MercyMe Leads a Faith-Filled Night at Bridgestone Arena
Few songs have traveled as far from a single chorus as MercyMe's “I Can Only Imagine,” and on Sunday, October 18, the band brings that story to Bridgestone Arena. They will not be alone, either. Jeremy Camp, Tim Timmons and Sam Wesley are on the bill, which turns the evening into a full showcase of contemporary Christian music.
It is the kind of show where families, church groups and longtime fans fill an arena and sing together for hours.
Who Is MercyMe?
MercyMe formed in the late 1990s and rose to prominence with “I Can Only Imagine,” a song that crossed far beyond Christian radio and became one of the most beloved songs in the genre. The story behind it was later told in a feature film, which introduced the band to a wider audience still.
Over the years they have built a deep catalog of worship and radio hits, always rooted in plain, sincere lyrics. Their appeal is not flash. It is the sense that the songs are being sung honestly, and that tends to connect with people at every stage of life.
A Bill Worth Arriving Early For
The lineup around MercyMe adds a lot. Jeremy Camp is a well-known name in contemporary Christian music, with a style that blends rock energy and heartfelt songwriting. Tim Timmons and Sam Wesley round out the evening, giving fans a chance to hear a mix of voices and styles.
Package shows like this reward people who show up for the opening acts. You often discover a new favorite artist between the headliners you came to see, and the mood in the room builds gradually as the night goes on.
Expect plenty of audience participation. These concerts tend to feel less like a performance you watch and more like something you take part in.
The Venue: Bridgestone Arena
Bridgestone Arena stands at Broadway and Fifth Avenue in the middle of downtown Nashville. It is the city's flagship indoor venue, home to the Predators and a regular stop for the biggest touring acts. The seating bowl gives most guests a good view, and the sound system is built for big crowds.
Its location is a bonus. You are steps from restaurants, bars and the riverfront, so it is easy to make a full evening of it.
Plan Your Night
Sunday evening is generally calmer downtown than a Friday or Saturday, but arena nights are still busy. Garages near the arena fill up, and our Nashville parking guide is a smart place to plan ahead. If you are bringing family, build in extra time for parking and walking.
Make dinner reservations if you want a sit-down meal before the show, or grab something casual nearby if you are with kids. For anyone traveling in, you can book a downtown stay downtown and walk to the doors.
Check the posted bag policy before you leave home. Arenas often have size restrictions that can slow down the line at the entrance.
Bringing the Family
This is a concert that works for several generations at once. Grandparents who grew up on traditional hymns, parents who found the band through radio, and kids who know the movie often sit side by side. If you are bringing children, plan snack and restroom breaks around the opening acts, and consider earplugs for younger ears, since arena volume can surprise them. Arriving early also gives you time to find seats together without the rush of the headline set.
Tickets
Concerts with this much family appeal tend to sell well, so do not leave it to the last minute. Use the link below to see current availability for the October 18 show at Bridgestone Arena and compare seat locations. For more music coming up around town, see the Nashvegas music section.
Get tickets for MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, Tim Timmons, Sam Wesley at Bridgestone Arena
