Please carefully read these next steps and check back for any updates.

Click here to see the full list of categories and nominees.

As a benefit of GMA membership, Nominees receive one complimentary ticket for themselves located in the nominee section on the floor nearest the stage. There is one comp ticket max, regardless of multiple nominations.

This ticket will also give you access to the Pre-Telecast.

To access the ticket order form, a membership login is needed. We invite nominees who are not GMA members to join now and support the Dove Awards program.

Deadline to order is Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Nominees may order one guest ticket to be seated with them at the discounted rate of $250 (normally $275). Additional tickets may be purchased at regular rates.

Tickets are intended only for the use of the specified nominee and are non-transferable. Nominee seat assignments are provided to TBN for camera shots. They must be used by the named nominee.

Performers and presenters will receive two comp tickets. If nominated and performing/presenting, comp tickets may not be combined. Two comp tickets maximum are provided.

For band/group members who are royalty participants in the band, each member receives one comp nominee ticket. Hired musicians/players with the band will need to purchase a ticket to attend.

For choirs who are a nominated artist, up to four comp tickets will be given. Additional requests will be decided case-by-case.

No, tickets are NOT automatically held for nominees. A GMA order form must be submitted to receive your tickets.

Click here to submit your order. Deadline to order is Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Floor seating is reserved exclusively for Nominees, GMA Diamond and Platinum members and those directly participating in the awards show. 

To access the ticket order form, you must log in to your membership profile. We invite nominees who are not GMA members to join now and support the Dove Awards program.

Need ticket help? Email us with your questions.

Final instructions, including how to receive tickets, will be emailed one week prior to the show (around Oct. 1)  to all nominees with a ticket order.

Tickets will be delivered via email by Ticketmaster to the email address on the order form. Physical paper tickets will NOT be issued.

The contact who placed the order is responsible for receiving and transferring tickets as needed.

Expect digital tickets to arrive by Monday, Oct. 5.

Downloading your ticket before going to the event and saving your ticket to your phone’s digital wallet is strongly recommended for easier access when entering and scanning.

Tentative
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026
All times are listed as CT.
1:00pm / PreTelecast Doors Open (Nashville First Baptist Church)
1:30pm / PreTelecast Begins (Nashville First Baptist Church)
3:30pm / Red Carpet Opens *Credentials required* (Bridgestone Arena, 5th & Demonbreun entrance)
5:00pm / Soft Opening for Floor Seat Ticket Holders (Bridgestone Arena)
5:30pm / Bridgestone Arena Doors Open
6:00pm / Red Carpet Closes
6:30pm / Telecast Show Begins (Bridgestone Arena)

The Dove Awards PreTelecast event will be hosted live at Nashville First Baptist Church (immediately next to Bridgestone) running from 1:30pm to approximately 3:30pm CT.  Entry is included with a telecast ticket. For those without a telecast ticket, PreTelecast only tickets will be available for purchase. Winners will be announced but embargoed until the day of the Telecast broadcast (Fri, Oct 9). On that date, the PreTelecast will be aired publicly on the GMA YouTube page.

Category assignments will be confirmed approximately two weeks prior to the event. Once finalized, categories will be listed here for each event. 

Each Nominee is invited to participate in the Dove Awards Red Carpet. where there are both official photo and interview opportunities. Every nominee must register in advance in order to receive credentials that provide access to walk the Red Carpet. We are unable to issue any credentials onsite.

For more information on the Red Carpet, please contact Christina Garvin.

Each artist is allotted one representative who can escort them down the carpet. One designated guest may accompany the nominee to the photo pit only, then they will be directed to a waiting area until the nominee has finished walking the carpet and participating in interviews. This guest must also be registered by the deadline prior to show day in order to receive credentials. 

All publicists are required to register for credentials here. If you are in need of a publicist, we will have on-site talent escorts who will be available to take you through the photo pit and interview row, so you can enjoy the day to its fullest!

There are a variety of exciting showcases and events happening around Nashville in celebration of Dove Awards week. See the full list of activities, here.

No, unfortunately we are not able to reserve parking for nominees.

While there are many parking lots and garages available in downtown Nashville, the closest to the award events is the Music City Center parking garage. This lot requires payment, and event rates will apply. Please plan accordingly to allow plenty of time to walk to your final destination. Valet is not available.

Most parking garages and parking lots do require payment either immediately upon parking or at the time of departure. Day of event rates vary based on location and parking type.

Ride sharing, such as Uber or Lyft, is encouraged. For those attending the Pre-Telecast, please drop-off at the 7th Ave S entrance for Nashville First Baptist Church. For those walking the Red Carpet, please follow the instructions provided to you by your press/media team. For those attending the awards, please drop off at a safe spot along Broadway and enter Bridgestone Arena via their main entrance plaza on the corner of Broadway and 5th Ave.

Please review the Branding Guidelines before sharing your nomination.

For official social media assets:

Canva Template

Logos/ Photoshop Template

SONG of the YEAR
DIVISION I / Category 1
Dove Awards are presented to the songwriter(s) and publisher(s).

ARTIST/NON-ARTIST
SONGWRITER of the YEAR
DIVISION I / Categories 2-3
Dove Awards are presented to the songwriter.

ARTIST of the YEAR
DIVISION I / Category 4
Dove Awards are presented to the artist and record label.

NEW ARTIST of the YEAR
DIVISION I / Category 5
Dove Awards are presented to the artist and record label.

PRODUCER of the YEAR
DIVISION I / Category 6
Dove Awards are presented to the producer or production team.

RECORDED SONG of the YEAR
DIVISION II / Categories 7–21
Dove Awards are presented to the artist, featured artist(s) and songwriter(s).

ALBUM of the YEAR
DIVISION III / Categories  22-32
Dove Awards are presented to the artist (if prominent on the album) and the producer(s).

MUSICAL/
CHORAL COLLECTION of the YEAR
DIVISION IV / Category 33
Dove Awards are presented to the creator(s), arranger(s), and orchestrator(s).

RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING of the YEAR
DIVISION  IV / Category 34 
Dove Awards are presented to the art director(s), graphic artist(s), illustrator(s), and photographer(s).

SHORT FORM/LONG FORM
MUSIC VIDEO of the YEAR
DIVISION  IV / Category 35-37
Dove Awards are presented to the artist, featured artist(s), director(s), and producer(s).

FEATURE FILM/ TELEVISION SERIES of the YEAR
DIVISION  IV / Category 38-39 
Dove Awards are presented to the director(s) and producer(s).