CMA Fest weather delays: What causes them and what to know amid Nashville storms
Amid a severe weather risk, Nashville's CMA Fest continues — albeit with some setbacks. The festival kicked off on June 6 with delayed outdoor performances and fans were encouraged to keep the party going inside Music City Center at Fan Fair X.
Inside Fan Fair X, many cowboy boot-wearing, denim clad fans were passing the time by grabbing a bite to eat from one of the multiple vendors, playing corn hole or just lounging by one of the many exhibits.
Beth and Dusty Butler, a married couple from Utah, were waiting indoors after a performance from Kelsey Hart — the artist they were most eager to see — was postponed. The couple, attending CMA Fest for the first time, are excited to see the evening performances at Nissan Stadium, especially Blake Shelton, and hope the weather won't disrupt their experience again, they said.
"It's been fun so far, hopefully the lightening will let up," said Dusty Butler. "We can live with the rain."
Due to storms, all outdoor daytime stages and nighttime performances at the Hard Rock Stage were suspended for the remainder the day, festival organizers announced on social media. Attendees were advised to take shelter or head to Fan Fair X.
With more severe weather expected during the evening hours, the gates at Nissan Stadium and Ascend Amphitheater are scheduled to open at least 90 minutes later than originally anticipated.
A tornado watch is in effect for parts of Middle Tennessee until 8 p.m.
Weather is closely monitored during the four-day festival. According to a social media post from the Country Music Association, a team tracks any lightning activity within an 8-mile radius of the event.
Whenever a strike happens, events are paused for 30 minutes.
When severe weather strikes, guests are encouraged to immediately follow the instructions provided on-site and seek the shelter at the following locations. If you are unable to get to one of these safe shelters, proceed to the nearest business for cover.
Music City Center Garage, Sixth Avenue between Demonbreun and Korean Veterans Boulevard
Music City Center, 201 Rep. John Lewis Way (10:00 a.m. to 5:30 PM)
Hilton Hotel Underground Parking Garage, 121 Fourth Avenue S.
222 Garage, 222 First Avenue S.
Festival organizers recommend downloading the CMA Fest app to get up to date notifications due to weather.
At Nissan Stadium and Ascend Amphitheater, follow the instructions provided in the venue.
Per Nissan Stadium usual weather policy: Umbrellas are not allowed inside, but rain ponchos are allowed in and will be available to purchase in the stadium. Blankets, jackets and coats are allowed into the stadium.
When it comes to inclement weather, follow the directions of stadium staff and pay attention to the screens around the stadium. They will direct fans to covered or interior shelter areas if necessary.
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: CMA Fest weather policy: What causes delays amid Nashville storms
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