Opry Entertainment Group got the final Metro Nashville Council vote Tues. night Nov. 4, 2025 to become the operator of downtown Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater for the next 10 years.
The riverfront, open-air concert venue is currently operated by Live Nation. The new operating agreement will commence Jan. 1, 2026 and run through Dec. 31, 2035.
Long-time naming rights partner Ascend will remain the venue’s title sponsor through the 10-year period, but the company said in a statement the venue going forward will officially be referred to as Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater.
Matt Jernigan, president and CEO of Ascend Federal Credit Union said the two companies’ values align.
“Our partnership with Opry Entertainment Group represents an exciting new chapter for this venue and for the community it serves,” Jernigan said in a statement. “OEG’s reputation for delivering top-notch entertainment along with their strong commitment to community engagement, aligns perfectly with Ascend’s own values. Together, we’re proud to support a venue that connects people and celebrates the spirit of Middle Tennessee.”
Jimmy Buffett performs at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, July 6, 2021.
What improvements will be made to Ascend under the OEG operating agreement?
Many improvements are slated for the venue under the new operating agreement, including $12 million in capital investment dedicated to facility improvements and more than $1 million to make the greenway connector adjacent to the amphitheater continuously accessible by Spring of 2026.
Additionally, OEG agrees to host up to 35 concert events annually, with a portion of each ticket sold benefiting Nashville Parks Foundation.
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The Marías perform in Nashville at Ascend Amphitheater on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025.
Colin Reed, executive chairman of OEG parent company Ryman Hospitality Properties said in a statement that the company has been the steward of Nashville’s most iconic institutions, including The Ryman Auditorium and The Opry House, for decades
“We have a strong vision for this venue and believe it can be one of the premier outdoor amphitheaters in the country, regarded by all as a place that reflects the spirit of Nashville,” Reed said in a statement. “The greenway enhancements are just one example of how we’re working to make this tremendous space more accessible, inclusive and inviting for all.”
Patrick Moore, CEO of Opry Entertainment Group said it is their honor and pleasure to help further the long-term relationship with the community through the city landmark.
“Ascend has built an impressive footprint here in Nashville, delivering on its promise to serve our community and help support the creative spirit that makes Music City such a special place to live, work and play,” Moore said in a statement.
A machine sends bubbles into the crowd as Cake performs at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Will the concert programming at Ascend change under OEG?
Beginning with the 2026 season, Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater is slated to adopt an “open room” approach to programming designed to offer a diverse and wide-ranging entertainment calendar for the Nashville community.
OEG will program up to 35 concert events annually, with a portion of each ticket sold benefitting Nashville Parks Foundation. Additional community events will be held each season, including performances from the Nashville Symphony and the Grand Ole Opry.
Moore added, “We believe Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater is one of the most exciting civic assets in our city and we’re proud to bring our capabilities to this venue. Our open-room model will allow us to activate the space with a dynamic event schedule, including major concerts and family-friendly programming.”
Melonee Hurt covers music and music business at The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK — Tennessee. Reach Melonee at [email protected] or on Instagram at @MelHurtWrites.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Opry Entertainment Group 10-year operating agreement for Ascend Amphitheater approved
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