NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Incumbent Nashville Mayor David Briley and challenger Councilman John Cooper will face off for the first time on television August 26 on Newschannel5.

The debate will be held at Belmont University's Troutt Theater and will air on Newschannel5 at 7 p.m. Newschannel5 and The Tennessean are sponsoring the debate.

Cooper comes into the debate with the momentum after getting the most support in August's mayoral election.

“We are proud to once again be working with The Tennessean and Belmont University to provide Nashville voters an opportunity to hear where the candidates stand on issues important to them,” NC5 News Director Sandy Boonstra said, “We want Nashvillians to be educated when they go to the polls. This debate will help do that.”

The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required.

Tickets are available through Belmont University.

The debate will also be live-streamed on NewsChannel5.com and Tennessean.com.

Early voting for the runoff beings August 23 and runs through September 7.