VENU Details $300 Million Chattanooga Amphitheater Project

Venu Holding Corporation has announced plans to expand into Tennessee with a new large-scale entertainment venue in Chattanooga. The company confirmed it has entered into an agreement to purchase a 15-acre parcel at the Bend, where it intends to develop the Sunset Amphitheater Chattanooga.

The project is expected to require a $300 million investment and represents a continued push by the company to grow its national footprint. The development is being undertaken in partnership with Urban Story Ventures and remains contingent on the completion of public-private partnership incentives that are currently under negotiation.

Plans for the amphitheater call for a capacity of approximately 12,500, which would make it one of the largest live entertainment venues in the state. The design includes a canopied roof system that allows the venue to operate as both an open-air and partially enclosed space, positioning it as a multi-season facility.

Local development partner Urban Story Ventures said the project would significantly expand the city’s ability to host larger events. Jimmy White, President and Managing Partner, shared, “This is a transformational moment for Chattanooga and for the Bend. At present, the city only has indoor live entertainment venues with capacities topping out around 3,800.”

“This venue will be Chattanooga’s first open-air venue of this scale, with a capacity of 12,500, more than doubling what the city currently offers. This will fundamentally change the types of artists and events Chattanooga can attract and position us for national and international opportunities,” White continued. 

The venue will include a combination of traditional bowl seating and lawn seating, along with a range of premium hospitality offerings. These include Owners Clubs and Luxe FireSuites, as well as expanded food and beverage options. The project also incorporates artist-focused amenities such as green rooms and hospitality suites intended to support performers and production teams.

“This is exactly the kind of strategic expansion opportunity our shareholders expect from us,” said JW Roth, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Venu Holding Corporation.

“Chattanooga is a high-growth market with a proven appetite for live entertainment and a city leadership team that understands the economic power of what we are building together,” Roth continued.

“We are grateful for the trust of this community and committed to delivering a destination that makes Chattanooga proud for generations to come.”