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Council approves Opry affiliate to manage West Riverfront Amphitheatre with amendment
Summary
The council approved an agreement with Nashville Riverfront Amphitheatre LLC (an Opry Entertainment affiliate) to manage, operate and maintain the West Riverfront Amphitheatre. An amendment added authority to access Metro property; council members pressed the operator on commitments to local representation in staffing and contracting.
The Metropolitan Council approved an ordinance (bill 20 25‑10‑50) to authorize a management, operation and maintenance agreement with Nashville Riverfront Amphitheatre LLC, an affiliate of Opry Entertainment Group, for the West Riverfront Amphitheatre.
The council first approved an amendment to allow the operator access to Metro property that the original agreement did not explicitly provide. Director Darby explained the amendment simply grants authority for the group to access Metro property.
Gary Scott, chief operating officer for Opry Entertainment Group, told the council the company views the amphitheater as part of the region’s legacy entertainment assets and emphasized planned capital investment and connections to the greenway. Scott said the company had worked closely with the mayor’s office and Metro Parks and planned programming that includes community events.
Council questions and equity commitments Councilmember Allen asked the operator how it would ensure representation and access in a public venue. Scott said Opry Entertainment employs nearly 1,000 people locally and described steps the group has taken to promote diverse programming and diverse contracting, including working with the Nashville Equal Business Opportunity Program; he also pointed to a woman‑owned contractor engaged to construct a bridge connecting the pathway.
Vote and next steps The amendment and the bill as amended passed by voice vote. The amendment gave the management group access to Metro property as described in the amendment; the approved contract includes management, programming and maintenance responsibilities for the amphitheater and supporting buildings.
