WNBA in Music City? Nashville Joins Race for Expansion Team

Issue #345

04 Feb

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌧️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Rain w/ high of 67 & low of 63

🏀 WNBA in Music City? Nashville Joins Race for Expansion Team

📰 Tennessee Ranks No. 5 in U-Haul Growth Index as More Movers Head South

📌 2/18: Maury County Prevention Coalition’s Monthly Meeting

📌 Saturday: Maury County Harvest Share’s 14th Annual Soup-N-Bowl

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Wednesday, February 5th

Thursday, February 6th

Friday, February 7th

Saturday, February 8th

Sunday, February 9th

WNBA in Music City? Nashville Joins Race for Expansion Team

A new bid to bring a Women’s National Basketball Association team to Nashville is gaining momentum, led by Bill Haslam, Chairman of the Nashville Predators and former Tennessee governor, along with his wife, Crissy. The couple is spearheading an investment group that officially submitted a proposal to the WNBA on January 30, 2025. If approved, the team would debut in the summer of 2028, playing home games at Bridgestone Arena.

The proposed franchise, named the “Tennessee Summitt,” would honor legendary University of Tennessee coach Pat Summitt, who led the Lady Volunteers to eight NCAA championships. Haslam emphasized the importance of filling the gap in professional women’s sports within the state while also creating opportunities for young athletes and sports fans. The franchise aims to follow a community-first model inspired by the Nashville Predators.

As part of the bid, the ownership group has committed to building a state-of-the-art practice facility that will serve as a hub for youth basketball and community engagement. The exact location of the facility is yet to be determined.

The bid has gained significant backing from prominent figures, including entertainment icons Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, WNBA star Candace Parker, and former University of Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning and his company, Omaha Productions. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell voiced strong support, noting that a WNBA team would be a key addition to the city’s thriving sports culture.

Supporters can stay updated on the bid process and the Tennessee Summitt’s journey by following the team on social media.

Tennessee Ranks No. 5 in U-Haul Growth Index as More Movers Head South

South Carolina has emerged as the top state for inbound movers, according to the 2024 U-Haul Growth Index. This marks the first time the state has claimed the No. 1 spot, surpassing Texas, which had led the rankings for the previous three years. Other top destinations include North Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee, continuing a broader trend of migration toward the Southeast.

The rankings are based on net gains and losses of customers using U-Haul’s one-way moving equipment over the past year, drawing from more than 2.5 million transactions annually. Texas, a consistent leader in past years, remains a strong draw for new residents, while Florida has maintained a top-four position since 2015.

Conversely, California continues to see the highest rate of outbound moves, ranking 50th for the fifth year in a row. New York also saw a decline, dropping to its lowest growth ranking in a decade at No. 47.

Several states saw notable shifts in 2024. Oklahoma, Indiana, and Maine experienced the largest year-over-year gains, climbing significantly in the rankings. Meanwhile, states like Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming, and New Mexico saw some of the sharpest declines. See the full list of states here.

In response to the latest rankings, Governor Bill Lee posted, “Once again, TN has been ranked a top state for growth by @uhaul. As people continue to move to the Volunteer State in record numbers, we’re making the right investments to guarantee opportunity, security & freedom for every family & business that calls TN home.”

2/18: Maury County Prevention Coalition’s Monthly Meeting

Please join us on February 18th for our monthly meeting! If you are a Maury County citizen and want to know how you can help prevent substance abuse in your community, this meeting is for YOU! Help us promote mental well-being in our county and create a supportive, resilient community by getting involved with the Maury County Prevention Coalition this month!

Saturday: Maury County Harvest Share’s 14th Annual Soup-N-Bowl

Prepare your taste buds for an exhilarating culinary adventure as Maury County Harvest Food Pantry showcases a sensational selection of soups from over 15 incredible restaurants in the area, all competing for the coveted title of "Best Soup of Maury Co." This is not just a contest; it's a flavor-packed journey that promises to tantalize your senses!

The following restaurants have already committed to donating their soup to the contest: Prime and Pint, Square Market Cafe, Columbia Health, Little Juice Co, Betty's, 8th and Main, Rebel, Katie Pies and Sons, Ollie and Finn, Cabin Coffee, Catfish Campus, Buck and Board, and Vida Nova. We also have other local bakeries and restaurants that are donating bread, desserts and drinks including but not limited to Savarino's, Emerald Cake Co, Prevail Bakehouse, and Nashville Tea. 

With almost 100 exciting items up for grabs between their silent and live auctions, there's no shortage of thrilling opportunities to bid on unique experiences and delightful treats. Each item is a chance to take home something special while supporting a great cause! Local businesses have donated everything from experiences, services, vacations, gift baskets, gift cards, or items relative to their business. 

Every dollar raised during this event will go directly towards purchasing food for distribution at the local food pantry, providing essential grocery assistance to residents of Maury County in need. Join us in making a difference while enjoying a delightful afternoon filled with warmth, community spirit, and, of course, delicious soups!

Don't miss out on this fantastic event—come taste, bid, and help the food pantry bring comfort to those who need it most!

About Maury County Harvest Share Food Pantry:

“At Harvest Share Food Pantry, we are dedicated to creating a positive impact by connecting surplus food from local businesses and individuals with those in need. Our mission is to reduce food waste, combat hunger, and build a stronger, more resilient community. Through collaboration and compassion, we strive to ensure that no one goes hungry in our neighborhoods. Within our mission, we also have a Paw Pantry that serves our families with pets (dog or cat) with a once a month food assistance program. We serve approximately 420 Maury county families a month!”

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Wednesday, February 5th

Austin Byrd, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Thursday, February 6th

Matt Marinchick, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
Beatles4Sale, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, February 7th

Josh Keas, Grinder's Switch Winery, 6-8 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreay's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Smith & Gone, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Escape, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, February 8th

TBA, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Kenny Durham Trio, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Resurrection, The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Broken Morals Band, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, February 9th

TBA, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

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