(Rendering) Nate Bargatze’s Nateland theme park plans coasters, shows, and Opryland tribute
About eight months after first unveiling plans for his ambitious Nateland theme park project, comedian Nate Bargatze’s vision for a Nashville, Tennessee, destination continues to evolve. Alongside creative partner Storyland Studios, the project has revealed new concept details and recently filed a trademark application tied to one of Opryland USA’s most recognizable roller coasters, offering another clue about how Nateland could pay tribute to the city’s theme park legacy.
First revealed at IAAPA Expo on Nov. 18, 2025, in Orlando, Fla., details about exact rides or an opening date for the 100+-acre Nateland remain under wraps. The comedian describes Nateland as a family-friendly entertainment destination inspired partly by the legacy of Opryland USA.
Originally published in November 2025. Updated in May and August 2026 with new Nateland details, including a trademark filing that could hint at how the project plans to honor Opryland USA.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Bargatze said the planned Nashville-area project is expected to cover more than 100 acres and cost around $350 million.
Now, Bargatze is sharing new details about what guests could one day experience at Nateland, while a newly filed trademark application hints at how the park may honor Opryland USA’s legacy.
According to a report in May, Nateland could include:
- Roller coasters
- Live entertainment shows
- Restaurants
- Multiple themed lands inspired by different periods of Bargatze’s life
- A nostalgic 1990s-style mall entrance area
- Attractions, including a proposed “Donkey Dive” ride based on one of his comedy bits
Bargatze also said he views himself as the park’s equivalent of Mickey Mouse. “I’m the Mickey Mouse,” Bargatze told the publication.
Storyland Studios files trademark tied to Opryland history
Nateland has taken another step that may hint at how deeply it plans to honor Nashville’s theme park history. According to the Nashville Business Journal, Storyland Studios—the California design firm leading Nateland’s creative development—has filed a trademark application for “Screamin’ Delta Demon,” the name of one of Opryland USA’s most recognizable roller coasters. No attraction has been officially announced under that name, but this filing fits with the reported goal of Nateland theme park to honor some of Opryland’s legacy.
Nate Bargatze has previously spoken about his desire for Nateland to capture the spirit of Opryland. Storyland Studios has likewise described Nateland as a new theme park rooted in Nashville’s culture and history, while emphasizing that it is not affiliated with the former Opryland property.
Nateland concept art
The concept artwork for Nateland appears to reveal a compact entertainment district centered on colorful attractions, live entertainment spaces, and a nostalgic Americana-inspired design. One section of the rendering shows a looping roller coaster weaving through a wooded area near a brightly lit midway, while another features winding family attractions, glowing pathways, water elements, and a circular amphitheater-style venue that could potentially host live performances.
Toward the front of the development, guests appear to enter through a neon-lit “Nateland” district with retro-inspired architecture reminiscent of a 1990s shopping and entertainment complex, matching Nate Bargatze’s recent comments about incorporating mall nostalgia into the project.
The overall layout blends theme park rides, nightlife-style lighting, and urban-style gathering spaces into what looks more like an entertainment destination than a traditional regional amusement park.
Design details
The park will be developed by Nateland Experiences, a department of Bargatze’s broader Nateland company (other divisions include realms such as podcasting and movies), and Storyland Studios, a strategy and design firm whose portfolio includes projects for Knott’s Berry Farm, Legoland, and California’s Great America, among others.
“Nate and Nateland are committed to good, clean, family-friendly entertainment,” said Felix Verdigets, CEO of Nateland 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.”
Image courtesy of NBC
“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,” said Mel McGowan, founder & chief creative officer of Storyland. “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.”
In September 2025, The Hollywood Reporter first broke that a potential Nate Bargatze theme park was being planned for Nashville, with other future locations to follow.
The Hollywood Reporter said the Nashville park would be the first of several theme parks in the portfolio and the flagship location, planned for 80-100 acres (pending a feasibility study) and also including a studio and “standalone rides” not themed to existing franchises.
In 2026, Norwegian Cruise Line will host a Nateland sailing.
Image courtesy of NBC
Bargatze follows in the footsteps of other entertainers with ventures in the themed entertainment industry after becoming famous in a different industry: Dolly Parton (Dollywood), Jimmy Buffett (Margaritaville), and, of course, Walt Disney, to name a few.
Stand-up Nate Bargatze’s 2024 comedy tour ranked as the highest-grossing in the world in 2024, according to Billboard. Bargatze’s first movie, “The Breadwinner,” which he stars in and wrote, releases in theaters in 2026. Bargatze has hosted “Saturday Night Live” twice, both times performing as President George Washington in some of the show’s most viral sketches in recent years. (We were there that night and saw the sketch live.)
Would you visit a Nate Bargatze theme park? Where would you want one of the parks to be located?
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I can’t wait. Looking forward to planning a Nashville trip to hit Zanies and the future Nateland!