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Nashville’s ‘hottest dance club’ opened 30 years ago: Looking back at the Wildhorse Saloon

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Years before Lower Broadway was known for its multiple, celebrity owned honky-tonks and being a bustling, international bachelorette destination, it was known for the world famous, Wildhorse Saloon, a three-level dancing and live music venue which captured the attention of both tourists and locals alike.

Although mostly recognized for its line dancing lessons, the venue became more than just a space where country aficionados could sway, paddle turn and boogie. It also served as a meeting hall for Nashville executives and a home for radio broadcasts and televisions tapings. Some of the biggest stars in entertainment to grace the Wildhorse Saloon stage included Ringo Starr, Etta James, Foreigner, .38 Special, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, Trace Adkins, Lady A and more.

Almost three decades since its opening, Nashville is bidding farewell to a longtime favorite.

The opening of ‘Country’s hottest new dance club’

According to Tennessean archives, Second Avenue experienced a major tourism boost with the official opening of the $7.5 million venue in 1994. In June of that year, thousands of people turned out for the venue’s grand opening — complete with a stampede of cattle moo’ing their way down Second Avenue. Cutting the ceremonial ribbon of what was called, “county’s hottest new dance club” were Tanya Tucker and Marty Stuart.

“I’ve been to a few dance halls in my time, and this is the premiere dance hall in the whole world, I think,” said attendee, Jerry Smith, at the time. “No one’s going to outdo this.”

Years of damage and reconstruction followed

Wildhorse Saloon was one of the music venues hit the hardest during the catastrophic flood of May 2010. According to archives, the venue sustained extensive damage to its basement where four feet of floodwater was reported. Walk-in refrigeration areas and a production space for chefs were damaged.

Its public spaces including the dance floor, bars, game room and stage were spared. Wildhorse was the first of the five flooded properties owned by Ryman Hospitality (formerly known as Gaylord Entertainment Company) to announce a reopening date. The venue reopened its doors June 4, 2010, just days before the CMA festival.

In February 2016, Ryman Hospitality announced an $8.6 million renovation of the venue. The renovation included elevated finishes, new furniture, new bathrooms, digital streaming technology, stage lighting, sound and video capabilities, and an expanded retail section.

“The Wildhorse Saloon has been a beloved, family-friendly part of downtown Nashville’s entertainment district for more than 20 years, and we believe this renovation will solidify its position as a premiere attraction for locals, tourists and conventiongoers alike,” said Ryman Hospitality CEO Collin Reed in a news release.

The 2016 renovation was completed in May 2016.

What’s next for the Wildhorse Saloon?

2024 marked the end of the Wildhorse Saloon’s legacy when the venue announced via social media it would be “entering a new chapter.” In April of 2023, it was announced that a new, celebrity endorsed honky-tonk bar and concert hall would take its place. The new venue, inspired by Luke Combs’ breakout single, “Hurricane” is set to open later this year.

“Category 10,” is a collaboration between Combs and Opry Entertainment Group, the same company behind the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry. As previously reported by the Tennessean, the space will be transformed into a four story bar including a ticketed concert hall, a sports bar, an indoor-outdoor rooftop and more.

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana

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