Metro Mulls Ferris Wheel As Downtown Attraction
Metro is considering an entertainment company's proposal for a new “observation wheel” — a Ferris wheel, most would call it — on land near Nissan Stadium and Cumberland Park on the east bank of the Cumberland River. The city owns the site already, and the thinking is that such a feature would add a family-friendly attraction to Downtown, the Tennessean reports.
It would also add to the distinctiveness of Nashville as as tourist destination. Large Ferris wheels permanently located in urban areas are still unusual enough to attract attention, such as the London Eye did upon completion in 2000, or the world's current largest wheel, the High Roller in Las Vegas. (Even larger ones are under construction in New York City and the United Arab Emirates.)
According to Nashville Sports Authority director Monica Fawknotson, Metro has been approached by several potential developers interested in different uses for the property, including Maryland-based Icon Attractions, which built the Capital Wheel in suburban Washington, DC.
