Key Takeaways
- The Neyland Entertainment District will be a mixed-use development featuring restaurants, sports bars, a condo/hotel, and an outdoor concert stage
- The district will be a major lift for the area on game days, but its primary purpose is to provide a vibrant entertainment space for the community on non-game days
- The project is a public-private partnership between the University of Tennessee and the 865 Neyland Project Team
- The district will offer a unique and elevated experience for the community, with a focus on showcasing East Tennessee and Rocky Top themes
- The project is expected to benefit not only the athletic department but also the entire university community and the city of Knoxville
Introduction to the Neyland Entertainment District
The Neyland Entertainment District is a highly anticipated development project that aims to transform the area surrounding Neyland Stadium into a vibrant entertainment hub. According to Danny White, the project will be a significant lift for the area on game days, but its primary purpose is to provide a thriving entertainment space for the community on non-game days. With a mix of restaurants, sports bars, a condo/hotel, and an outdoor concert stage, the district promises to offer a unique and exciting experience for visitors.
Project Details and Partnerships
The Neyland Entertainment District will be developed by the 865 Neyland Project Team, a group with extensive experience in creating entertainment districts and professional sports venues around the country. The team includes Dixon Greenwood, Jake Miller, Taylor Gray, the Hartland Hotel Group, and Johnson Architecture. The project is a public-private partnership, with the University of Tennessee leasing the land to the 865 Neyland Project Team, which will be responsible for construction and taking on the business risk. The athletic department will receive a minor revenue lift, but this is not the primary driver behind the project.
Community Benefits and Experience
The Neyland Entertainment District is designed to provide a unique and elevated experience for the community, with a focus on showcasing East Tennessee and Rocky Top themes. The district will feature a big sports bar that can host 150 people on a Tuesday night, as well as a higher-end restaurant overlooking the river that will offer an elevated experience. The outdoor concert stage will be electric on game days, but it will also host concerts and events on non-game days, making it a vibrant entertainment space for the community. The district will also connect with the hotel and condo, providing a seamless experience for visitors.
Beyond Game Days
While the Neyland Entertainment District will undoubtedly be a major lift for the area on game days, its primary purpose is to provide a thriving entertainment space for the community on non-game days. The district will be a great place to watch games on the road, enjoy live music, or simply take in the views of the Tennessee River. The project is expected to benefit not only the athletic department but also the entire university community and the city of Knoxville. As Danny White noted, the district is "for the entire university community and Knoxville community," and it will be a unique and iconic setup that showcases the best of East Tennessee.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The Neyland Entertainment District is an exciting development project that promises to transform the area surrounding Neyland Stadium into a vibrant entertainment hub. With its unique blend of restaurants, sports bars, a condo/hotel, and an outdoor concert stage, the district will offer a thrilling experience for visitors. The project’s focus on showcasing East Tennessee and Rocky Top themes will make it a must-visit destination for fans and non-fans alike. As the project moves forward, it will be exciting to see the Neyland Entertainment District come to life and become a beloved gathering place for the community. With its public-private partnership and community-focused design, the district is poised to become a iconic part of the Knoxville landscape.
