If you’ve ever spent a summer night in Middle Tennessee, you know the air gets thick enough to chew. But for one night a year at First Horizon Park, nobody seems to care about the humidity. They’re too busy watching a country superstar try—and often fail—to hit a slow-pitch softball over the wall where the Nashville Sounds play.
The celebrity softball game Nashville scene isn't just one event anymore; it’s become this weird, wonderful collision of Music Row and Major League Baseball. Honestly, it’s one of the few times you’ll see someone like Riley Green or HARDY trading their guitar for a Louisville Slugger while a Cy Young winner like Jacob deGrom watches from the dugout. It’s chaotic. It’s loud. And it’s raising an absurd amount of money for charity.
What is the Celebrity Softball Game Nashville Exactly?
Most people are talking about the Folds of Honor Rock ‘N Jock Celebrity Softball Game. It’s the "big one." This past June 2, 2025, they hit their fifth year, and let me tell you, it wasn't just a scrimmage. They actually managed to raise over $670,000 in a single night.
The money goes to Folds of Honor, which provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled military members and first responders. It’s got a heavy mission, but the game itself is pure entertainment. You’ve got Team Military vs. Team First Responders, and the "coaches" are usually Titans players or NFL legends.
But wait, there’s a new player in town.
In late 2025, we saw the debut of The Lucky Classic. This one is the brainchild of Texas Rangers infielder Jake Burger and his wife Ashlyn. They started it through the Burger Family Foundation to support families with Down syndrome (inspired by their daughter, Penelope). It brought a much heavier MLB presence to the city, mixing guys like Corey Seager and Brent Rooker with the usual Nashville glitterati.
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Who actually shows up to play?
It’s a mix. You get the "regulars" who are actually decent at sports and the "wildcards" who are mostly there for the beer hat and the laughs. Here’s a look at the kind of roster you usually see:
- The Country Heavyweights: Riley Green (who’s basically the unofficial captain of these things), Tyler Hubbard, Jordan Davis, and Ashley Cooke.
- The Pro Athletes: Shawn Johnson East and Andrew East are almost always there. Then you get the Titans guys like Tyjae Spears or retired legends like Jay Cutler.
- The Wildcards: Comedians like John Crist and Danae Hays usually provide the best highlights because they’re actually trying to be funny while everyone else is trying to look like an athlete.
The 2025 Rock ‘N Jock Highlights: What You Missed
If you weren't at First Horizon Park this past June, you missed a grand slam from MMA fighter Michael Chandler. Yeah, the guy can do more than just fight in a cage.
The atmosphere was electric, mostly because the game leaned hard into its "most patriotic game in America" branding. Lee Greenwood showed up for the 7th Inning Stretch to sing "God Bless the USA," and word is even the people living in the luxury condos overlooking the stadium were out on their balconies singing along.
Riley Green made a massive $75,000 donation through his Buford Bonds Fund during the game. That’s the thing about the celebrity softball game Nashville—as much as it’s about watching stars struggle with pop flies, the financial impact is real.
Why does Nashville do this better than anywhere else?
It’s the community. Nashville is a small town masquerading as a big city. Where else can you get Chris Lane, Brantley Gilbert, and Jelly Roll in the same dugout as Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin?
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The fans in Nashville don't just show up to see the stars; they show up for the cause. The 2024 game drew over 7,500 people. By 2025, the game was a total sell-out. People were literally scrounging for tickets on the secondary market just to see if Gavin Adcock could hit another homer.
Planning for the 2026 Season
If you’re looking to catch a celebrity softball game Nashville in 2026, you have to be quick. Tickets for the Folds of Honor game usually go on sale in mid-April.
Pro Tip: Don't just look for the main event. Keep an eye on the "Home Run Derby" that often happens right before the first pitch. It’s usually led by gear brands like BRUCE BOLT, and it’s where you see the real power hitters (and the most embarrassing strikeouts).
Where to buy tickets
- First Horizon Park Official Site: This is the home of the Nashville Sounds and where both Rock ‘N Jock and The Lucky Classic are held.
- Folds of Honor Tennessee Website: They usually have the first alerts for the June game.
- The Burger Family Foundation: Follow them on Instagram if you want to catch The Lucky Classic, which seems to be carving out a November slot in the Nashville calendar.
What Most People Get Wrong About These Games
A lot of people think it’s a "fake" game where the score doesn't matter. Try telling that to Michael Chandler or Riley Green. These guys are competitive.
Also, it’s not just a country music thing. While Nashville is the home of country, the 2025 rosters included everything from pro skaters like Ryan Sheckler to political activists like Riley Gaines. It’s a massive melting pot.
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Honestly, the best part isn't the home runs. It’s the "mic'd up" moments. When you have comedians like Danae Hays on the field, the trash talk is better than the actual gameplay. Last year, Zack Top was seen warming up with a beer hat. That basically tells you everything you need to know about the vibe.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head to Nashville for the next big game, here’s how to do it right:
- Book a hotel in Germantown. First Horizon Park is right there. You can walk to the stadium and avoid the absolute nightmare that is Nashville stadium parking.
- Get there early for the Home Run Derby. It’s often more entertaining than the game because the celebrities are actually trying to flex.
- Check the weather. June in Nashville is brutal. Drink more water than you think you need, especially if you’re sitting in the sun-drenched bleachers.
- Follow the stars on social media. A lot of the roster additions are announced last minute on Instagram, not through official press releases.
The celebrity softball game Nashville has turned into a pillar of the city's summer and fall schedules. It’s about more than just sports; it’s about a community coming together to throw a ball around and write some very large checks for people who need them. Whether you're there for the MLB stars or the country singers, it’s a hell of a night out.
Next steps for you: If you want to attend, mark your calendar for April 2026 to check the Folds of Honor Tennessee website for ticket releases. For the fall game, start checking The Lucky Classic updates in September. These events sell out faster every year, so being early isn't just a suggestion—it's a requirement.