09.03.2024

Today’s Forecast

85º | 47% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:15 a.m. | Sunset 8:04 p.m.

The survey results are in

Music venue assessment unveils need for new outdoor amphitheater

“This study provides a clear path forward for enhancing our current venues and creating new opportunities for growth in our vibrant music scene, and providing one more reason for people to visit.” — President and CEO of Chattanooga Tourism Co. Barry White. | Photo by Roger Ho via Chattanooga Tourism Co.

Earlier this year, the Chattanooga Tourism Co. teamed up with Conventions, Sports & Leisure International (CSL) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the city’s music venues. The study was focused on evaluating the venues’ current state + identifying opportunities for growth.

Now, you can read through all the key findings online, but we’re going to focus on one point in particular — the recommendation to develop a new outdoor amphitheater.

Initial insights highlight the Scenic City as an attractive destination for cultural offerings, for residents + visitors alike. However, through the study, a significant gap in outdoor, music-specific venues was identified.

Although there are sports venues and public parks that can be re-purposed for music as needed, there are no concert-specific outdoor spaces in Chattanooga. Notably, the study found that AT&T Field on Hawk Hill is not a recommended venue for hosting live music events.

In order to fill this market void and provide a versatile space for a variety of events, the study recommends developing a new outdoor amphitheater with a capacity of 6,000 (3,000 fixed seats + 3,000 in lawn).

CSL estimated the proposed venue could host 85 total events (comprised of ticketed events, concerts, and non-ticketed community events) on an annual basis that could attract 154,000 visitors.

Would a new venue impact Chattanooga’s current venue attendance rates?

90% of survey respondents indicated their attendance at a new venue would not affect their attendance at Chattanooga’s current existing venues.
50% of respondents also said they would attend fewer events outside of Chattanooga if a new venue were available locally.

With the conclusion of the assessment, the Chattanooga Tourism Co. will use the findings to inform the advancement of the city’s local music scene. Follow the organization on Facebook + Instagram to keep up to date.

Asked

Where would you build an outdoor amphitheater in Chattanooga?

A. NorthShore
B. Downtown
C. Southside
D. Lookout Mountain
E. St. Elmo
F. Other

Share your thoughts

Events

Tuesday, Sept. 3

Kitten Circus | Tuesday, Sept. 3 | 4-7 p.m. | GoDog Chattanooga | Free+ | Step right up to the Naughty Cat Cafe + HES Chattanooga circus tent to play with over 20 adoptable kittens.

Wednesday, Sept. 4

Beginner I Salsa Dance Course | Wednesday, Sept. 4-Thursday, Sept. 5 | 7-8 p.m. | G2G Salsa | $85-$150 | Learn how to salsa and bachata in this three-week dance class.

Thursday, Sept. 5

Bourbon Heritage Dinner | Thursday, Sept. 5 | 6 p.m. | Cloudland at McLemore Resort | $225 | Join Louisville Tourism + Garden & Gun for an alfresco cocktail hour and dinner prepared by chef Noam Bilitzer of Meesh Meesh restaurant.

Friday, Sept. 6

“Cows on the Rings of Saturn” | Friday, Sept. 6-Saturday, Sept. 7 | Times vary | Barking Legs Theater | $20 | See this play that offers an experience “filled with heart, humor, and thought-provoking themes.”

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

We’re back with another South Broad stadium update. A construction price of $76.3 million for the facility has been approved, along with a $1.5 million contingency. Additionally, a budget of up to $473,000 to hire a company to provide construction oversight has been endorsed. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)

Opening

In case you missed it, the public is invited to attend an opening ceremony for the new East Ridge Animal Shelter on Thursday, Sept. 26. The new 4,850-sqft facility on Stone Street features spacious kennels, a large play yard, and updated amenities. (Chattanoogan.com)

Arts

Next time you’re at Sculpture Fields at Montague Park check out the new installation “A Sailor’s Son.” This is the first time the piece, created by sculptor Sean Paul Lorentz, has been exhibited. Fun fact: The sculpture is created from the girders of the historic Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge.

Sports

Chattanooga Hockey will host a grand reopening celebration of its updated facility on Sunday, Sept. 8 at the Chattanooga Skate Park. Stop by from 3 to 5 p.m. to see the roller rink and its new set of dasher boards and glass.

Outdoors

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center’s Native Plant Nursery will reopen for the fall planting season on Thursday, Sept. 5. Folks can peruse perennials, grasses, vines, shrubs + trees that can be purchased and planted to help restore the local ecosystem.

Community

The Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management is recognizing September as National Preparedness Month + is raising awareness for residents to prepare for disasters and emergencies. Pro tip: Residents can sign up for the office’s emergency notification system online.

Finance

Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. These are hands down some of the best.*

Wellness

One scoop of NativePath Hydrate = increased energy, muscle strength, and bladder function. Enjoy 44% off and free shipping, plus a free gift with purchase.*

The Buy

The Buy 9.03.24 (Affiliate)

A snackle box. The trendy snack tray has eight compartments and a sealable lid, making it ideal for meal prep, picnic goodies, road trip snacks, and everything in between.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kristen

From the editor

If you get the chance to stop by the Kitten Circus event today, make sure to check out these cat scratchers. They are locally made by Chatty Cat Creations and are absolutely adorable (my cat Dasha is a pretty big fan of them, too). If you can’t make it to the event, they are also available for purchase at Naughty Cat Cafe.

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