Your Guide to Nashville During the 2026 AU Pro Basketball Season
Tipoff for Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball Season 5 is right around the corner, but beyond the on-court action slated for Nashville Municipal Auditorium, the city has plenty to offer fans making the trip to watch games. Whether you’re coming from across the state or across the country, Nashville is ready to deliver an unforgettable experience both inside and outside the arena. This season, AU Pro Basketball fans can take advantage of a special hotel deal with Marriott to make the trip even easier.
Between games, you can explore Nashville’s legendary music scene, Southern food culture, and vibrant neighborhoods that make Music City one of the country’s most exciting destinations.
Here’s your guide to making the most of your trip to Nashville for AU Pro Basketball.
Where to Stay | Watch More Women’s Basketball | Eat & Drink Like a Local
Where to Stay
TownePlace Suites Nashville Downtown/Capitol District Located directly across the street from Nashville Municipal Auditorium, this hotel sits between the city’s vibrant downtown district and The Gulch. The location is close to Music City Center and moments from many must-see attractions. AU Pro Basketball fans can receive 20% off their stay at this location, making it the perfect home base for your trip to Music City.
Watch More Women’s Basketball
Chapstick Nashville: Part of AU’s Women’s Sports Bar Alliance, Chapstick hosts 39 TVs and a video wall—more TVs per square foot than any bar in Nashville. The bar shows as many different sports as possible throughout the week and features signature beers in an atmosphere designed for everyone. Don’t miss Chappy Hour on Mondays from 2-6 p.m. for half-off beers and wells.
Vanderbilt Commodores: Vanderbilt plays home games at the historic Memorial Gymnasium on campus. Catch the Commodores when AU isn’t in action: February 9 vs. Oklahoma, February 12 vs. Texas, and February 22 vs. Kentucky.
Belmont Bruins: Belmont plays home games at the Curb Event Center. Watch the Bruins on Sunday, February 15, vs. Valparaiso, and Saturday, February 28, vs. Indiana State.
Tennessee State Lady Tigers: Tennessee State plays home games at the Gentry Center. Catch games on Thursday, February 5, vs. Eastern Illinois and Thursday, February 19, vs. Lindenwood.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders: Middle Tennessee plays home games at Alumni Memorial Gym. Stop by for a game on Thursday, February 12 vs. Jax State.
Lipscomb Bison: Lipscomb hosts games at Allen Arena, and you can catch some senior night action in the squad’s final home game of the regular season Friday, February 27 vs. Austin Peay.
Eat & Drink Like a Local
Some of Nashville’s best food recommendations come straight from the source—Nashville native and AU Pro Basketball participant Dorie Harrison. Here are some of her favorites, along with other local standouts.
Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria: A fast-casual artisan pizza shop with a love for hip-hop and R&B culture. The spot features locally sourced ingredients and local craft brews in a vibrant atmosphere.
Martin’s BBQ: Stop by for delicious BBQ lunch or dinner at the downtown Nashville location. Enjoy the beer garden, games, and live music alongside classic Tennessee barbecue.
Swett’s Restaurant: A hidden gem serving up the best Southern soul food and desserts in Nashville. This local institution has been a favorite for authentic home-style cooking for decades.
Edley’s Bar-B-Que: Winner of Best in Bar-B-Que in the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2022, and 2023 Nashville Scene Readers’ Poll. Edley’s is home to Nashville’s best BBQ and a tribute to all things Southern, with dine-in, takeout, and catering options.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: Nashville born, nationally loved. Hattie B’s serves authentic Nashville hot chicken and has been a staple since 2012. Nashville is synonymous with hot chicken, and Hattie B’s delivers a true taste at this family-run concept.
Margot Café & Bar: A French-inspired restaurant with Southern influences located in Five Points in East Nashville. The menu changes daily and focuses on locally sourced products and seasonal ingredients. The building dates back to the 1930s and was originally a service station before transforming into a cozy neighborhood gathering place with a covered brick patio and flower-filled gardens.
Five Points Pizza: Located in both East and West Nashville, Five Points Pizza offers New York-style pies alongside excellent craft beers and wines in comfortable neighborhood settings.
Mitchell Delicatessen: Nashville’s finest deli specializes in fresh artisan sandwiches using the highest quality ingredients with a focus on natural, locally sourced products. The full-service delicatessen has been an East Nashville staple since 2008.
Frothy Monkey: Nashville’s favorite local coffee shop and café features fresh coffee roasted to order by Frothy Monkey Coffee Roasters. The locations are full of delicious baked items from the artisans at BAKERY by Frothy Monkey.
The Stillery: Located steps from Broadway in downtown Nashville, The Stillery combines contemporary food with the city’s lively energy. The restaurant and bar celebrate life with outstanding food, creative cocktails inspired by Tennessee traditions, and the rhythm of live music.
Assembly Food Hall: Nashville’s ultimate food hall destination features rooftop views, craft cocktails, and world-class food. You’ll find chef-curated menus inspired by exotic and local cultures, unforgettable rooftop views, and soaring live music.
All’Antico Vinaio: The legendary Florentine sandwich shop brings its exceptional ingredients and freshly baked Tuscan schiacciata bread to Nashville. Considered by Saveur magazine as “home of the world’s best sandwiches,” this is the first American outpost of the family-run concept that’s been drawing crowds in Florence since 1991.
Olle Korean Eats: Discover authentic Korean flavors in the heart of Nashville. Olle Korean Eats is more than just a restaurant—it’s your home for genuine Korean cuisine with dishes made from traditional recipes.
BoomBozz Pizza & Taphouse: Dive into gourmet pizzas made from the finest ingredients, mouth-watering wings, savory sandwiches, fresh salads, and delicious pastas. Don’t miss signature pizzas like Tony’s Supremo and the award-winning Fire Roasted Chicken.
Bastion: (Special Occasion) This Michelin-starred restaurant in Wedgewood-Houston features two sides: a casual cocktail bar open to the public and a 24-seat reservation-only restaurant. The set multi-course dinner features a wide variety of ingredients and flavors, with menus determined by chefs each week based on their inspirations.
The Catbird Seat: (Special Occasion) A One-Star restaurant in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide USA. The meal is built around stimulating small bites that may include elegant takes on classics like a deboned, stuffed chicken wing dressed with sauce Perigord, or crisped lamb neck set atop creamy Carolina Gold rice.
Locust: (Special Occasion) Ultra-fresh global seafood takes center stage at this Michelin-starred 12 South spot from noma alum Trevor Moran. Named Eater Nashville’s Best New Restaurant of 2021, expect playful, ever-changing dishes like Nashville hot chicken-style swordfish and caviar-studded crab omelette in a compact space with an energetic playlist and laid-back vibe.
Enter to Win a Trip to Nashville
AU Pro Basketball Flyaway Sweepstakes
Enter to win a trip for two to the AU Pro Basketball Championship in Nashville. The grand prize includes two tickets to the Championship game on March 1, 2026, a $1,000 travel gift card, and two-night hotel accommodations at Dream Nashville by Hyatt (February 28 – March 2, 2026). Winners also receive a Nashville Attractions Pass good for two people to experience over 25 area attractions, plus other prizes curated by The Chapstick Sports Bar Nashville, Visit Music City, and AU Pro Basketball.
Sweepstakes end January 31, 2026.
AU Pro Basketball returns to Nashville, Tennessee, with elite talent and electrifying energy, for its fifth championship season on February 4, 2026, at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. Tickets for the upcoming season are available now.
Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.
