Nate Bargatze’s dream for a Nashville amusement park is one step closer to reality as the stand-up comedian’s company, Nateland, partnered with design firm Storyland Studio to explore the concept and feasibility of the attraction.
Nateland and Storyland are considering potential locations in and around Nashville for the theme park, which would be more than 100 acres in size. In addition to vehicles, the company is also considering major amenities such as retail, dining, and potential hotels. The feasibility study is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, at which point Bargatze will consider securing investment for the park.
“Nate and Nateland are committed to quality, clean, family-friendly entertainment,” Felix Verdigetz, CEO of Nateland Entertainment, said in a statement. “We live in Middle Tennessee and recognize the need for a major attraction in the Nashville area that people of all ages can enjoy. We look forward to what our partnership with Storyland Studios will bring.”
The partnership between Nateland and Storyland was announced Tuesday at the International Amusement Park and Attraction Expo Association. The collaboration teams Bargatze’s entertainment and events company with the design firm that designs the immersive Legoland Hotel and parts of theme parks such as Knott’s Berry Farm and California’s Great Adventure.
Mel McGowan, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Storyland Studios, said: “This project has been a long time coming, and we’re thrilled to officially announce that we’ve embarked on this journey with Nate, Felix, and the entire Nateland team.” “Our goal is to create a truly premium themed entertainment experience in Music City that reflects Nateland’s unique humor and heart, while providing a world-class destination for families.”
Bergatze, who boasted the highest grossing comedy tour of 2024, told Esquire magazine in May of his dream of building an amusement park in his hometown of Nashville, saying, “I think we’re closer than people think. But we’re still a little ways off.” His company’s experiential division is also planning a comedy cruise called Nateland at Sea in February.
Bargazze recently hosted the Emmy Awards and is in pre-production on the comedy film “The Breadwinner,” which will be released by Sony in March.
