With the inaugural Music City Sports Festival just two weeks away, the roster of celebrity guests keeps growing—with national champions, Hall of Famers, head coaches, super agents, and local legends all on board to launch a new chapter in Nashville sports history. Hosted by Sports Night host George Plaster, Willy Daunic and Darren McFarland and radio veteran Chris Kulick and presented by Delta Dental of Tennessee, the Music City Sports Festival is a celebration of sports history and the influence of sports on our culture, our economy, and our identity here in Middle Tennessee.
The latest entry into the Ascend Federal Credit Union Speaker Series roster is retired Atlanta Braves superstar Chipper Jones. Jones will have his number retired by the Braves in late June and is considered a surefire first ballot Hall of Famer.
Coming to the brand new Music City Center on May 31 and June 1, 2013, the first-ever Music City Sports Festival is an opportunity for fans and families to get up close and personal with some of the most influential figures in professional and college athletics in the mid-south region over the past several decades. From pro hockey to college basketball, from the NFL to the SEC, from the front office to the broadcast booth, this two-day event is jam-packed with behind-the-scenes insights and middle-of-the-action experiences that are sure to thrill sports enthusiasts of all ages.
Featured guests and events include:
Delta Dental of Tennessee is excited to host the inaugural 5K run on a certified course, taking place June 1 at 7:00 a.m. The first 500 entrants will receive a free Hatch print.
• Braves Superstar Chipper Jones – Sponsored by the Major League Bow Hunters
The National League MVP in 1999, Jones racked up more than 400 career home runs in 19 seasons with the Atlanta Braves. Jones’s panel begins midday on Saturday, June 1.
• MTSU Head Football Coach Rick Stockstill, Men’s Basketball Coach Kermit Davis, Women’s Basketball Coach Rick Insell & Athletic Director Chris Massaro
The most powerful names in Blue Raiders athletics come together for a panel hosted by MTSU play-by-play announcer Chip Walters.
• Vanderbilt Football Head Coach James Franklin
Returning for this third season this year, Coach Franklin led Vanderbilt to nine wins last season, the most since 1915, and back-to-back bowls in his first two years.
• Alabama Defensive Coordinator Kirby Smart
In five seasons with the Crimson Tide, Coach Smart has helped lead the team to three national titles and was named the 2012 "Assistant Coach of the Year."
• Derek Anderson, Star of the NBA & U.K. 1996 National Championship Team
Author of the new autobiography Stamina, Anderson gives an insider’s view of college basketball and the NBA—and also what it takes to make a difference in the world. With a special surprise guest from the 1996 National Championship team.
• NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz
A former Cincinnati Bengal, Muñoz was ranked #12 on the NFL Network’s Greatest Players of all time and is generally considered the best offensive lineman in history.
• Power Agent Jimmy Sexton
Often called the most powerful agent in college sports, Sexton represents Nick Saban, Steve Spurrier, Tim Tebow, and more.
• University of Florida Head Women’s Soccer Coach Becky Burleigh
On her way to a national championship and several SEC titles, Burleigh coached U.S. national team stars Abby Wambach and Heather Mills.
• Youth Sports Clinics
Baptist Sports Medicine is proud to sponsor competitive clinics in football, hockey, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, and martial arts.
• Nashville Predators Street Hockey Clinic
Pre-registration is required to attend this event for boys and girls ages 7 to 13. Visit http://www.nashvillepredators.com/streethockeyclinic.
• 1v1 Soccer Tournament
SuperSkillsUSA.com presents a one-on-one soccer tournament for boys and girls ages 7 to 15. Limited spots are available so register online at http://www.1v1ussf.com.
• Olympic-style Games
Don’t miss 12 games designed for competitors of all ages, ranging from soccer to hockey to miniature golf.
• Youth Sports & Concussions Seminar hosted by Dr. Jason Hubbard and Baptist Sports Medicine
Dr. Jason Hubbard, a neurosurgeon with the Howell Allen Clinic and the concussion expert for Baptist Sports Medicine Baptist, hosts this seminar designed to help parents recognize the warning signs of concussions and better understand how to prevent and treat these injuries.
Tickets are just $5 online at http://www.musiccitysportsfestival.com.
