VENU Announces Expansion Plans of Its Premium Live Entertainment Portfolio into Tennessee with Landmark $300 Million Amphitheater at the Bend in Chattanooga
Next-Generation, Multi-Seasonal Venue to Become One of the Largest Live Entertainment Destinations in the State
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Venu Holding Corporation (“VENU” or the “Company”) (NYSE American: VENU), owner, operator, and developer of premium live entertainment destinations, today announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase a 15 acre parcel of property for planned expansion into Tennessee where VENU® is taking definitive steps towards the development of a landmark, next-generation, world-class amphitheater at the Bend® in Chattanooga, to be named Sunset Amphitheater Chattanooga. That planned development is anticipated to represent $300 million in total investment and entering into the purchase agreement represents a definitive and significant milestone in the Company’s continued national portfolio growth. Developed in partnership with Urban Story Ventures, the project will deliver an immersive, omni-content, multi-seasonal entertainment experience into one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing markets and stands as one of the most significant entertainment and economic development initiatives in Chattanooga’s history. The culmination of the development’s partnership is contingent upon the successful completion of public-private partnership incentives currently under negotiation.
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Sunset Amphitheater Chattanooga, TN Sitemap Rendering
The venue will feature approximately 12,500 seats, making it one of the largest live entertainment venues in Tennessee, surpassing Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville. Featuring a canopied roof designed to function as both partially enclosed and open air, it will become Chattanooga’s first multi-seasonal facility, fundamentally expanding the city’s ability to attract major touring acts and large-scale events 365 days a year.
“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. We are grateful for the trust of this community and committed to delivering a destination that makes Chattanooga proud for generations to come.”
The planned venue will feature expansive traditional bowl seating, lawn seating, and a curated selection of premium spaces exclusive to the VENU portfolio, including elevated Owners Clubs and the signature Luxe FireSuites™, all complemented by a wide variety of food and beverage offerings that make it a true year-round destination for residents and visitors alike.
At the heart of the premium experience, VENU’s Luxe FireSuites offer intimate seating around a central fire pit, dedicated in-suite hospitality, and unparalleled sightlines in a private suite environment. Designed for discerning fans, corporate partners, and investors seeking their own stake in the live experience, FireSuites represent one of the most exciting ownership opportunities in the booming live entertainment industry. For more information on FireSuites, visit venu.live/luxefiresuites.
Beyond audience capacity, the amphitheater is expected to include artist-focused amenities such as green rooms and hospitality suites designed to enhance the pre- and post-show experience for performers and production teams, positioning Chattanooga as a competitive stop on national touring circuits.
“This is a transformational moment for Chattanooga and for the Bend,” said Jimmy White, President & Managing Partner of Urban Story Ventures. ” 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.”
“This amphitheater represents a once-in-a-generation investment into the city, fundamentally changing the entertainment landscape of Chattanooga and the region,” White added. “It will bring world-class artists to the city and establish the Bend as a premier entertainment destination alongside major U.S. markets like New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and Nashville.”
The project is projected to generate more than $4.2 billion in direct and indirect regional economic impact, supporting tourism growth, job creation, hospitality expansion, and long-term investment throughout Chattanooga and the surrounding region.
This landmark investment follows extensive planning and collaboration between VENU, Urban Story Ventures, and city and state legislative leadership, underscoring continued confidence in Chattanooga’s trajectory and its position as an emerging hub for live entertainment in the Southeast. Hoar Construction will serve as the general contractor for the project.
For Luxe FireSuite investment information, visit venu.live/luxefiresuites.
About Venu Holding Corporation
Venu Holding Corporation (“VENU”) (NYSE American: VENU) is a premier owner, developer, and operator of luxury, experience-driven entertainment destinations. Founded by Colorado Springs entrepreneur JW Roth, VENU has a portfolio of premium brands that includes Ford Amphitheater, Sunset Amphitheaters, Phil Long Music Hall, The Hall at Bourbon Brothers, Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern, Aikman Owners Clubs, and Roth’s Sea & Steak. With venues operating and in development across Colorado, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Texas and a nationwide expansion underway, VENU is setting a new standard for live entertainment.
VENU has been recognized nationally by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Billboard, VenuesNow, and Variety for its innovative and disruptive approach to live entertainment. Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as AEG Presents, NFL Hall of Famer and Founder of EIGHT Elite Light Beer, Troy Aikman, Billboard, Aramark Sports + Entertainment, Tixr, Boston Common Golf, Niall Horan, and Dierks Bentley, VENU continues to shape the future of the entertainment landscape. For more information, visit VENU’s website, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X.
About Urban Story Ventures
Urban Story Ventures is a Southeast commercial real estate development group based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Led by Jimmy White, the company’s portfolio focuses on mixed-use, office, industrial, and retail sites, reimagined for their highest and best use. Projects from Tennessee to Florida include iconic and historical landmark buildings as well as 100+ acre redevelopments like the Bend. Full-service capabilities include property management, billing, leasing, security, landscaping, and maintenance. For more information, visit UrbanStoryVentures.com.
About the Bend
The Bend® is a transformative, master-planned, mixed-use riverfront development spanning more than 120 acres along the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga. Designed as a vibrant, walkable extension of the city, the project reimagines a historic industrial site into a dynamic district that integrates residential housing, retail, dining, office space, hospitality, entertainment, and public green spaces. With a focus on connectivity, sustainability, and community engagement, the Bend will feature over 1,000 residential units, expansive waterfront access, and a signature large-scale entertainment venue—positioning it as a premier destination for living, working, and gathering while driving long-term economic growth for the region. For more information, visit TheBendChattanooga.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While Venu believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those set forth in the company’s filings with the SEC, not limited to Risk Factors relating to its business contained therein. Thus, actual results could be materially different. Venu expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260512809069/en/
Investor Relations
Sarah Rothschild, [email protected]
Media Relations
Chloe Polhamus, [email protected]
KEYWORDS: Tennessee Colorado United States North America
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Commercial Building & Real Estate Construction & Property Music General Entertainment Urban Planning Events/Concerts Other Construction & Property Entertainment
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