Titans Launch Augmented-Reality Mural in Downtown Nashville

Sep 12, 2020 at 09:15 AM

NASHVILLE -- As a surprise component of Titans Kickoff Week, the Tennessee Titans today unveiled a mural in downtown Nashville called "Tennessee Tough," designed and painted by Nashville muralist Eric "MOBE" Bass. The project is believed to be the first NFL team mural to incorporate augmented-reality (AR) technology.

"Tennessee Tough" is located at the corner of Sixth Avenue South and Korean Veterans Boulevard, across the street from Music City Center. The mural spans the full wall of the building, measuring 135 feet by 26 feet. Key components of the design include:

A football player with his arms wide, "615" as his jersey number and "Nashville" on his name plate
Quotes from significant Tennessee figures such as John Lewis, Pat Summitt and Wilma Rudolph
A representation of Tennessee's counties, painted on the mural and illustrated in the AR experience

"This project is extremely special for the Tennessee Titans as an organization for many reasons, but particularly because it's dedicated to the people of this great state," said Titans Sr. Vice President, Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer Gil Beverly. "Our region has seen many challenges in 2020 and we're conquering them as a community. This mural represents unity and hope that our efforts together will create an even stronger Tennessee."

The AR experience was created by consumer engagement technology company MVP Interactive, which has created interactive fan experiences for many sports teams and entertainment venues. To activate the technology, viewers can visit the wall and go to www.titansmural.com on their mobile device. They will then be instructed to allow camera access and point their camera at the mural, which will animate once tapped on the screen.

"The Titans are one of the first sports organizations to innovate during the pandemic and bring a first of its kind AR experience to their fans," said James Giglio, CEO of MVP Interactive. "Our team was so excited to work with everyone at the Titans to help bring their vision to life and use the latest in emerging technology to provide fans and residents a greater emotional connection to Tennessee."

Bass' artwork is displayed in private residences and more public locations throughout the world. In Nashville, some of his most well-known murals include "Spaceman" in Midtown, the "Nashville" mylar balloons in Five Points and various murals inside The Valentine on Broadway.

"It feels incredible to paint the first mural for the Titans," Bass said. "To be on this scale and this location for the home team for the state, being from here and watching the Titans since I was a little kid, I feel blessed."

Fans can expect to see the Titans embracing the "Tennessee Tough" mentality throughout the season. The message can also be found written on the free yard signs distributed throughout the region during Titans Kickoff Week.

"Tennessee Tough really just explains the resiliency of the people of Tennessee," said Titans Creative Director Surf Melendez. "Tennessee Tough are people who get their hands dirty for a living and do what they have to do, like our first responders, essential workers and teachers. Tennessee Tough is our football team."

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NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 - Titans mural wall in downtown Nashville in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans

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NASHVILLE, TN - JULY 16, 2020 - Blank wall set to be the site of a Titans-themed mural in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans

Donald Page/Tennessee Titans

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NASHVILLE, TN - JULY 16, 2020 - Blank wall set to be the site of a Titans-themed mural in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans

Donald Page/Tennessee Titans

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NASHVILLE, TN - JULY 16, 2020 - Blank wall set to be the site of a Titans-themed mural in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans

Donald Page/Tennessee Titans

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NASHVILLE, TN - JULY 16, 2020 - Blank wall set to be the site of a Titans-themed mural in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans

Donald Page/Tennessee Titans

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NASHVILLE, TN - JULY 16, 2020 - Blank wall set to be the site of a Titans-themed mural in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans

Donald Page/Tennessee Titans