Nashville Yards Amps Competition

Nashville Yards, a major development in downtown Nashville announced recently by AEG and the project developer, promises to elevate the city’s already lofty status as a live music destination with its inclusion of an LA Live-style entertainment hub including two music venues.

NashvilleYards.com – Nashville Yards Aerial

AEG’s announcement follows the entry in recent years of Live Nation as a major player in Music City. Live Nation operates Ascend Amphitheater, Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater and Municipal Auditorium.

While AEG has promoted for years in Nashville, the project likely spikes competition in the market between the world’s two largest concert promoters.

The $1.2 billion Nashville Yards project will also create competition with other, smaller local institutions, according to the Tennessean.

A 4,000-seat theatre proposed at Nashville Yards would likely compete with the nearby Ryman Auditorium as well as the three LN-run buildings. A 600-cap club included in the Nashville Yards plan would join a mix of venues including Exit/In, 3rd and Lindsley, Mercy Lounge and City Winery among others.

But independent operators, at least for now, don’t seem overly concerned by the looming new market entry.

“It was only a matter of time before AEG or Live Nation moved into the market with their own club,” 3rd and Lindsley talent buyer Santo Pullella told the Tennessean.  “So it’s no difference to us.

“It’s like another independent club opening. We have plans in the works that will sustain our growth and carry on the legacy of us being here for the artists. We have to concentrate on ourselves.”

Chris Cobb, who co-owns the 500-cap Exit/In and the 1,500-cap Marathon Music Works, told the Tennessean he came close to selling those venues to Live Nation last year before he and partner Josh Billue had a change of heart.

“I believe Nashville will continue to be a city full of authentic, grassroots entrepreneurial spirit,” he told the paper. “Thankfully, there are still many Nashvillians who will passionately give of themselves to make our city a better place to live, work, raise families and enjoy.

“Hopefully, Nashville will find a way to maintain and manage its growth in a way that prioritizes these items as much as downtown development.”

But AEG won’t be alone in the new venue derby. Live Nation reportedly confirmed to the Tennessean that it plans on “bringing a local midsize club to town” and the newspaper also cites “persistent rumors” that Brooklyn Bowl is eyeing the city for expansion.

The city has seen a building boom in recent years, and the head of its convention and visitors agency sees Nashville Yards as nothing but win-win.

“Nashville Yards is an incredible addition and opportunity not just for downtown but for all of Nashville,” Butch Spyridon, president of Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp., told the paper.

“The forethought and deliberate approach is absolutely on the mark. If early communication is any indication of the type of partner and developer they will be, then we are fortunate, and our future just got brighter, if that is possible.”