Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell Joins Opry Entertainment Group to Officially Open New Riverfront Park Greenway Bridge.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Representatives from Opry Entertainment Group (OEG), Ascend Federal Credit Union, and Metro Nashville Government joined Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell to kick off the 2026 Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater season ahead of the venue’s first show under OEG’s 10-year management contract.
Today’s event marked the debut of a new bridge connector for the Riverfront Park Greenway, which runs alongside the amphitheater. The $1 million investment, funded as part of OEG’s more than $12 million capital improvement pledge, will allow continuous access to a key stretch of greenway that was previously closed to the public.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell said, "We've long dreamed of activating the riverfront instead of just driving over it. We're taking a big step forward here today. One of the best settings for a live music venue anywhere is now even better, thanks to new operator Opry Entertainment, and the beautiful greenway connection which will allow continuous access to a key stretch that was previously closed to the public."
Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties added, “Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater is a crown jewel asset for the Nashville community that will soon be regarded as one of the best outdoor music venues in the country. As longtime caretakers of some of the world’s most beloved music venues, we will steward this facility in the same manner as our owned assets, with the guest and artist experience guiding every decision we make. Every improvement made to prepare for the season, including this important greenway connector, was designed with fans, artists and the community in mind.”
Additional venue enhancements debuted today include:
OEG worked closely with Metro Nashville Parks throughout the venue’s off-season to begin construction on the new connector bridge and complete venue enhancements, ensuring all elements were ready in time for tonight’s season opener.
“This very generous investment for the much-needed addition of this bridge marks a significant step forward in strengthening our greenway system and enhancing the way residents and visitors experience downtown and the Cumberland River. It means that our patrons can now utilize this very vibrant segment of our greenway without fear of impediments or closures. We are appreciative of the investment and our shared commitment to building a city that is more walkable, better connected, and more inclusive for all,” said Metro Parks Director Monique Horton Odom.
Guests at Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater will also notice a new, soaring addition to the main stage as a brand-new sign was also unveiled today, marking Ascend Federal Credit Union’s second decade as the venue’s title sponsor and key community partner.
“Our partnership with Opry Entertainment Group reflects a shared commitment to our local communities and to delivering exceptional service,” said Ascend President and CEO Matt Jernigan. “At Ascend, giving back and strengthening our connection to the communities we serve is at the heart of who we are. This collaboration allows us to engage with our members and neighbors through one of Nashville’s most iconic venues while supporting experiences that bring people together.”
Reed continued, “We are so pleased to have Ascend Federal Credit Union as our core partner for the next 10 years. We look forward to working with them to bring quality programming to the community year-round at this world-class facility.”
OEG plans to program up to 35 concert events annually at Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater with a portion of each ticket sold benefiting Nashville Parks Foundation. Additional community events will include performances from the Nashville Symphony and the Grand Ole Opry as well as a soon to be announced inaugural Community Day this summer featuring free family-friendly activities.
Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater’s 2026 concert season kicks off tonight with a performance from country superstar Bailey Zimmerman. Other announced shows include:
For the latest news and announcements from Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater, and to purchase tickets for the 2026 concert season, visit ascendamphitheater.com or follow Ascend Amphitheater on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.
Rooted in the unparalleled country music history of the Grand Ole Opry, Opry Entertainment Group (OEG), produces multi-platform entertainment experiences through its growing portfolio of owned and managed entertainment venues and live event businesses. This includes the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, the iconic Ryman Auditorium, WSM Radio, ACL Live at Moody Theater, the Blake Shelton-inspired Ole Red brand, the Luke Combs-inspired Category 10 brand, Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater, CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park and Southern Entertainment, a premier festival production company. Through concerts, tours, music-inspired restaurants, retail, publishing, digital content and more, OEG connects millions of music fans to the artists they love through experiences they’ll never forget. OEG is a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP).
With more than 265,000 members and assets surpassing $4.5 billion, Ascend Federal Credit Union is Middle Tennessee’s largest federally chartered credit union. Headquartered in Tullahoma, Tenn., the not-for-profit financial institution is dedicated to empowering its members through comprehensive financial services, including personal banking, loans, retirement planning, and investment solutions. The Ascend network consists of 27 branch locations and is complemented by over 55,000 fee-free ATMs worldwide and a robust mobile app offering a range of features. Ascend's commitment extends beyond the concept of traditional banking, with a strong focus on financial education and significant community investment. Ascend is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. For more information, visit ascend.org.
Metro Parks offers a variety of facilities and programs throughout Davidson County. Currently, Metro Park oversees nearly 16,000 acres of open space, including 189 parks, over 110 miles of greenway7 golf courses, 12 dog parks, 155 tennis and pickleball courts, and more! The department offers after school programs for kids, senior programs, special population programs, cultural arts classes, fitness classes, dog parks, a variety of trails, nature programs, sports leagues, ice hockey, art galleries, and much more. Metro Parks’ mission is to, sustainably and equitably, provide everyone in Nashville with an inviting network of parks and greenways that offer health, wellness, and quality of life through recreation, conservation, and community.
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