Brad Paisley Calls Proposed Data Center Near Nashville Zoo an ‘Absolute Nightmare,’ Urges Fans to Sign Petition

Brad Paisley is urging his fans to sign a petition opposing the construction of a massive data center that is proposed to be built just 50 yards from the Nashville Zoo. 

In a social media video, the country superstar called it “an absolute nightmare scenario” and urged, “this can’t happen” as he directed people to sign a petition which has now garnered over 358,000 signatures.  

“By now you’ve probably heard about the proposed data center that they want to build next to the Nashville Zoo which is an absolute nightmare scenario,” Paisley said. “First of all, they don’t have the power to build this, they don’t have the water. It doesn’t belong there. It would be an enormous monstrosity, an absolute eye sore and detract in every way for not only that zoo, but also that area.” 

He continued, “This Zoo is one of the sources of joy in this city. It’s one of the top zoos in the world. It is family memories. It is expanding itself. It’s got all of these plans to become even better as a resource for our city. So let’s sign the petition if you agree. And everyone I’ve talked to does. Sign the petition. Let’s stop it. They don’t have to do this here. Build them somewhere else, but let’s keep Nashville beautiful and as great an attraction as it’s always been.” 

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In a new update, The Nashville Zoo revealed that it has uncovered new information suggesting that the proposed data center is planned to be much larger than they initially revealed. 

“Uncovered planning documents reference a second building that could exceed 202,000 square feet (3x larger than the first) with a 40-megawatt capacity, along with an electrical substation. Combined, that’s up to 50 megawatts of power capacity, enough to power up to 50,000 homes,” the update reads. 

Due to these concerns, Nashville Zoo has initiated formal legal action. Land Use Attorney and former Metro Codes Director Bill Herbert has submitted a zoning appeal in an effort to challenge and overturn the permits that were approved for the project.

The Nashville Zoo is encouraging local residents to continue outreach to Metro Nashville Council Members and Mayor O’Connell, asking them to support BL2026-1391.

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The zoo is also asking the public to attend the Planning Commission Public Hearing on Thursday, June 11 at 4 p.m. at 700 President Ronald Reagan Way. At the meeting, they are asking residents to speak in support of Council Member Rollin Horton’s BL2026-1391. 

“We need to do everything we can to stop this data center from being built next to Nashville Zoo. Why does a project of this scale need to be located directly adjacent to some of the most endangered animals in the world? Until those questions are fully answered and the impacts are understood, we must continue speaking up. The potential consequences are too significant, and any damage could be irreversible,” the latest update concluded. 

The Nashville Zoo already ranks as the 9th largest zoo in the United States by land area. It also stands as one of Tennessee’s top tourist destinations. 

To view and sign the petition, click HERE.