CBVol, I have read through this entire thread. It was good for some laughs. I have lived in Nashville area for most of my life, Nashville itself for 30+ years. Being in sales I have made calls on every town around Nashville. So I know the exits and the areas around them. As for your hotel choice that is your perogative. The hotel you are staying at is in a rough area. I have made sales calls there during the day. Would I personally go there at night, no. Would I have loved ones out at night in that area of town, no way. You may not see any ho's and drug dealers but they are close by if you do not see them. I will kind of give everyone my opinion on areas around Nashville, take it for what it is worth.
I live in Cool Springs area ( I can be in downtown in 15 minutes easily for that discussion. 1/4 mile off 65 at McEwen exit though). There are tons of rooms in this area but not the cheapest of areas. The largest collection of restaurants to choose from short of downtown Nashville, good shopping, not a lot of night life like downton Nashville has though but most people partying take a cab into town and back out here if no DD. One of the safest areas in Middle TN. I-65 from Harding exit south towards Brentwood and on to Franklin is all safe. On I-24 do not stay any closer to town than the Waldron road exit. Trust me on this. I used to live in the area. Got to agree about Donelson Pike area and anything east towards MJ and Lebanon is good. I-65 north of town best areas would be north of Trinity lane. I-24 north of town Millersville, Pleasant View area is good. I-40 west of town is the trickiest. Really nice safe areas very close to rougher areas of town. West end, Broadway area is very nice, Charlote Ave is rough at times and is only 3 or 4 streets north of Broad. Also, some of the best steak houses are out in this area Jimmy Kelly's, Ruth Chris and several others. All of downtown around Broad and 2nd/4th Ave area is pretty safe and good eats, for a good steak in this area The Palm is down there. Best place to eat on 2nd Ave in my opinion is The Spaghetti Factory, not expensive, great food, you will be full and the Spumoni ice cream is great.
I want all my VN brothers and sisters to come in and have a great time at the game and while you are here visiting the area. The things I mentioned above are just my opinions and I am not trying to debate anyone here on the pro's and con's of certain areas around Nash. There are areas that are safe and nice even in the areas I did not recomend staying in, but I was trying to give broad areas here not a block by city block breakdown. CBVol just be safe my friend and enjoy yourself.
Also, my seats for the game are in the 45-50 yard line area, row 4 IIRC. Only around $84.00 for the seat price discussion in here. Excited and ready for this season to start. GBO.