The Grand Ole Opry, Tennessee

Hotel Near Grand Ole Opry Grand Ole Opry History Opry House Tours

The Grand Ole Opry is a weekly country music program that has become Nashville, Tennessee’s top attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to attend the live show, visit the Opry Museum and enjoy lerning more about the rich traditions of bluegrass and country music. The Opry currently plays several times a week at the 4,400-seat Grand Ole Opry House except for an annual winter run at the Ryman Auditorium. In many ways, the artists and repertoire of the Opry defined American country music. Known as the “Home of American Music,” the Opry has hosted hundreds of top musicians, groups and performers throughout its history, including country legends like Patsy Cline, Minnie Pearl, Elvis Presley, Roy Acuff, Loretta Lynn, and Hank Williams Sr., as well as today’s top country stars, including names like Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Ricky Skaggs, and others.

Grand Ole Opry History.

Established in 1925as the WSM Barn Dance, a radio show dedicated to showcasing country music, the Grand Ole Opry was, originally broadcast each Friday and Saturday night on Nashville’s WSM Radio station. The program originally hosted a variety of early bluegrass and country artists with colorful names like the Possum Hunters, the Fruit Jar Drinkers, the Binkley Brothers Clod Hoppers, and the Gully Jumpers. As the popularity of the program grew, top country acts like Roy Acuff, Webb Pierce, Martha Carson, and others performed on the show. The show’s increasing pool of talent helped to create a huge following that led to larger venues, expanded radio broadcasts and television programs. Still broadcast on WSM today, the Grand Ole Opry is the oldest continuous radio program in the US, and continues its rich musical tradition of hosting traditional and modern artists on the “country’s most famous stage.”

Grand Ole Opry Entertainment Complex.

The Opry Entertainment Complex consists of the Grand Ole Opry House, the Acuff Theatre, the Opry Museum, and the Opry Plaza. Visitors can attend a Grand Ole Opry show or participate in the audience during a live taping of the hit show Nashville Star. If you’re looking for a unique venue to host a wedding, meeting or other event, the Opry Entertainment Complex can accommodate groups from 80 to more than 4,000 guests. [Top]

Opry House Tours.

Learn more about the history and tradition of the Opry with a tour of the Grand Ole Opry House. Visitors will enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at what happens backstage at the Opry and experience the Opry in a whole new way. Daily tours begin at The Opry Shop l in the Grand Ole Opry House. Tour hours vary, so call (800) 733-6779 to schedule your tour.

Grand Ole Opry Tickets.

No visit to Nashville is complete without a visit to the world famous Grand Ole Opry. The Opry hosts shows four times per week. Adult ticket prices range from $31.50-46.50, and prices vary based on performance date and seating choices. Children’s tickets are also available. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, which is open Mon-Sat, with varying hours. Opry tickets can also be purchased at www.opry.com/TicketsAndInformation/Calendar.aspx. [Top]