A nonprofit led by newly elected U.S. Rep. John Rose, R-Cookeville, that operates the annual Tennessee State Fair sued Metro Nashville on Friday seeking an injunction to halt construction of the city's new Major League Soccer stadium at the fairgrounds.

Rose's Tennessee State Fair Association argues that plans for the new MLS stadium do not leave sufficient space and structures for the state fair, which is a protected use in the Metro Charter.

The suit, filed in Davidson County Chancery Court, comes after Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle in November denied a similar injunction request in a separate lawsuit filed by fairgrounds supporters that argued flea markets wouldn't be able to co-exist with the stadium.

Related:Judge denies injunction seeking to stop fairgrounds overhaul for Nashville MLS stadium

Rose, an outspoken MLS stadium opponent who has chaired the state fair association since its formation in 2010, called the lawsuit a "matter of last resort."

Metro Department of Law Director Jon Cooper declined to comment, citing a department policy not to speak on pending or threatened litigation.

Rose, a conservative former state agriculture commissioner, represents Tennessee's 6th Congressional District, previously held by former U.S. Rep. Diane Black, R-Gallatin, that includes 19 rural Middle Tennessee counties east of Nashville. Nashville is outside District 6.

Related:State bill seeks to overhaul Tennessee State Fair panel, keep current operator forever

As part of Nashville's MLS stadium plan, construction on a new expo center at the fairgrounds began in November to replace existing buildings and sheds that are set for demolition later this year. The demolition will make way for the new $275 million, 30,500-seat MLS stadium. The Metro Council finalized the project's financing in September.

The state fair association argues that the revamped fairgrounds site can't adequately handle the state fair's agricultural and farm animal exhibitions nor is there enough space for parking. The group says the state fair's rides and midway would be pushed to the flood-plain area of the 117-acre property.

"I am certain that North American Midway Entertainment will not be willing to set-up its million dollar rides and carnival in an area designated as a flood plain," Rose said. "This issue alone can cause the demise of the State Fair."

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Through the passage of a new state law, the Rose-led state fair association won approval in the state legislature last year to be the sole vendor for the state fair in perpetuity.

The move came after the approval of legislation sponsored by Rep. Andy Holt, R-Dresden, who sits on the association's board. The legislation also dramatically overhauled the composition of the nine-member Tennessee State Fair and Exposition Commission. The commission under prior leadership had explored moving the state fair outside of Nashville.

In addition to the Metro Charter, Rose also pointed to state law, arguing that Nashville has been tasked with hosting an annual state fair since the passage of legislation in 1923.

The state fair association is represented by attorney Steve Duggins.

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Reach Joey Garrison at 615-259-8236, jgarrison@tennessean.com and on Twitter @joeygarrison.