Gaylord Expansion, Convention Center Bills Arrive in Council

The Gaylord Opryland Hotel wants to expand its convention center space. Business leaders want a new convention center downtown, and both projects are hoping to use the same stream of revenue to finance the proposals.

The Nashville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau president Butch Spyrdion says there’s a need for new facilities.

“Really, the marketplace has changed, Nashville has changed, and right now, both facilities are turning away millions of dollars in business that has a desire to come here.”

Legislation already passed the General Assembly this year to allow Davidson County to increase some tourism-related taxes, earmarking the funds for both convention spaces.

The three bills allowing the financing for both projects, including a 1-percent increase in the hotel occupancy tax will be up before the Metro Council tonight on the first of three readings. First reading bills are usually passed automatically with no discussion.

Both projects are expected to cost in the hundreds of millions of dollars.