Amusement Park News

One of the most successful comedians working today, Nate Bargatze is turning his attention to building a $350 million theme park in Nashville, Tennessee. And no, it is not a joke. Plans call for more than 100 acres of roller coasters and other attractions, food and beverage offerings, and live entertainment.

The park will draw inspiration from Bargatze's life, career, and comedic perspective, translating them into themed lands, attractions, and entertainment experiences.

First announced last fall at IAAPA Expo, the project is being developed by Bargatze's company, Nateland Entertainment, in partnership with Southern California-based Storyland Studios, a firm well known for its themed entertainment expertise.

Founded by former Disney and LEGOLAND team members, Storyland Studios is a global destination and experience design firm that, according to its promotional materials, puts "story at the center of every project, from theme parks and cultural landmarks to educational institutions and conservation centers." The company has developed theme parks, family entertainment centers, and sports and entertainment districts in the United States, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and South Korea.

While the park's plans are still evolving, recent concept art depicts a destination featuring multiple themed lands and interactive experiences inspired by different chapters of Bargatze's life. The rendering suggests three primary areas: one reflecting his Tennessee roots, another inspired by New York City, and a third dedicated to interactive shows and stunt performances.

The Tennessee-themed section will feature a 1990s-era mall entrance and an attraction based on one of Bargatze's jokes called Donkey Dive. The New York-themed area will include a Times Square-inspired experience complete with street performers.

Nateland Entertainment CEO Felix Verdigets says that Bargatze and his team aim to "create a truly premium themed entertainment experience right in Music City." According to Storyland founder and Chief Creative Officer Mel McGowan, the park will capture the "unique humor and heart of Nateland" while providing a world-class destination for families.

Born in Nashville, Bargatze is one of comedy's most popular performers and the star of the recently released film The Breadwinner. In the movie, he plays a married car salesman who finds himself navigating a series of comic mishaps after his wife becomes a breakout success following an appearance on Shark Tank. Facing competition from current horror releases Obsession and Backrooms, the film has experienced a slow rollout. While the $25 million production has received mixed critical reviews, audience response has been considerably stronger.

Bargatze is also hosting ABC and Hulu's new comedy game show, The Greatest Average American, which has been performing well with viewers.

Beyond film and television, Bargatze continues to break records as a live performer. He recently set the record for the highest one-year gross by a comedy act in history. His success reflects an ability to connect with audiences seeking clean, family-friendly entertainment, an approach he hopes to bring to the theme park industry as well.

Bargatze has said that his goal is to become "the Walt Disney of Tennessee" while also serving as the mascot for his own park.

Verdigets was initially brought on as the project's chief executive. The team then hired a lobbyist to help establish key relationships in the Nashville area. After generating sufficient interest, Nateland partnered with Storyland Studios. Although the park's location has not yet been publicly announced, a site has reportedly been secured. Plans for an accompanying hotel are also under consideration.

Local fans, investors, and community leaders have been drawn to Bargatze's family-oriented brand. Tennessee Deputy Governor Stuart McWhorter has noted that the project is a natural fit for the region and reflects a "middle America approach" that aligns with the state's values. In practical terms, projects seeking state support must be viewed as family-friendly and community-oriented, and Bargatze's proposal appears to meet those criteria.

A theme park based on a celebrity persona is not unprecedented in Tennessee. Dolly Parton's highly successful Dollywood in Pigeon Forge is rooted in her life and career. However, Bargatze has acknowledged some discomfort with building an attraction centered entirely on himself. In response, Storyland has reportedly toned down aspects of his personal presence within some attractions and experiences.

Even so, Bargatze's biggest hope, and perhaps his biggest concern, is ensuring that guests will embrace and support the project.

Verdigets remains confident they will. He says the idea for the park gained momentum once the development team recognized a need for a major all-ages attraction in the Nashville area.

A year ago, Bargatze was specific about where he would most like the park to be built: the former site of Opryland, where he worked his first job years ago. Wherever the inaugural park ultimately opens, there has already been discussion about expanding the concept to other parts of the country. Last fall, Verdigets suggested that smaller "mini parks" in additional markets could also be feasible.

According to Storyland Studios, the project is deeply personal for Bargatze. The company says it reflects the comedian's longstanding desire "to see a theme park return to Middle Tennessee" following the closure of Opryland. In that sense, Nateland represents the realization of a dream years in the making.