The week in politics: How House Republicans plan to fund their version of voucher bill
REAL ESTATE

August Moon indoor 'drive-in' movie theater, bar planned near Nissan Stadium

$10 million project with largest non-IMAX movie screen in North America aims to create '60s era vibe

Getahn Ward
USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee
A rendering of the August Moon Drive-In theatre planned near Nissan Stadium.
  • New York-based designer-director Michael Counts is behind plans for August Moon Drive-In.
  • He has a parking lot at 14 James Robertson Parkway under a letter of intent for a ground lease.
  • Counts expects the immersive entertainment concept to open in summer of 2018.
  • The entry price is expected to range between $8 to $20.

A drive-in theater that's expected to have the largest non-IMAX movie screen in North America is on the drawing board for an East Nashville parking lot across from Nissan Stadium.

New York-based director and entertainment entrepreneur Michael Counts is behind plans for the August Moon Drive-In, which will also offer American comfort food such as burgers and milkshakes and several full bars.

Counts, who's known for creating immersive entertainment experiences such as "The Walking Dead Experience,” is raising money towards the $10 million project planned for 14 James Robertson Parkway near Interstate 24.

"We think that Nashville is a great location for it and the concept really fits what Nashville represents," he said, citing a 2014 study from personal finance website WalletHub that branded Nashville the most "American" of U.S. metro areas.

Michael Counts

Nashville artist manager Ken Levitan is among Counts' investors in August Moon Drive-In, which is targeted for opening by the summer of 2018. Others include music executive and entrepreneur James Diener, talent manager Michael Solomon and Daniel Frishwasser, who has backed theatrical and film productions such as Count's The Ride.

"We're really excited about the project," said Levitan, who also owns stakes in local restaurants such as Adele's in the Gulch. "We've raised some of the money and have to finish the raise."

Counts has a letter of intent with property owners Randy and Bill Bailey for a ground lease of the 7.7-acre parking lot.

Plans call for a 40,000 square foot air-supported dome designed like a mini indoor theme park with features to include 50 mid-1960s classic cars to enhance the way people experience movies. There'll also be multiple dining areas; private “tree house” event and party spaces; and a separate lounge that features live music programming before and after the movie along with dozens of trees, grass, gravel pathways and other scenic elements such as a starry sky overhead, fireflies and an August “sailor’s moon” just above the tree line.

August Moon Drive-In is expected to operate daily with an initial schedule of 18 showings a week of first-run movies and favorites from all genres that are no longer widely screened. The entry price is expected to range from $8 to $20 with seating ranging from stadium seats to tree swings and the highest $20 cost for watching a movie while sitting in a car.

A membership model will allow people to see any movie without paying admission and will offer other perks such as food and drink specials, seating upgrades and special access. Members and social media followers of August Moon will be able vote on certain titles, enabling the community to choose the programming at selected times.

Reach Getahn Ward at gward@tennessean.com or 615-726-5968 and on Twitter @getahn.

Vintage cars will be on-site for patrons to sit in and watch movies at August Moon Drive-In.