The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville is the home of the Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running radio broadcast in history.
Opened in 1974 and seating about 4,400, it carries forward a country-music tradition that began in 1925 – even keeping a circle of the Ryman’s original stage floor at center stage.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Nashville, Tennessee
- Type: Auditorium
- Opened: 1974
- Capacity: About 4,400
- Home of: The Grand Ole Opry
- Tradition: Six-foot circle of wood from the Ryman stage
The Circle of Wood
When the Opry moved from the Ryman, a six-foot circle of the old stage was cut out and placed at the center of the new Opry House stage – so today’s performers still stand on the same boards as country legends.
A Living Tradition
The Opry continues its weekly shows mixing legends and newcomers, and being ‘invited to join the Opry’ remains one of country music’s highest honors. The Opry House is the beating heart of the genre.
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Grand Ole Opry House FAQs
When did the Grand Ole Opry House open?
In 1974, when the Opry moved from the Ryman Auditorium.
What is the circle of wood on the Opry stage?
A six-foot section of the Ryman’s original stage floor, placed at center stage so performers stand where legends did.
What is the Opry House capacity?
About 4,400.
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Photo: Abbie Myers / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.