Nashville Fairgrounds cancels all indoor events for remainder of 2020 – NewsChannel5.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — First, the Tennessee State Fair was canceled, now no indoor events will be held at the Fairgrounds Nashville through the end of 2020.

The Board of Fair Commissioners made the decision because Metro’s current reopening guidelines prohibit mass gatherings, and the Expo Buildings at the Fairgrounds will be used for the rest of the year as a temporary shelter for homeless individuals during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The decision means around 50 indoor events, including the Nashville Flea Market scheduled for this weekend will be canceled.

The Fairgrounds did launch a new virtual Flea Market, where customers can shop for bargains online. The hope is this approach will help Flea Market vendors stay connected with customers, and make some much-needed income.

“It’s just necessary right now,” said Scott Wallace, Director of Sales, Marketing and Events for the Fairgrounds Nashville. “We can’t have events, so we want to make sure we are engaged with our flea market vendors.”

The JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Heroes 100 scheduled for Aug. 29 at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway is also canceled. All fans who purchased tickets will receive a full refund.

Some outdoor events are still being considered at the Fairgrounds if the events can be done safely and in compliance with Metro’s reopening guidelines. Wallace said concerts and rodeos are possible options, and a light show is currently scheduled at the race track in September.

“We have to think outside the box,” said Wallace. “We have to think of things we didn’t do before, and make sure we are doing things right.”

To shop at the virtual Nashville Flea Market, click here.