John Mayer at Bridgestone Arena: Floor Seats, Retro Visuals & a Night to Remember
Seeing John Mayer live at Bridgestone Arena was a night we’ll never forget. I surprised my husband with tickets to The Search for Everything tour, and on our way to the arena our excitement grew with every John Mayer track we played.
We had to make a choice to eat dinner on Broadway or head straight to the stadium without food, and we decided to head straight to the stadium so we could get to the front of the line. We opted for dinner at the arena before the show began. The barbecue was both convenient and genuinely delicious…a smart move since we didn’t want to miss a single minute. A quick caffeine stop at Dunkin’ gave us the final boost we needed to gear up for the night ahead.
As we made our way to our floor seats, Rich couldn’t help but marvel at the camera, sound, and lighting setup. He had to pause for a few photos, the tech was seriously impressive. And those seats! We had an incredible view. While waiting for the show to start, some fellow Mutemath fans noticed our shirts, which sparked an instant connection. They even offered to take our photo, and we shared stories about past Mutemath shows.
Then the lights dimmed, and John Mayer took the stage. He opened with “Helpless,” and the entire arena was hooked from that first note. Every song felt like a journey…“Moving On and Getting Over,” “Changing,” and “In Your Atmosphere” hit deep. The visuals were retro, whimsical, and imaginative, perfectly paired with the emotion in each performance.
He played a moving rendition of “Walt Grace’s Submarine Test, January 1967,” followed by a beautiful cover of “Gentle On My Mind” by Glen Campbell. The John Mayer Trio set added a raw, bluesy energy that was unforgettable.
We sang along to “Why Georgia,” swayed to “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room,” and were captivated by songs like “Edge of Desire” and “Gravity.” Each moment felt special, but hearing “You’re Gonna Live Forever in Me” live was the perfect emotional close to a phenomenal set.
From the stage presence to the setlist, John Mayer at Bridgestone Arena was easily one of the most memorable concerts we’ve ever been to.
Checking In and Exploring Franklin: A Cozy Nashville Getaway
After the show, we made our way to our hotel for the night. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Nashville W I40/Whitebridge Rd, which gave us just what we needed. It was a clean, quiet place to lay our heads after an unforgettable concert. It wasn’t flashy, but it was reliable and familiar, which felt perfect after such a full night.
The next day, we decided to slow things down a bit and explore the charm of Downtown Franklin. This little town just outside of Nashville is one of our favorite spots. It’s full of history, character, and small-town warmth. Brick sidewalks, historic buildings, and cute boutiques make it the kind of place where you don’t need a plan…you just wander and enjoy.
For lunch, we stopped at Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant, a staple in Franklin. The atmosphere was casual and inviting, and the food was hearty and flavorful. There’s something about Southern comfort food after a concert night that hits just right.
To round out the afternoon, we made our way to Kilwins for some sweet treats. Their ice cream is always rich and creamy, and the shop smells like waffle cones and homemade fudge. We each picked out a scoop and strolled the streets of Franklin, letting the trip soak in one last time.
From seeing John Mayer live at Bridgestone Arena to the peaceful rhythm of Franklin the next day, this Nashville overnight was a perfect blend of energy and ease. It reminded us that sometimes the best trips are the ones that mix the big moments with the slow ones.
