Nashville International Airport® Celebrates 30th Anniversary of BNA® Aviation Golf Classic and Its Ongoing Community Impact

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 7, 2026) – Nashville International Airport®, also known as BNA®, celebrated a landmark moment with the 30th annual BNA® Aviation Golf Classic on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2026, at Hermitage Golf Course. What began as a small community tournament has grown into one of Middle Tennessee’s signature philanthropic traditions—bringing together aviation professionals, local leaders and supporters for three decades of giving. This year’s milestone event honored that legacy while setting a new standard for energy, participation and impact.

A total of 38 teams and 152 players joined the celebration, including the tournament’s first-ever all-star team featuring former Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson and former NBA player Monta Ellis. Their participation brought a new level of excitement to the event and underscored the expanding reach and visibility of the BNA® Aviation Golf Classic.

“Reaching the 30-year milestone of the BNA® Aviation Golf Classic speaks to the enduring support behind this event,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA). “This milestone year highlights not only our long-standing commitment to service, but our continued dedication to supporting organizations that strengthen Middle Tennessee. We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors, volunteers and participants—both longtime partners and new faces—for helping make this year’s tournament truly special.”

True to its mission, the BNA® Aviation Golf Classic continues to champion organizations that strengthen lives, support families and enhance the Middle Tennessee community. The 2026 charity beneficiaries include:

• ALS Association (Tennessee Chapter) – Provides compassionate care, support services and advocacy for Tennesseans living with ALS while advancing research aimed at discovering new treatments and a cure.
• Gary Sinise Foundation – Honors and supports America’s defenders, veterans, first responders and their families through programs focused on relief, resiliency, community building and critical assistance.
• Japan-America Society of Tennessee, Inc. – Supporting its annual Cherry Blossom Festival and promoting cultural exchange.
• Room In The Inn – Offers emergency services, transitional programs and long-term support to individuals experiencing homelessness, helping them move toward stability and restored dignity.

This landmark anniversary year also set a new benchmark for generosity. The 2026 tournament raised record-breaking proceeds, reflecting the extraordinary commitment of sponsors, partners and players who came together to make this milestone year the most impactful yet. This milestone event was made possible through the generous support of top sponsors, led by Hensel Phelps as the Title Sponsor. Additional Albatross Sponsors included Fentress Studios, FINN Partners, Fraport USA, HMSHost by Avolta, Hudson by Avolta, Kimley-Horn and Messer Construction.

MNAA will unveil the final fundraising totals in the coming months during a commemorative check presentation at BNA, where airport leaders and beneficiary representatives will gather to celebrate both this year’s achievements and the 30-year legacy of community support that defines the BNA® Aviation Golf Classic.

For three decades, the BNA® Aviation Golf Classic has embodied BNA’s commitment to community engagement. With every swing, putt and drive, the tournament continues to bring partners together to create lasting, transformational change across Middle Tennessee.

For additional information on the BNA® Aviation Golf Classic, click here.