Nate Bargatze is one step closer to realizing his dream of opening a theme park in Nashville.
On Nov. 18, “the nicest man in standup” revealed that his company, Nateland, is teaming up with Storyland Studios, a Southern California-based firm specializing in themed entertainment architecture and design, to explore the concept and feasibility of developing a theme park in Nashville.
“Nate and Nateland are committed to good, clean, family-friendly entertainment. We live in middle Tennessee and recognize the need for a major attraction for people of all ages in the Nashville area,” said Nateland Entertainment CEO Felix Verdigets in a statement.
“We’re excited to see what our partnership with Storyland Studios will bring.”
Here’s what else to know.
Is Nate Bargatze opening a theme park in Nashville?
In collaboration with state and local officials, the Nateland Experiences division, alongside the creative team at Storyland Studios, is actively evaluating potential sites across the greater Nashville area for a proposed 100+ theme park.
Apart from entertainment offerings in the “good, clean family fun park,” the project is also considering additional amenities such as retail spaces, restaurants and a hotel.
“This project has been a long time coming, and we’re thrilled to officially announce that we have embarked on this journey with Nate, Felix, and the entire Nateland team,” said Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Storyland Studios Mel McGowan.
“Our goal is to create a truly premium themed entertainment experience right in Music City that reflects the unique humor and heart of Nateland, while also delivering a world-class destination for families.”
The feasibility study is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, after which the Nateland Experiences team plans to promptly begin engaging with potential investors using the finalized study and project concept.
Due to the growing enthusiasm surrounding Bargatze’s entertainment ventures, there is strong anticipation for robust investor interest, read a news release.
Why does Nate Bargatze want to build a theme park in Nashville?
The comedian has been a longtime advocate of Music City theme park and has frequently spoken about his nostalgia for Opryland USA, the beloved theme park where he worked as a teenager while growing up in Old Hickory.
Opryland closed its gates in 1997, during his senior year at Donelson Christian Academy.
“My first job when I was 15, I worked at Opryland,” Bargatze said during his 2024 Christmas special. “We had a theme park that everybody loved. It was the best.”
“We’ve got a pretty awesome mall now instead,” he noted of Opry Mills, which now occupies the Opryland USA site.
Bargatze envisions the proposed theme park being modeled after Universal Studios. “We can have rides and start making movies here,” he said. “I think I know what is missing in entertainment and I think this would work.”
Given Nashville’s growth over the past 20 years, Bargatze believes Nateland has the potential to surpass the success of Opryland USA.
“Nashville is the perfect place now; it’s easier to get people to come do things here because of its size like shoot movies or do shows,” Bargatze said. “Nashville has blown up and that can be a good thing. A really good thing.”
Nate Bargatze on SNL: Why he’s the ‘nicest man in stand-up’
Who is Nate Bargatze?
Comedian Nate Bargatze appears as a surprise guest at the end of a weekly Nateland Live show at the 100-seat Lab at Zanies comedy club Monday, April 28, 2025 in Nashville, Tenn.
Bargatze is a Grammy-nominated Middle Tennessee-born comedian. An Old Hickory native, he is known for his clean, family-friendly approach to comedy.
Before launching his career in comedy, Bargatze worked in Mt. Juliet reading water meters for the West Wilson Utility District.
He left that job in 2001, and decades later, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by performing at Bridgestone Arena in April 2023, selling out his hometown venue to a crowd of 19,365 fans
Throughout his career he’s performed at Bonnaroo, appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” as well as “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” and hosted Saturday Night Live twice.
Most recently, he’s hosted the 77th annual Emmy Awards and has filmed a new game show at Nashville Municipal Auditorium.
Contributing: Mike Organ
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Is Nate Bargatze opening a theme park in Nashville? What to know
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