Opry Entertainment Group and country music singer Luke Combs have revealed plans for a new multi-level entertainment complex in downtown Nashville.
The re-imagined 60,000-square-foot Wildhorse Saloon is set to gain a proposed 9,000-square-foot rooftop with views of the Cumberland River and Nissan Stadium.
Following the installation of the proposed rooftop, the new 69,000-square-foot complex would boast an indoor capacity of 2,472 and a rooftop capacity of 720, as well as an indoor ticketed concert event capacity of 1,500.
Opry Entertainment Group is a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties and is the owner and operator of Grand Ole Opry, a weekly country music stage concert that first began in 1925. The group’s portfolio includes the 2,750-capacity music venue Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater (ACL Live) in Austin, and the 2,362-capacity Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Colin Reed, executive chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties, said: “I knew there was something extraordinary about Luke from the first time I heard him perform ‘Hurricane’. Even as he’s gone from filling bars to stadiums around the world, Luke has remained deeply committed to his fans and his craft. As the downtown entertainment district continues to evolve, we view this new experience as a tremendous opportunity to position Second Avenue with a global audience of country music lovers, anchored by Luke Combs’ massive international fan base.”
The venue’s music programme will feature a number of live music experiences across the existing main stage and dance floor, which will also host line dancing. The reimagined venue will also host a full calendar of ticketed concerts and events.
Combs said: “I got my start in town playing on this stage and to have the opportunity to work with Opry Entertainment to transform it into my own bar is a dream come true. I can’t wait for my fans to see what we’re up to.”
The venue is expected to debut in the summer of 2024 with the company still planning to operate the venue as Wildhorse Saloon throughout the planned refurbishment.
Reed added: “The creation of the Wildhorse Saloon brand was a catalyst for the revitalisation of downtown Nashville in the early nineties. Our plans will transform the guest experience we offer while taking full advantage of the stage, technology, acoustics and infrastructure investments we made in 2016.”