Neyland Entertainment District to feature ‘condotel,’ additional parking near historic stadium

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ( WATE ) — A new waterfront entertainment district on the Tennessee River near two major University of Tennessee venues is in the works. Tennessee Athletics announced a notice of intent to award the Neyland Entertainment District Project to the 865 Neyland Project Team led by Dixon Greenwood, along with Jake Miller, Taylor Gray, Hartland Hotel Group, and Johnson Architecture.

Tennessee Athletics called the announcement “the next big step in the process of transforming the waterfront at Neyland Stadium” and shared some details about the entertainment district development and scope of plans.

University of Tennessee leaders have been working toward initiating a request for proposals. University of Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White called the project a historic endeavor.

“We are absolutely thrilled to witness our vision for this groundbreaking project taking tangible shape,” White said in a news release from Tennessee Athletics. “The development team understood our vision and designed a legacy asset that will significantly impact our campus and overall community. We eagerly anticipate the upcoming phases of this historic endeavor, which is set to influence our campus and the city of Knoxville deeply. The Neyland Entertainment District is poised to become a valuable asset to America’s College Sports City.”

Some highlights of the proposed development include an entertainment district of nearly 175,000 square feet; a full replacement of G10 and additional parking; a full-service, 240-room “condotel” that will also feature 60 luxury condos and will host a rooftop restaurant and bar, conference center, lounges and more.

Officials also said in the news release that one of the Neyland Entertainment District’s unique elements will be its connectivity to two of UT’s iconic venues in Neyland Stadium and Food City Center (formerly Thompson-Boling Arena).

“The notice of intent follows a thorough review of submissions to attract private developers for a public-private partnership to develop a first-in-class entertainment district spanning the Tennessee River north waterfront near historic Neyland Stadium,” a release from Tennessee Athletics stated. “Pending Tennessee State Building Commission approval to proceed with further planning development of the district, the current scheme highlights the project team’s conceptual design. Once the State Building Commission approves, the creation of specific designs and construction schedules can begin.”

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