Tennessee Titans game days are some of Nashville's best days. The city buzzes, Broadway fills up, and there's genuine energy in the streets around Nissan Stadium long before kickoff. The question is how to spend the hours beforehand without ending up crammed into a generic bar waiting 45 minutes for a beer.
This guide covers the best things to do in the 2–3 hours before a Titans game, anchored by a stop at Nashville Barrel Company Downtown at 425 Church Street — an award-winning distillery tasting room that's a 10-minute walk from the stadium and one of the best pre-game experiences in the city.
Start Here: Nashville Barrel Company at 425 Church Street
If you do one thing before a Titans game, make it a whiskey tasting at NBC Downtown. The tasting room is located at 425 Church Street, steps from the Ryman Auditorium and less than a mile from Nissan Stadium. Walk-in tastings are always welcome — no reservation, no fuss. Just show up.
NBC has won Best in Class at the world's largest spirits competition and was named Tennessee Blender of the Year. The bottles you taste here aren't grocery store bourbon — they're single barrel picks and small-batch releases that you can actually buy and take home. It's the kind of place that feels like a local secret even though it's right in the middle of downtown.
The entry-level tasting and the most popular on game day. You get a guided flight of NBC's award-winning whiskeys poured straight from the barrel — bourbons, ryes, and seasonal releases depending on what's open. $35 per person. Takes about 30–45 minutes, which fits perfectly into pre-game timing. The team is used to game day crowds and will get you in and out without rushing you.
If you want to go deeper — or you're coming with a crew that appreciates the finer things — the Premium Tasting gives you a more curated flight of NBC's top-shelf releases with fuller tasting notes and context. $50 per person. Great for groups of 4–10 who want to make the pre-game feel like an event in itself. Book ahead for groups to guarantee your time slot.
If you're making a full afternoon of it before an evening kickoff, the Blend Your Own Whiskey ($200, includes a bottle) and Single Barrel Pick Experience ($150, includes a bottle) are two of the best things to do in Nashville full stop — game day or not. You leave with a custom-labeled bottle of something you actually selected or blended yourself. Book these in advance; they fill up on game weekends.
Nashville Barrel Company Downtown
425 Church Street · Steps from the Ryman · 10-min walk to Nissan Stadium · Walk-ins always welcome
See All Experiences → Get DirectionsThe Full Game Day Plan
Here's how to piece together the perfect pre-Titans afternoon assuming a 3:25pm or 7:20pm kickoff:
Walk in for a flight, or book a Premium Tasting if you're with a group. Get your palate warmed up and pick up a bottle from the shop to bring back to your crew.
Broadway is less than five minutes from NBC. Hit Acme Feed & Seed for rooftop views, Tin Roof for a classic Nashville bar vibe, or Jason Aldean's if you want the full tourist experience. Most places have TVs showing pregame coverage and move quickly on game day.
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge connects downtown to East Nashville and gives you a straight shot toward Nissan Stadium with one of the best views of the Nashville skyline you'll find. Most fans walk this route to the game — it's flat, easy, and about 15 minutes door to gate.
Nissan Stadium is on the east bank of the Cumberland River. Gates typically open 2 hours before kickoff. Tailgating in the lots around the stadium is a full culture — if you're doing that, factor it into your timeline and plan NBC earlier in the afternoon.
The best Titans game days start at a bar or tasting room you'll actually want to come back to. NBC is that place.
Practical Info for Game Day
- Parking near NBC: Street parking on Church Street and surrounding blocks, plus several garages within 2–3 blocks. On game day, lots near the stadium fill up early — park near NBC and walk.
- Walk to the stadium: 425 Church Street to Nissan Stadium is about 0.8 miles — roughly a 15-minute walk through downtown and across the Pedestrian Bridge.
- NBC hours on game day: The tasting room is open during regular business hours. Check nashvillebarrelco.com/visit for current hours before you come.
- Groups of 10+: Book ahead. Game weekends fill up. NBC handles private group bookings for any size — email or call to reserve your time.
- What to buy: Pick up a bottle from the NBC shop to bring to a post-game watch party or give as a gift. Single barrel releases make great game day souvenirs.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft drop-off is straightforward on Church Street. Post-game pickup near the stadium is slower — walk back to the Church Street area for a faster pickup.
Why NBC Works for Game Day
Most pre-game spots near Nissan Stadium are packed, loud, and moving people through as fast as possible. NBC is the opposite — it's a proper tasting room with knowledgeable staff, award-winning whiskey, and enough space to actually have a conversation. It's the kind of place where you'll remember the pre-game as much as the game itself.
And because it's on Church Street rather than right on Broadway, you avoid the worst of the Broadway crush while still being walking distance from everything you need.
Ready to Make a Day of It?
Book your experience at Nashville Barrel Company before the next Titans home game. Walk-in flights available every day — no reservation needed.
Book an Experience →