Nashville’s Iconic Wildhorse Saloon Closes Doors, Making Way For Luke Combs’ Massive Bar And Venue

The Music City staple official bid farewell to customers on January 1.

By

Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

January 1, 2024

at

11:51 am

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Photo Courtesy Wildhorse Saloon, Luke Combs; Photo by Andrew Wendowski

Nashville’s iconic Wildhorse Saloon has closed its doors in anticipation of a remodel and the opening of Luke Combs’ 69,000-square-foot bar and entertainment venue. 

Wildhorse Saloon Closes For Good

The Wildhorse bid farewell to patrons following a final New Year’s Eve celebration, which took place on December 31, 2023. The morning after the Music City staple closed its doors, the venue shared a heartfelt message to customers.

@countrynow.com Sneek peak into @lukecombs upcoming space in Downtown Nashville set to open in 2024! 🤠🤠 #nashville #lukecombs #countrynow #lukecombs ♬ original sound – CountryNow.com

That message reads:  

Dear Wildhorse Saloon Family,

Since 1994, Wildhorse Saloon has been a beacon of Nashville’s vibrant music scene. We’re excited to announce that 2024 marks the beginning of a new chapter for this iconic venue.

As we step into this promising era, let’s raise a glass to the past and toast to the brilliant future ahead. Our heartfelt thanks to patrons, artists, staff, and everyone who contributed to making Wildhorse Saloon the legend it is today. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who graced our stage, danced on our dance floor, and sang along to the music.

Check back soon for updates on what’s coming next.

Happy New Year, everyone!

The Wildhorse Saloon

Located at 120 2nd Ave N., the Wildhorse Saloon was known to have Nashville’s largest dance floor. Patrons often frequented the venue as it offered complimentary line dancing lessons.  

Does Luke Combs Have His Own Bar?

Now that it is closed for good, work will begin to bring Luke Combs’ highly anticipated new bar and venue to life. The superstar announced the news to fans on April 13, 2023, during a special event at the Wildhorse. At the time, it was revealed that the North Carolina native partnered with  Opry Entertainment Group, a division of Ryman Hospitality Properties, to open the facility. 

The two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year promised that the yet-to-be-named establishment will offer something for everything and will be modeled after his breakout 8x platinum hit, “Hurricane.”   

Luke Combs announces Nashville bar and entertainment venture.
Luke Combs announces Nashville bar and entertainment venture.

Will Be The Largest Entertainment Complex In Downtown Nashville

Named as “the largest and most versatile entertainment complex in the downtown entertainment district,” this venue will accommodate nearly 3,200 people indoors and outdoors. The three interior levels will be individually designed to embody Combs’ interests in music, songwriting, whiskey, and sports.

“I got my start in town playing on this stage and to have the opportunity to work with Opry Entertainment to transform it into my own bar is a dream come true,” Combs previously stated in a press release. “I can’t wait for my fans to see what we’re up to.”  

When it opens its doors, fans can anticipate to find multiple bars, such as a top-tier bourbon bar, a beer bar offering high-quality local ales, and an unmissable sports bar located on the third level. 

Luke Combs; Photo by Andrew Wendowski
Luke Combs; Photo by Andrew Wendowski

It will also include a 1,500-capacity concert hall for ticketed events, a bachelorette-themed area inspired by his hit “Beautiful Crazy,” a 9,000-square-foot rooftop with stunning views, a special section dedicated to his fans, the Bootleggers, and more. 

When Will Luke Combs’ Bar Open?

When Combs and Opry Entertainment group announced the news, the facility was expected to open in the summer of 2024. An updated timeline has yet to be revealed.    

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Lauren Jo Black

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.