The Grand Ole Opry is a weekly American country music stage concert in Nashville, Tennessee, founded on November 28, 1925, by George D. Hay as a one-hour radio "barn dance" on WSM. Currently owned and operated by Opry Entertainment (a division of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.), it is the longest-running radio broadcast in US history. Dedicated to honoring country music and its history, the Opry showcases a mix of famous singers and contemporary chart-toppers performing country, bluegrass, Americana, folk, and gospel music as well as comedic performances and skits. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world and millions of radio and internet listeners.
In the 1930s, the show began hiring professionals and expanded to four hours. Broadcasting by then at 50,000 watts, WSM made the program a Saturday night musical tradition in nearly 30 states. In 1939, it debuted nationally on NBC Radio. The Opry moved to a permanent home, the Ryman Auditorium, in 1943. As it developed in importance, so did the city of Nashville, which became America's "country music capital." The Grand Ole Opry holds such significance in Nashville that it is included as a "home of" mention on the welcome signs seen by motorists at the Metro Nashville/Davidson County line.
Regina Pasquarelli | Feb 18, 2018
This venue was awesome. Not as big as I would of expected which made it better. Everyone is so nice. Suggest going to gift shop before show and parking on Aquarium restraunt side of mall. They serve alcohol on site but prepare your wallet, suggest having a couple before you arrive instead. Can't wait to go again!
Morin Twins | Feb 2, 2018
Took the back stage tour. Guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Could tell she liked her job. Was very cool the see the different dressing rooms. Able to take any pictures you want. They also take a picture of you on stage that you can purchase at the end of the tour. Once you go into the gift shop, there is no getting back into the hall.
Valery Hagan | Feb 17, 2018
Very nice venue! Definitely maintains it's classic charm while still keeping a modern touch to the performance and concessions area. Parking is handy, too, as they share a lot with the Opry Mills Shopping Mall - be sure to take advantage of their valet parking, as you can retrieve your car after hours.
Bill Jennings | Feb 24, 2018
If you find yourself lucky enough to be in Nashville on a night the Grand Ole Opry is playing make a point to go. It is a great show. My show was two hours of solid entertainment. The venue is super clean and the acoustics are right on point. The staff is very friendly, helpful, and want to make sure you have a great time.
matthew cline | Mar 4, 2018
I watched it on tv as a kid and always said I wanted to go . Now 45 years later I finally got to go . It was all I had expected . They started the show by going over the history of the 85 years of the show lots of facts . We sat on long cushioned pews. Every seat had a good view and the sound was good . Many shows the instruments drown out the singer's not hear . It has all the commercials just like the old time radio shows . The only drawback I could find was the price of drinks $20 for a double jack and coke they only had Pepsi. We got there early and went to the German bier house in the mall that next door .
Jeffrey Parrish | Mar 31, 2018
We decided to see a show at the Grand Ole Opry while in town checking out Vanderbilt for our son. We are not big country music fans, but when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Upon arrival at the scene, I was sorry that we did not come earlier and allow time for a nice dinner at the neighboring restaurant and shopping facility. It looked like there were good options. The atmosphere was casual, friendly and almost festive. I got our five seats a week before the show, so they were way up, but center. We were happy with our seats. The show is well organized and polished. I could have done without the ads (I paid money for this?), but even they were well done. The performances were all solid and enjoyable. The talks between shows helped relate to the artists as people, which ads a lot of value. The family, christian and patriotic values were evident and added to the atmosphere. Overall, this was a great experience for all and we certainly recommend it for anyone who travels to Nashville.
Sam Weatherford | May 2, 2018
I paid $214 for four tickets on April 28, 2018. Several stars were advertised that we're not there. We went to the 7pm show. First of all there is no parking, you have to park across the street at a mall and when the show is over it takes at least thirty minutes to get out. When we got in we went to our section and decided to get a drink from the concession. A draft beer was $11 and bottle of coke was $5. We sat down for the show. The featured artists that did show up came out and sang a couple of songs I'd never heard before. Leroy Parnell and Mark Wills played and we're both very good, they are the only reason I didn't complain on site. The show is an AM radio station show. Trust me when I tell you there is a reason it's AM radio. Save your money. We saw better shows from unknown artists in the bars on Broadway than at the Opry. When the show was over they had hundreds of people lined up at the door for a 9pm show and herded us out the back like cattle. There was an old decrepit usher yelling at people to hurry up and get out. It was just a huge disappointment to see history sold out for the almighty dollar. Save your money.
Dan Birnseth | Apr 27, 2018
What a great space. Easy to get in and out of, easy to find our seats, and they were actually comfortable. The show was a lot of fun and our view was great, even with our tickets being near the back of the venue. Even outside the venue was a nice experience. There was music on two sides and a tent to purchase drinks in between. The drinks, like most venues, are overpriced. Depending on the purchase, between $12 & $20 per drink.
Gregory Franklin | Apr 14, 2018
Not a country music fan but my wife is. Took her to the Opry last night. I was pleasantly surprised how cool it was. Some of the music was good and it was definitely entertaining! I would have given it a higher review cause the people there are great but if you are going to charge me extra to pay to be up close , don't have a camera guy stand in the way blocking my view half the night, not cool!! With technology today you don't need a human standing in the way!
Joe Colon | May 5, 2018
Being in Nashville for the first time, we were advised we had to tour The Grand Ole Opry. The trip from downtown takes about 20 minutes. The tour cost is pricey at $27 per person. There was a lot of construction going on - upgrades to the visitor experience which I guess is what the $27 is for. The tour itself is efficient and takes about an hour. They discuss a lot of the hisyory and show you all parts (backstage, green rooms, family room). We ended on stage for a photo opportunity. Avoid this as it is not included in the tour fee. For the photo, you will need to pay an additional $25-28 - a ripoff if you ask me. Better to just take your own picture while waiting in line. Overall, it was a good visit, but pricey just like most tourist oriented attractions. If you are a country music fan, you will probably enjoy it more than I did.
Hollie Bruzek | May 10, 2018
Absolutely LOVED the Opry! We went at the end of our honeymoon and had a great time! Neither of us knew what to expect, and only knew 2 of the 8 performers. We were both surprised at the size of the arena, didn't really seem like you could have a bad seat anywhere! The show is broadcast live on a radio show, which was really neat! Each performance was around 15 minutes, live commercials in between and a intermission halfway through. I thought it was a great show and very much look forward to going back!
Melissa Aalto | Jun 5, 2018
The venue is clean and pretty. You will have a lot fun listening to the music and the announcer. The seats are bench style, so you are very close to the person next to you and they are hard. There are not too any restrooms so the line at intermission was probably about 30 women deep when I got in line, but enough stalls that it movies pretty fast. I still think it is worth doing while in Nashville.
Mary | Jun 3, 2018
What an amazing experience we had here! Pretty decent seats even if you sit up high. Amazing musicians. Lovely history. The only annoying thing were the ads but I guess that’s what happens when the show is on live radio? Okay food options and good drink options.
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