Nashville council approves contract with Ryman Hospitality to run amphitheater

Metro Council approved a contract with Ryman Hospitality's entertainment division to operate the city-owned Ascend Amphitheater.

Why it matters: Ryman plans to invest $12 million in upgrades, starting with connecting the nearby riverfront greenway.

The intrigue: Ryman announced an extension with Ascend to remain the naming rights sponsor of the venue.

Flashback: Ryman beat out former operator Live Nation and other venue operators to win the contract.