Grand Ole Opry House Set For $12M Face-Lift

NASHVILLE, TN — Ryman Hospitality's latest multi-million dollar investment push in its Nashville properties will continue with a $12 million renovation of the Grand Ole Opry House.

The planned expansion will add a 5,000-square- foot retail footprint, additional food and beverage options, a redesigned box office, VIP lounge area with a backstage tour theater and approximately 1,300 new parking spaces on undeveloped land just north of the Opry House, which, in addition to adding more convenient parking for Opry-goers, will provide the public with more parking during peak times, like the Christmas season.

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“As country music’s popularity continues to increase worldwide, more people than ever before are making the journey to Nashville to experience the magic of the Grand Ole Opry firsthand. This expansion will allow us to improve our guest experience before and after the shows while also providing us the opportunity to meet growing customer demand for additional Opry-themed experiences, enhanced food and beverage options and expanded tour offerings,” Colin Reed, chairman and CEO of Ryman Hospitality Properties said.

Construction for the retail expansion is slated to begin in January 2018 with completion targeted for October 2018. The additional parking spaces should be ready by summer 2018, with the VIP lounge and relocated box office area completed by January 2019.

The Opry House will host a full calendar of events and daily tours during construction.

This announcement is part of the Ryman's on-going investment in the Nashville area. A $90 million water park is under construction at the Opryland Hotel and the company has, since 2012, renovated the Ryman Auditorium, Wildhorse Saloon and prepped space for a Blake Shelton-themed venue called "Ole Red."

“Our investment strategy in Nashville reflects our bullishness on the appeal of our assets and this market. Donelson is an economic engine for Davidson County and Middle Tennessee, and with these enhancements at the Opry House as well as SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland set to open in 2018, we are uniquely positioned to create additional demand for the area through high-quality, family-friendly offerings," Reed said.

The Opry's attendance was 650,000 in 2016 with 100,000 daily tours.

Tyler Farr performs onstage during Band Against Cancer with Sarah Cannon on a special Sunday night Opry performance on October 1, 2017 in Nashville. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Sony Music Nashville)