A Chattanooga music study reveals a gap in local venues, with 76% of concertgoers attending shows elsewhere. A new amphitheater could change that.
Chattanooga concert-goers and promoters want an outdoor concert venue.
A recent study by Conventions, Sports & Leisure International, funded by the Chattanooga Tourism Company, identified a major gap in the city’s music venues: the lack of an outdoor, music-specific space for 4,000 to 9,000 attendees.
This gap limits Chattanooga’s ability to attract certain touring acts, especially those that prefer outdoor amphitheaters.
To fill this void, the study suggests building a new outdoor amphitheater with a 6,000-person capacity.
It would include 3,000 fixed seats and space for 3,000 more on a lawn. The proposed amphitheater could host 25 to 30 concerts each year, along with various community events.
Survey Stats Highlight Venue Demand
The study found that only 24% of concert attendance happens within Chattanooga, meaning a whopping 76% of respondents attend shows outside the city. This underscores the need for a local venue.
Additionally, 75% of respondents believe Chattanooga needs a new music venue.
Importantly, 90% said that a new venue wouldn’t impact their attendance at existing local spots. About half of the respondents mentioned they’d attend fewer out-of-town shows if a new local venue were available.
Understanding the Market Gap
While Chattanooga has several venues, none are built specifically for outdoor music events. Existing spaces, like McKenzie Arena and Memorial Auditorium, can hold large crowds but are indoor venues, which limits booking options.
Smaller theaters, clubs, and repurposed spaces serve the local scene well but lack appeal for larger touring acts.
The study noted that the new 9,000-capacity stadium for the Lookouts could be adapted for concerts, but the current AT&T Field on Hawk Hill isn’t suited for regular shows.
Promoter Feedback and Market Potential
Local, regional, and national promoters agree that the lack of outdoor venues is a barrier for some artists considering Chattanooga.
The study states, “There is a segment of touring concerts that specifically performs in small- to mid-sized outdoor amphitheaters and routes most often between Nashville and Atlanta. While there are numerous regional amphitheaters along this route, there are none in Chattanooga, causing tours to skip over Chattanooga entirely.”
Proposed Amphitheater Details
The study compared similar-sized cities and recent trends in venue construction. They found that amphitheaters in comparable cities typically hold between 4,000 and 10,000 people, with an average of 8,200 seats.
The study recommends Chattanooga build a 6,000-capacity amphitheater with premium seating, concessions, an air-conditioned lounge, and preferred parking.
It would require 1,700 parking spaces.
The venue could host 85 events each year, drawing around 154,000 visitors.
The study stresses that Chattanooga can support one new amphitheater, not multiple.
Next Steps for Chattanooga’s Music Scene
The study suggests promoters strongly support the amphitheater idea, seeing it as a way to fill a market niche and attract more visitors to the city.
The study suggests moving forward with one amphitheater to address the current gap. It also recommends enhancing existing venues, like adding a permanent bandshell at Coolidge Park for year-round concerts.
Chattanooga’s music scene is on the rise. With the right venue, it could become a major player in the regional music landscape.
This proposed amphitheater could be the key to unlocking that potential.
Find more concerts in and around Chattanooga at our concert calendar.
