Last June, the River Breeze Landing company purchased a 7.1-acre bottom land tract along the east bank of the Holston River, the former site of a long-shuttered Asheville Hwy drive-in theatre. The announced plan is to host an outdoor event center there, operating roughly eight months a year. The opening concert is scheduled for August 18.
The $2 million dollar venue is approaching readiness. The old drive-in theatre structures have been removed, site grading and fencing has been completed. The highway marquee is up and the performance stage is under final construction.
Site general manager Aaron Snukals said owners plan to operate a beer garden and snack stand for guests, with food trucks to provide more substantial food service. The site is large enough to evolve as it grows. The site can accommodate several thousand guests, and owners have acquired the adjacent colonial house.
For now, locals look forward to summer fun along the scenic Holston River.
More photos:
River Breeze sign
River Breeze map
Adjacent house
Panorama
HandbillNick Della Volpe is a lawyer, a gardener and a former member of Knoxville City Council.