GMA Dove Awards 2025 Moves to Bridgestone Arena Nashville

Gospel Music Association Elevates Industry Recognition with Strategic Venue Transformation

The Gospel Music Association has orchestrated a transformational milestone for contemporary Christian music recognition, announcing the relocation of their prestigious awards ceremony from Lipscomb University’s intimate Allen Arena to Nashville’s premier Bridgestone Arena. This strategic repositioning represents far more than geographical convenience—it symbolizes the exponential growth trajectory and mainstream cultural resonance of faith-based musical artistry.

After maintaining residency at Lipscomb’s Allen Arena for eleven consecutive years, the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards will establish its new headquarters at Bridgestone Arena on October 7th, 2025. This architectural upgrade accommodates an exponentially larger audience capacity while positioning the ceremony within downtown Nashville’s epicenter—colloquially recognized as “Music City”—where country music’s most celebrated accolades traditionally unfold.

The venue transformation coincides with remarkable artistic achievements within the Christian music sphere. Brandon Lake commands the nominations landscape with nine recognitions, including coveted Artist of the Year acknowledgment, reflecting his meteoric ascension following his Billboard 200-charting album “King of Hearts.” The competitive Artist of the Year category showcases exceptional diversity, featuring established luminaries like Lauren Daigle and CeCe Winans alongside emerging contemporaries Forrest Frank, Phil Wickham, and Josiah Queen.

Gospel Music Association President Jackie Patillo emphasizes the strategic significance of this transition, acknowledging organizational expansion while celebrating their foundational partnership with Lipscomb University. The ceremony’s relocation to Bridgestone Arena—which regularly hosts the Country Music Association Awards—establishes parity between gospel music recognition and mainstream country music celebration, validating Christian artistry’s cultural significance.

The inaugural performers announced for this landmark ceremony include distinguished artists Lauren Daigle, Fred Hammond featuring The Choir Room, Gaither Vocal Band, and Josiah Queen. Presentation duties will be managed by prominent faith-based personalities including comedian John Crist, influencer Sadie Robertson Huff, entertainment duo David & Tamela Mann, and worship leader Chris Tomlin.

This venue elevation demonstrates gospel music’s expanding cultural footprint while maintaining its spiritual foundation. The ceremony will broadcast exclusively on Trinity Broadcasting Network and their TBN+ platform on October 10th, ensuring nationwide accessibility for faith communities seeking inspirational entertainment and artistic recognition.

Sources:

• Gospel Music Association Official News Release, August 13, 2025
• Gospel Music Association Venue Announcement, October 9, 2024
• Billboard Magazine Industry Coverage, July 30, 2025