The Battle of the Boulevard

The Battle of the Boulevard: Where College Hoops Get Petty in the Prettiest Way

Picture this: two schools separated by just two miles of Nashville asphalt, armed with nothing but hardwood ambitions and enough animosity to make Hatfields and McCoys look like BFFs.

The Battle of the Boulevard isn’t your average college rivalry. Oh no, this is a border war with a basketball. A grudge match that’s been simmering since before bell bottoms were cool the first time. Belmont University and Lipscomb University go way beyond Xs and Os. This is about pride, turf, and proving who really owns the soul of Nashville.

A Tale of Two Titans (And We’re Not Talking About Football)

Belmont? They’ve got the polished vibe of a school that oozes creativity—think future Grammy winners who can also sink a three-pointer. Lipscomb? They’re the scrappy underdogs with an edge sharper than their academic standards, bringing that “chip on the shoulder” energy to every game. Together, they’ve been duking it out since 1953, with Belmont holding a slight edge in the win column. But if you think that stops Lipscomb fans from bringing the heat, you’ve clearly never heard a Lipscomb chant echo down Belmont Boulevard.

Boulevard Brawls and Show-Stopping Shots

Games in this rivalry are rarely blowouts. The energy in the arena? Nuclear. And the stakes? Higher than your student loans. Over the years, we’ve seen buzzer-beaters that could cause heart palpitations, overtime battles that feel like Shakespearean dramas, and enough trash talk to make even Twitter blush.

Fun fact: The term “Battle of the Boulevard” didn’t even exist until the ‘90s. Before that, they just called it “Tuesday.” This rivalry has evolved from local lore to must-watch hoops, with ESPN-worthy highlights that make even casual fans throw popcorn at their TVs.

Why It Matters (Hint: It’s Not Just Basketball)

The Belmont vs. Lipscomb rivalry represents something bigger than sports—it’s a Nashville tradition. It’s where locals pick sides, families get divided, and alumni relive their glory days with a side of existential angst. It’s a game, yes, but it’s also a cultural showdown—a reminder that in Nashville, loyalty isn’t just a word, it’s a lifestyle.

Don’t Miss Episode #8: The Battle of the Boulevard

In Episode #8 of Campus Chronicles: Beyond the Game, we’re diving deep into this legendary rivalry. From its humble NAIA roots to the bright lights of Division I, this story is packed with drama, history, and little-known nuggets about what makes the Battle of the Boulevard a can’t-miss spectacle.

Want to know the play that changed the course of the rivalry? Or how these schools manage to stay civil (spoiler: they don’t)? Tune in to find out. Trust us, you’ll never look at Belmont or Lipscomb the same way again.


Listen to Episode #8: The Battle of the Boulevard: Belmont vs. Lipscomb – A Rivalry Rooted in Tradition now. Because rivalries like this don’t just happen—they’re born, bred, and occasionally scream into the void for bragging rights. Don’t miss it!

Stay wild, stay rowdy, and keep the game unpredictable.
Hoops Maverick

Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Audible | Listen on YouTube

Find Football Season Here! – 26 Episodes – Listen Now!
Find Basketball Season Here! – 26 Episodes – Listen Now!
Scroll to Top