Tennessee legend Peyton Manning is partnering with an investment group to open a Western-themed bar & restaurant adjacent to University of Tennessee campus. 

Adventurous Journeys Capital Partners announced Thursday they had acquired the Hilton Garden Inn on Cumberland Avenue and said they will partner with the Super Bowl champion to open ‘Saloon 16’ inside the renovated hotel. 

A press release from AJ Capital Partners described ‘Saloon 16’ as ‘a western-inspired, high-end watering hole’, paying tribute to his nickname “The Sheriff” and his UT football number 16.

Saloon 16 will aim to recreate a vintage ambience with a jukebox, dart board, live piano and outdoor dining. 

Once completed in spring 2020, the 112-key hotel will be known as ‘Graduate Knoxville’.

Positioned along The Strip, the main-drag connecting downtown Knoxville to the University of Tennessee, Graduate Knoxville will be located on Cumberland Avenue, just steps from campus and the Fort Sanders neighborhood and close proximity to Neyland Stadium.

There are currently 14 Graduate Hotels open and operating across the U.S. and an additional 17 properties under development and slated to open by the end of 2020.

“Since the inception of Graduate Hotels, it has been a goal of ours to bring a property to Knoxville,” said Ben Weprin, Founder and CEO of AJ Capital Partners. “While each Graduate hotel is distinct and personal, this project hits especially close to home.”

The hotel will undergo a comprehensive renovation that will touch all guestrooms and common spaces, including the conversion of the existing meeting and event space, as well as the addition of the forthcoming Saloon 16 and Poindexter coffee shop.