NASHVILLE, Tenn. – One of the busiest weeks of the year in downtown Nashville is officially underway, as the countdown to the CMA Music Festival is on.
The event continues to grow and bring more fans and dollars to Music City each year. Last year, the event averaged about 80,000 visitors a day, and CMA officials expect that number will be bigger this year.
In years past, the event has brought in more than $30 million in direct spending to the local economy.
Organizers said this year 500 artists will perform on 11 stages throughout the event.
“Tickets for this year’s show have been sold out since earlier in the year, and before we even booked a guest for a show at LP Field,” said Sarah Trahern with the Country Music Association. “Every year our staff strives to see what we can do to make the next year bigger and fresher.”
For business owners like Brenda Sanderson at Legends Corner, it’s the busiest week of the year.
“Our tip jars are full, our cash registers are full, and we are exhausted, but it’s a terrific time,” said Sanderson.
Outside of Legends Corner stages are being built along Broadway for performers. Fans are already starting to fill the streets. Some said they come back year after year.
“You never know who you will run into,” said Christi Killebrew, who is visiting from Kentucky. “It’s a bunch of fun.”
Events continue Tuesday with CMA World Globalive, and the 5th Annual "Music City Gives Back" Benefit Concert. The CMT Awards will follow on Wednesday night. Then CMA Music Festival officially starts Thursday and continues through Sunday.
