Chattanooga Explores Plans for New 6,000-Capacity Outdoor Music Venue

Chattanooga Considering New 6,000-Capacity Music Venue

A new outdoor music venue with a capacity for 6,000 people could soon attract more than 150,000 visitors to Chattanooga annually, according to a recent study. The results were released late last month by local tourism officials, who believe the city could greatly benefit from such a development.

The Chattanooga Tourism Company, which works to bring major events to the area, enlisted consulting firm Conventions, Sports & Leisure International earlier this year to conduct the study. The assessment recommends a new outdoor amphitheater featuring 3,000 seats along with standing room for an additional 3,000 people.

Filling a Market Void

“This amphitheater would not only fill the existing void in the market but also provide a versatile space for a variety of events, enhancing Chattanooga’s appeal as a music destination,” the study notes. Currently, Chattanooga lacks outdoor spaces specifically built for concerts, though various sports venues and public parks can be repurposed when needed.

Chattanooga already boasts numerous venues with capacities of 1,500 people or fewer. The Tivoli Theatre accommodates 1,750 people, while the Soldier & Sailors Memorial Auditorium seats approximately 3,900 guests. By contrast, McKenzie Arena, Chattanooga’s largest indoor space, holds up to 10,600 people.

The study reveals that touring concerts, especially those that require small- to mid-sized outdoor amphitheaters (4,500 to 7,000 capacities), often skip Chattanooga due to the lack of an appropriate venue. These tours typically route between Nashville and Atlanta, cities with several fitting options.

Year-round Engagement

The proposed amphitheater could play host to 25-30 touring concerts annually, according to the study, and possibly support around 85 events each year. Beyond concerts, the space could accommodate conferences, banquets, and private meetings, bringing a predicted 154,000 people through its gates annually.

The study also recommends several improvements to existing facilities, such as developing a permanent bandshell at Coolidge Park for local and regional artists. Enhancements to Miller Park, the site of the Nightfall concert series, include improved storage and backstage amenities for artists.

Community Reactions

Responses from local business and cultural leaders have been positive. Jeremy Hicks, communications director for The Signal, comments, “We see even more opportunities for growth in Chattanooga, and I think a venue like the one mentioned in the study would be a great benefit and sit well in the already existing venue ecosystem.”

Nick Wilkinson, CEO of the Tivoli Theatre Foundation, which operates three venues in Chattanooga, shares these sentiments but also highlights a need for careful consideration. “While an appropriately sized amphitheater would be awesome, it’s a matter of: Do the economics justify it? Does the market justify it?”

The foundation is not concerned that a new venue might siphon off shows from existing venues, emphasizing that Chattanooga is now firmly established on the map for touring concerts and shows. According to Wilkinson, maintaining the high standards required to attract top-tier performances will ensure that current venues remain competitive.

Survey Insights

The study’s survey findings show that nearly 90% of respondents believe a new amphitheater would not affect their attendance at existing venues. However, it underscores that Chattanooga cannot support more than one new amphitheater, even though more than one proposal is currently being discussed.

Potential Locations

While the study does not recommend a specific location for the new venue, it notes that The Bend is a strong contender. Developer Urban Story Ventures is already in discussions with city and county officials to explore this possibility.

The current home of the Chattanooga Lookouts, AT&T Field on Hawk Hill, is also a possible site once the team moves to a new $115 million stadium in the South Broad District. This future multipurpose stadium could be designed to host a variety of events, including concerts, football games, and private gatherings.

As plans progress, it’s clear that many in Chattanooga are excited about the potential for a new outdoor music venue. This development could well be a significant contribution to the city’s growing reputation as a regional hub for live music and cultural events.