Nate Bargatze partners with Storyland to bring Nateland theme park to life

Driving the news: Bargatze announced the partnership during the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions expo in Orlando.

• Key details such as where the project could be located remain under wraps.

Zoom in: Storyland Studios is a niche design and architecture firm that specializes in bringing such ambitious theme park concepts to life. The group worked on Warner Bros. World in Abu Dhabi, the Legoland water park in Florida and Aulani, a Disney-themed resort in Hawaii.

What he's saying: "I've partnered with Storyland to help us build it, because guess what? I'm a comedian that doesn't know how to build a theme park," Bargatze told the crowd at the IAAPA conference.

• "But I do know I want a place that family and friends can come to and ride all the rides and that's what will be called Nateland."

State of play: Bargatze's team is working with state and local officials to discuss the idea of a 100-plus acre theme park, according to a press release detailing the partnership.

• A feasibility study examining the possibility of whether the concept would work in the Nashville area will be released in early 2026.

• In addition to entertainment options, the study will look at retail, dining and hotel possibilities.

Yes, but: The release acknowledges that it takes years to get such projects off the ground. The hope is that the feasibility study attracts investors who can bring Bargatze's dream to life.

Flashback: Opryland Theme Park was a beloved attraction, not just for tourists, but locals when it closed in 1997.

• Bargatze, one of the most popular comedians in the world, grew up in Old Hickory.