By India McCarty
Comedian Nate Bargatze has families in mind with his latest project.
“It’s a theme park…called Nateland, and it’s just — it won’t be all about me,” he joked on a recent episode of the TODAY show. “But it’s in Nashville. We had a theme park growing up. My first job was at a theme park, and so, you know, I just wanted to kind of bring that back again.”
Bargatze added, “I want to have stuff for families to be able to go to and create memories. So, you know, why not?”
Related: Nate Bargatze Isn’t Kidding—a Nateland Theme Park Is in the Works
The park will sit on 100 acres and cost $350 million to build. A site has already been selected, and most of the land has been secured through an investor. The exact location has not yet been revealed.
The park will be divided into three sections, paying homage to his Tennessee roots, his time on the New York comedy circuit and his now-global popularity.
“Visitors would enter through a 1990s-style mall,” the Wall Street Journal reported. “The area based on Bargatze’s local lore would include coasters and a ‘Donkey Dive’ ride inspired by one of his jokes.”
The New York section will feature “street performers, live shows and a ride through a simulated Times Square with a New Year’s Eve ball drop,” while the third section will include “stunt performances and interactive shows.”
“The projects we incentivize have to fit this heartland, middle America approach to things,” Tennessee deputy governor Stuart McWhorter told the Wall Street Journal. “What Nate represents aligns with our state.”
The clean comedian has been talking about his dreams of a theme park for some time now. Last year, plans for the park were officially announced, with Mel McGowan, founder and chief creative officer of design firm Storyland Studios, saying, “This project has been a long time coming, and we’re thrilled to officially announce that we have embarked on this journey with Nate, Felix, and the entire Nateland team.”
“Our goal is to create a truly premium themed entertainment experience right in Music City that reflects the unique humor and heart of Nateland, while also delivering a world-class destination for families,” she continued.
Felix Verdigets, CEO of Nateland Entertainment, added, “Nate and Nateland are committed to good, clean, family-friendly entertainment. We live in middle Tennessee and recognize the need for a major attraction for people of all ages in the Nashville area. We’re excited to see what our partnership with Storyland Studios will bring.”
Families across the country can’t wait to see what Nateland has in store!
Read Next: Nate Bargatze Reveals What Keeps Families Together at BREADWINNER Premiere
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
– Content: +4Share:
– Content: +1