. Classic Tennessee whiskey tour and a small town square for lunch.
- Mammoth Cave National Park - About 1.5 to 2 hours. Choose a family friendly cave tour and pair with Green River trails.
- Cummins Falls or Burgess Falls State Parks - 1.25 to 1.75 hours. Waterfall viewpoints and short hikes. Check trail and flow advisories in summer.
- Radnor Lake State Park - 25 to 35 minutes. Wildlife rich loop trails under tall trees for a cool morning reset.
Times are approximate and can rise on headline weekends. Distilleries, caves and some parks use timed tickets or have last entry cutoffs - check before you go.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Summer race weeks often bring concerts and fan zones across the riverfront. Hotels in downtown, Germantown and East Nashville fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Hot afternoons and humid evenings are common. Pack sunscreen, a hat, a light rain layer for pop up showers and comfortable shoes for long days on pavement and riverfront boardwalks.
Practical notes during race weeks
- Access changes: Sections of the pedestrian bridge, riverwalks and East Bank streets may be fenced or rerouted. Follow the event map for gate locations and bridge crossings.
- Construction watch: East Bank redevelopment and stadium projects can shift walking routes and viewing points. Allow extra time when moving between districts.
- Timed entries: Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman tours, popular museums and some river activities use dated or timed tickets - book ahead for peak afternoons.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, refillable water bottles and a small seat pad for temporary bleachers or lawn viewing areas.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, construction and event week operations can change - check official sites for your exact dates.