Total Eclipse 2017 In Tennessee: Nashville Viewing Party At First Tennessee Park

NASHVILLE, TN — The Nashville Sounds, Metro Nashville and the Adventure Science Center will host a total solar eclipse viewing part at the Sounds' First Tennessee Park August 21.

For the first time in 99 years, a solar eclipse will be viewable coast-to-coast. Middle Tennessee is one of the best viewing spots in the country and Nashville is the largest city in the path of totality, making the area one of the top destinations for skywatchers and astronomers. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Middle Tennessee Patch morning newsletter.)

The event will include music from the Nashville Symphony, science demonstrations with hands-on activities from the Adventure Science Center, total solar eclipse viewing. The Sounds will play the Iowa Cubs at 4:05 p.m.

Gates to First Tennessee Park will open at 10:30 a.m. Mayor Megan Barry will welcome the crowd at 11, with astronomy demonstrations and audience participation. Everybody in attendance will receive special solar glasses that will allow for safe viewing of the eclipse. Seating for the viewing party will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

The beginning of the eclipse will occur at 11:58 a.m. with totality at 1:29 p.m. At 1:25, the ballpark lights will be turned off in preparation for totality. The start of totality will begin at 1:27 and will last nearly two minutes.
Following the viewing party, the ballpark will be cleared at 2:00 and re-opened at 3:00 for the Nashville Sounds game. Mayor Barry will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at 3:50 prior to the Sounds taking on the Cubs at 4:05.

Tickets to the viewing party and the Sounds game are on sale now at the Nashville Sounds ticket office and on the Nashville Sounds website.

Can't make it to the balllpark? See times and totality length.

Image via Shutterstock