The Tennessee Titans began construction on the new Nissan Stadium last year, with completion expected for the 2027 season.
On Friday, construction at the new stadium was halted after a noose was discovered on the site. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and the Tennessee Builders Association have both issued statements on the issue, both of which come courtesy of ESPN’s Turron Davenport.
“Obviously, this is an environment where we want to try as hard as we can to prevent scenarios that might be fear or hate-based,” O’Connell said in a statement. “We’ve taken some steps, both with local policies, state policy, and partnership with them to try, again, to keep temperatures low and prevent hate incidents like this. It is very concerning, there is an open investigation. I know the Titans are cooperating with Metro Nashville Police and we’ll see what that investigation turns up.”
“This week, a racist and hateful symbol was discovered on our site. There is no place for hate or racism in our workplace,” the Tennessee Builders Alliance said in a statement. “We reported the incident to law enforcement, suspended work, and launched an investigation.”
An investigation is underway, and Mayor O’Connell announced a $250,000 reward for “information leading to the identification of the individual responsible.” The Tennessee Builders Alliance is also putting workers through additional training.
“… Work will resume only after a site-wide standdown focused on inclusion and respect. We are outraged and deeply saddened by this act,” the statement reads.
“We are working in close partnership with our client, trade partners, and unions to ensure every worker understands that racism and hate have no place here. Everyone deserves to feel safe, welcomed, and treated with respect and dignity.”
Indeed, everyone deserves a workplace where they feel safe and are treated respectfully. As the investigation continues, stay tuned for updates.