
The Tennessee Performing Art Center and Metro Nashville are in discussions regarding the timeline and costs of a new auditorium, with Tennessee Performing Art considering alternative locations. This follows months of negotiations about relocating to the East Bank area. Both Tennessee Performing Art Center and the State have committed $600 million to the project, but disputes over additional costs have arisen.
Tennessee Performing Arts Center has stated it "won't be a part of the new facility" due to disagreement over funding a pedestrian bridge and bike ramp. Metro Nashville believes Tennessee Performing Arts Center was expected to contribute. Tennessee Performing Arts Center is now seeking a new location after the State plans to sell or repurpose the James K. Polk office building, which currently houses its stages. The East Bank development originally included plans for housing, office space, and a transit hub, with Tennessee Performing Arts Center located in Nissan Stadium Lot R, according to Fox17 and News Channel 5.
Delays and costs over $14 million are pushing Tennessee Performing Arts Center to consider alternate sites for their new performance venue. "While we understood and expected there would be a transitional period with a new administration, we did not anticipate the process would still be in limbo after 15 months," a spokesperson said. Metro's demands have also exceeded the terms of an MOU approved in February 2024. "We have done all we can to be responsive to Metro, and at this point, due to the delays and resulting costs of more than $14 million, we are compelled to consider alternate sites," they added. The future of Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s new venue on the East Bank is now uncertain, as obtained by WKRN.