OE Experiences, a financial consulting and business management firm that specialises in the experience economy, has revealed that $75 million has been secured for The 407: Gateway to Adventure following approval by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Tribal Council.
The project will feature America’s first partnership with entertainment venue specialist Puy du Fou, who will develop a spectacular immersive show as part of phase one. The firm has signed a formal Letter of Intent (LOI), with funding approved on 5 May 2022.
Knoxville-based OE Experiences has represented Kituwah LLC and The 407 in its search for entertainment partners for the Tennessee development.
“A new platform”
The 407: Gateway to Adventure is a forthcoming 200-acre development located on a primary route to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited US National Park with over 12 million annual visitors.
Chairman of the Tribal Council, Richard French, says: “We are excited to take the first steps towards developing this world-class attraction that will help support our nation economically while creating a new platform to share dimensions of Cherokee history many have never heard.”
OE Experiences CEO Matthew Cross, said, “With funding for the project secured, we now focus on the agreements with the development’s stakeholders, including local governments, to ensure this project and the area can support this world-class attraction.
“This represents an amazing opportunity for two communities, locally and within the EBCI, to be proud of a destination on the cutting edge of the experience economy.”
Educational entertainment
Puy du Fou’s US site will be home to a completely new themed extravaganza inspired by the authentic Cherokee story of the First World War. Suitable for the whole family, the fully immersive walkthrough experience is designed to be patriotic and emotive.
Chairman and artistic director of Puy du Fou, Nicolas de Villiers says: “This project in Tennessee developed together with the EBCI means a lot for us: it will initiate our presence on the American soil where there are so many great stories to tell. As lovers of history and cultural roots, we are proud and honoured to partner with the EBCI Tribe to achieve this goal.”
Richard Sneed, the Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, adds: “Puy du Fou is known around the world for transporting guests back in time to feel firsthand the excitement and drama of historical moments. This unique attraction promises to be a one of a kind experience that will make The 407 truly the ‘Gateway to Adventure’.”
Unparalleled experiences
Kituwah LLC is the Tribe’s economic body for non-gaming companies. Its CEO Mark Hubble comments: “Tribal council’s vote today affirmed that they wanted this project to be a best-in-class immersive development bringing unique experiences to the fourteen million annual visitors to the region. Puy du Fou is a world-class partner to continue that journey. They present experiences that are truly unparalleled and will serve as an incredible addition to The 407: Gateway to Adventure.”
Last month, OE Experience announced it has partnered with up with Scenario, a themed construction contractor, to create Launch, which provides advisory services in finance, operations, and construction programme management.
