Ryman Auditorium
Ryman Auditorium
As I’ve said, Nashville’s foundation is built on country music, and because Nashville and country music are basically synonymous, there’s no way to avoid the country music aura.
When you first step foot into Nashville as a tourist asking why every restaurant or store you’ve been in plays country music (and maybe you’re already sick of it) you’ll inevitably hear about the Grand Ole Opry. Although, if you’re talking to a real Nashville expert, they’ll make sure you first hear about the Ryman Auditorium before the Opry; that is, the Ryman came way before the Opry.
Without going into too much historical detail, the Ryman was built in the early 1890s because Thomas Ryman wanted a place in Nashville where the purpose would be to promote religion and to encourage people to reach a “higher plane” (to be thinking about the “next life” as well as this one). Originally named The Union Gospel Tabernacle, it was renamed to Ryman Auditorium. The religious aspect of the Ryman is why its architecture looks like a church and why on the inside there are pews (like pictured above).
The Ryman became the “mother church of country music” because it became the only spot in Nashville where “fiddle tunes” could be played for big audiences. It became even bigger when the Grand Ole Opry Show moved from broadcasting in small rooms to broadcasting directly from inside the Ryman in the 1940s then to TV in the 50s; millions of people got to hear the “mother church of country music” live.
Thomas Ryman
Grand Ole Opry
Grand Ole Opry
Carrie
Luke
a glance at the Opry stars & their debut dates
April 6, 2007
June 10, 2005
Dolly
July 25, 1959
Toby
December 14, 2002
Now that you know about the Ryman, it’s only right you also know about the Opry
The Grand Ole Opry wasn’t an auditorium or building like you may think of it today. The “Grand Ole Opry” was originally just the title of the radio weekly stage show and barn dance airing on WSM 650 in Nashville. Then in 1939, the Grand Ole Opry Show started broadcasting on NBC radio.
As you already know, the Opry was first held in the Ryman Auditorium allowing more than 2,000 fans to be able to see the show in person. However, as the show became more popular, there was need for a bigger facility. In 1974, a new home for the Grand Ole Opry, or today’s “country music’s stage,” was built with a capacity of 4,000 seats. Even cooler, builders added a mid-stage circle made from the wood flooring of the Ryman Auditorium (which is also why in the picture below the wood flooring is different colors!). On the circle, artists are able to stand on the Ryman wood and experience country music from years past, connecting to all the history that makes up the Opry while performing in the place of country music’s present and future.
Ok, I still don’t get why the Opry is such a big deal though…
Just like the Ryman, the Opry has become the centerpiece of the country music industry. In other words, if you want to experience true country music, you come here.
For country musicians to be inducted into the Opry to become a member (a member can perform anytime they want at the Opry if a slot is available), they must be invited by Opry management. You don’t ask to play here, you’re invited. It’s like an exclusive country party (except we all get to go, too). Obviously being inducted into the Opry is a huge honor. Being inducted into the Opry for a country artist is validation they’re “making it” in their field and that they’re respected by their peers.
For an aspiring country musician or artist, they come to the Opry to bask in the country sound and feel the spirit of the country artists who have been on this stage. They picture themselves on this stage because as a country musician, being on “country music’s stage” is the ultimate destination.
For us “regular folk," (the ones who won’t be inducted, sadly), we attend the Opry to experience country music in its entirety. We go to feel the music of country music’s past and be inspired by another one of Nashville’s authentic stages.
Want to Attend an Opry Show?
You can purchase tickets online or in person at the Box Office located right next to the Opry
Opry ticket from the Box Office
Inside the Opry
Opry Address
2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
Opry Prices
Tickets can be as low as $40 and as high as $88
Sections 25-37 (very back row): $40-54
Sections 16-24 (in front of back row): $54-68
Sections 8-15 (behind first row): $68-88
Sections 1-7 (first row): $68-88
Show Times
Evening shows start at 5pm
Parking
Pre-purchase parking is available on the Opry
website. A parking pass is $18.23 and can be
used in the parking lot next to the Opry house.
Because the Opry is a variety show, you’re not always able to see someone specific. There are different acts every night, so buying a ticket guarantees you will see multiple acts as every musician only sings three songs when they perform.
Even so, the Opry does announce when big names are performing. They will announce when performers like Carrie Underwood, the names above (RIP T.K.), or any other huge country star is coming to the Opry. So, there are times when you’ll be able to buy tickets to see a specific favorite.
While there will be announcements when huge stars are stopping by, anything can happen at the Opry. The Opry has been known to bring out surprise guests…so whenever you go, there could be a chance you’ll be in the same room as one of today’s greats.
A Taste of the Opry:
Carrie Underwood
August 19, 2024
Carrie performing “Crazy Angels” from her 2022 album, Denim & Rhinestones