NASHVILLE – The 2019 Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th presented by Dr Pepper generated a record $14.2 million in direct visitor spending, a 31 percent increase over last year’s record of $10.8 million, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp announced today. Additionally, a record 26,259 hotel rooms were sold on July 4, the most ever for a July 4 in Nashville.
As previously announced, a record 343,000 attendees were estimated by police and event officials. The previous record was 284,000 in 2014.
“This event is designed to be an international and national draw, but we get the greatest satisfaction knowing that so many locals come out to enjoy this free world-class event too,” said Butch Spyridon, President and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “To set records across the board is a phenomenal feat, especially when you consider the holiday fell on a Thursday – just wait until next year when July 4th is on a Saturday!”
Of the estimated 343,000 in attendance, approximately 270,000 were Nashvillians, many of whom came out to view the world-class fireworks show. Events are an important part of the NCVC’s tourism strategy. They add to the quality of life of locals by offering free and fun things to do in their own backyard. The economic activity generated by major events uplift the Nashville economy throughout the year.
The 2019 event featured multi-platinum chart-topper Brett Eldredge as headliner, along with GRAMMY-nominated neo-soul/rock artist Jessy Wilson and Mac McAnally, a record breaking 10-time CMA Musician of the Year. The GRAMMY-winning Nashville Symphony performed patriotic music synchronized to one of the largest fireworks shows in the country. July 3 festivities took place as part of “Start With a Kick & End With a Bang” in conjunction with the Gold Cup semifinal soccer match and featured headliner Alejandro Aranda performing as Scarypoolparty.
Highlights from the NCVC survey of daytime visitors include the following:
· Hotels remain the top selection for visitor accommodations at 68 percent with home rentals as the second choice at 15 percent.
· Of the daytime surveys collected, 80 percent were visitors and 20 percent were locals.
· There were 60,000 to 65,000 estimated overnight visitors.
· Of those surveyed, 67 percent were first-time attendees.
· On a scale of 1 to 10, respondents scored 9.3 when asked if they were likely to recommend the event to others for next year.
· Average length of stay was 3.5 nights, and average party size was 3.7 people.
· Top ten states visitors traveled from were New York, Illinois, Florida, Texas, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
· International markets included Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, Belgium, France, Italy, Norway, Germany, Guatemala, Poland, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Spain and Thailand.
Let Freedom Sing! was recently listed by Town and Country as one of the “Best Fourth of July Fireworks Displays Around the U.S.” and by Travel + Leisure as one of the “Best Free 4th of July Fireworks Across the U.S.”
In a new partnership, CMT aired a 90-minute live special on July 4 that included performances from Eldredge, highlights from Let Freedom Sing! and concluded with the acclaimed fireworks show. Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th is produced by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp for the city of Nashville. This was the 15th annual celebration produced by the NCVC and the 35th in the city.
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th was presented by Dr Pepper and partners included Advance Financial, Anderson Benson Insurance, Kroger, General Jackson Showboat, Green Giant®, Navy Federal Credit Union, Peg Leg Porker, SoundWaves, Topgolf Nashville, Tennessee Highway Safety Office: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk, Nashville International Airport, “The Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee,” WSIX-FM – The BIG 98, NASH FM 103.3, 95.5 NASH ICON, Jack Daniel’s, and Budweiser.
The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
The mission of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp is to maximize the economic contribution of the convention and tourism industry to the community by developing and marketing Nashville as a premier destination. Visit the NCVC’s website at www.visitmusiccity.com and follow us on social media: