CMA Fest 2025 is almost here—and Nashville 911 is ready. The Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) will be on the ground supporting public safety, keeping the city informed, and making sure help gets where it’s needed.
DEC personnel, including members of the department’s elite Nashville Telecommunicator Emergency Response Team (NTERT), have spent the past several weeks attending planning sessions, and coordinating directly with partners like the Country Music Association (CMA), Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), Nashville Fire Department (NFD), and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM).
CMA Fest is one of over 700 events NTERT supports each year in Nashville. For this event, NTERT will work on site with MNPD, NFD, OEM, and CMA Fest organizers to manage emergency incidents and keep communications flowing. With dedicated dispatchers assigned to the event, DEC’s 911 center stays focused on the rest of the city—so anyone not attending still gets fast, reliable help when they call 911.
“CMA Fest is one of the largest events we support, and it doesn’t run safely without solid communication,” said Paul McCallister, Assistant Director of Operations for the DEC. “NTERT brings experienced dispatchers into the field to manage real-time coordination under pressure.”
See Something? Say Something!
It takes all of us to keep events like this safe and enjoyable. If you see something that seems out of place or strange, say something and report it right away to the nearest uniformed Metro Nashville Police Officer. If you can’t find one nearby, call 911.
It’s All About Location
Know where you and your friends are with the help of What3Words:
The less time you spend trying to find each other, the more time you have to enjoy CMA Fest.
DEC encourages everyone attending to download the free what3words app before heading downtown. It’s an easy way to find friends in a crowd or to set a meeting spot. It breaks the map into small squares and gives each one a unique three-word location like ///guitar.stage.lights.
- Watch this quick video to learn how what3words works.
- Download what3words on the App Store
- Download what3words on Google Play
Stay Connected During CMA Fest
Before you head downtown, download the free CMA Connect app to get maps, schedules, updates, and important alerts in real time. It’s your best tool for staying informed throughout the event.