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March Madness Continues in Music City Courtesy of the Always Thrilling SEC Men's Basketball Tournament
Once again, over 100,000 college basketball fans from all over the region flocked to Nashville for the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament held at the Bridgestone Arena from March 12 through 16, 2025. We spent a little time in the city on Friday afternoon to take in the festivities and can report that the March Madness continues to bring a wide range of impacts on the downtown - including an influx in traffic congestion and increased economic activity at Broadway's honky-tonks.
Once again the Bridgestone Arena was a world-class host for the SEC Tournament. On Sunday afternoon, all hope was dashed for the local boys from the University of Tennessee of taking home the top prize when their rivals from Florida soundly dismantled their dreams in a 86-77 routing of the orange clad Volunteers. Still, the NCAA selection later in the day revealed that these two squads could potentially meet up again for a fourth time this season in a rematch during The Big Dance.
It was easy to get lost in The Woods at Walk of Fame Park. In Music City - as you might expect - the action on the court wasn't necessarily the only draw for fans. Nashville stepped up as they always do to provide the world-class fun in the form of a Party in the Park hosted by the Music City Walk of Fame Park. Rep. John Lewis Way was blocked off in front of the arena to allow for a large video screen where fans could watch the Tournament games. Other attractions included a DJ, live music performances, food trucks, games and a deep dive into bracketology that was being monitored game by game by fans and SEC officials.
The was a four day party in the park and on Broadway in Nashville in 2025. Of the live bands in the park, we were excited to see Runaway June on the marquee. But, we were most wildly impressed by East Nashville's own The Woods who were echoing across the landscape with a modern sound that featured soaring vocals, dueling guitars and a vibe that takes you back to the music & bands of the 70's. Our hats are off to Dan O'Rourke, Raquel Cole and Leland Rooney for providing a powerful set that was something new and nostalgic all at once.
The tale of the tape would eventually crown the Florida Gators as 2025 SEC Champs. The bars on Broadway were all getting in on the act, too. At Jon Bon Jovi's place - who was experiencing its first go round with the SEC - the tournament logo temporarily replaced the three dimensional hologram of its namesake that usually greets patrons at the door. But, that disappointment was made up for by the energetic round of music presented by the female firecracker Ariana Oldaker from Akron, Ohio who was keeping the rooftop crowd entertained with her takes on Joan Jett, Fleetwood Mac, Pat Benatar and many others. If you missed out on the Tourny time this year the hard floor hopefuls are set to return every year through 2030 with an extension through 2035 still on the table. Hold on, Nashville - we could be in for another full decade of March Madness in the Music City!!!
Ariana Oldaker put her love of rock and roll on display at JBJ's. Related Links: For more information on SEC TOURNAMENT and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - SEC Sports | Bridgestone Arena | The Woods | Ariana Oldaker
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