Nestled in Nashville, Tenn., is the Grand Ole Opry House, a historic landmark and famous music venue that is home to one of the world’s longest-running radio shows, the Grand Ole Opry. For close to 100 years, the Opry has aided in the evolution of country music. While its locations may have changed over the years, the Opry House has become an official home for the show. Discover the origins and legacy of this infamous music venue with our Grand Ole Opry House guide. For show-goers ready to plan a visit, browse live dates and secure seats on TicketSmarter’s dedicated page for Grand Ole Opry tickets.
What Is The Grand Ole Opry?
In 1925, George D. Hay introduced a weekly radio broadcast of an hour-long “barn dance.” The radio show was dubbed the WSM Barn Dance and quickly gained popularity, before rebranding as the Grand Ole Opry. As the radio show expanded its networks and resided in different locations in Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry, or the Opry, became a mainstay of the country music industry and the entertainment world. Fans will travel across the world to catch a show live at the Opry House.
With more than 5,000 episodes produced since 1925, it became a paragon for country music and other types of entertainment like stand-up comedy. During the shows, country music stars and newcomers to the industry are featured. Shows are never rehearsed and never repeated, providing a unique, one-of-a-kind experience for audiences. Lineups rotate rapidly and artists typically perform about three songs each, which creates a fast-paced showcase across country, bluegrass, Americana and more. When you are ready, compare dates and seats on Grand Ole Opry tickets through TicketSmarter.
Why Is It Called The Grand Ole Opry?
During a broadcast for the former WSM Barn Dance, the host announced that “For the past hour, we have been listening to music largely from Grand Opera, but from now on, we will present ‘The Grand Ole Opry’.” After that, the name stuck.
When Does The Opry House Open?
The doors at the Opry House are open to the public by 10 a.m., with evening hours extended depending on the schedule of events. The Opry puts on a live radio broadcast on WSM-AM at 7 p.m. CT every Saturday night. There are renditions of this late-night broadcast with Friday Night Opry and Tuesday Night Opry running through February to December. For most performances, doors open 60 to 90 minutes before showtime, and shows typically run about two hours with no intermission. Check current performance nights and pricing on Grand Ole Opry tickets or explore a sample listing such as Opry 100 at the Opry House.
Where Is The Grand Ole Opry?
The Grand Ole Opry House is located at 600 Opry Mills Dr. in Nashville, Tenn. When the broadcast program first got started, the radio studio was in a building of offices for the National Life and Accident Insurance Company. By 1934, thanks to its rapid growth and popularity, the radio’s studio was moved to Hillsboro Theatre to accommodate a growing cast, crew and audience members. Throughout WWII, the Opry was housed in Dixie Tabernacle in Nashville in 1936 and later in the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville, from 1939 to 1943.
Ryman Auditorium was the home of the Opry from 1943 to 1974. The concert hall was one of the Opry’s largest spaces with a seating capacity of 2,362. It later became a winter venue for the show from 1999 to 2020. The Grand Ole Opry left Ryman Auditorium for the newly constructed Opry House in 1974. The new live music venue is able to hold 4,400 guests in the main theater. If you want to experience the show’s historic setting, look for seasonal dates and secure Opry at the Ryman tickets or browse Ryman Auditorium tickets for other concerts.
Following a period of heavy flooding in 2010 in Nashville, the Opry House had to undergo several repairs. The Opry House’s relic from Ryman Auditorium, a six-foot circle of wood, was recovered and set in the center of the theater’s stage. The Opry’s six-foot stage circle was carved from the Ryman’s stage and — despite being submerged in the 2010 flood — was cleaned and ceremonially returned to center stage, preserving the venue’s direct link to Ryman-era performers. In 2023, a new stage was unveiled, equipped with advanced tech and lighting systems. For mail or GPS reference, the complex is also associated with 2804 Opryland Dr., Nashville, TN 37214. Parking is available in Lots A and C closest to the entrance, with overflow at Opry Mills, and rideshare pickups can be slow after shows.
Opry Country Classics is the best way to spend a Thursday night ✨ pic.twitter.com/jWIDuXMfn0
— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) May 19, 2023
Why Is The Opry Famous?
The Grand Ole Opry has been dubbed the “Mother Church of Country Music” for its work in advancing the popularity and appreciation for country music’s past while focusing on developing country music’s future. Every radio show has a different lineup, so no one night is the same. The constant changes and exploration of music led to the Opry’s success. It has been a part of the evolution of the country genre for nearly 100 years. The Opry also highlights Americana, gospel, and bluegrass alongside radio-ready country, and the iconic stage circle connects today’s performers to the Ryman-era legacy.
One of the honors that the Opry has earned was a Peabody Award in 1983. The Grand Ole Opry received a Peabody Institutional Award in 1983 in recognition of its long-standing influence on American music and broadcasting. Years later, the Grand Ole Opry was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1992, underscoring its place as radio’s longest-running musical program. The Opry makes sure to not only celebrate and remember past and present performers but also puts in the effort to showcase newer talents and continue to help the Opry grow. In 2023, the Opry began a program that focuses on diverse, young musicians that are wanting to make their mark as well as up-and-coming figures in country and other genres like bluegrass, gospel, blues, southern rock and folk music. Fans who enjoy Opry history also seek out related performances like Memories of the Grand Ole Opry tickets.
Who Are Grand Ole Opry Members?
Being inducted into the Grand Ole Opry membership is a great honor for artists in the country genre. There have been more than 228 guest acts that have become Grand Ole Opry members. There are 70 active members, however, some of the members have retired and can no longer perform. Notable members include Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Dolly Parton, Rascal Flatts and Lauren Alaina.
Invited by Opry management, inductees are more than just popular country stars. Members must be prominent figures who develop meaningful relationships with country music fans and make a significant impact or contribution to the genre. The Opry membership is for passionate country artists that are committed persons and have the right combo of accomplishment and commitment in their career. With new members, the future of the Opry is guaranteed.
Members can perform at any Opry show of their choosing, which can feature around five to seven members for each show. They are also expected to make around 12 regular appearances on the show during the year. Any members that neglect this obligation or violate Opry rules have their membership revoked. Dismissed members include Hank Williams and Johnny Cash.
Tours, Backstage, and Practical Tips
- Backstage tours are offered during the day and after select shows. Experiences can include standing on the six-foot stage circle, viewing memorabilia, and visiting themed dressing rooms.
- Premium options sometimes include photo moments or small extras. Postshow tours give a timely look behind the scenes.
- Accessibility: assisted-listening devices are available in the lobby, elevators include braille signage, and accessible seating is offered. Assembly areas with fixed seating must provide assistive-listening systems and accessible seating per the Department of Justice’s 2010 ADA Standards, which give guidance on wheelchair locations, assistive-listening device minimums, and signage.
- Visitor tip: arrive 30 to 45 minutes early for security and to find your seat. Oversized bags are restricted except for medical needs.
Visit the Grand Ole Opry House
Do not miss out on seeing a memorable performance live and get your Grand Ole Opry tickets with TicketSmarter today. The Opry House is a must-see destination for any travelers to Music City. Browse these exclusive Nashville travel deals with TicketSmarter’s hotel portal and make the most of your trip. For a deeper itinerary, explore our Nashville guide, There’s No Place Like Nashville, in the Nashville city guide.
FAQs
How can I find a complete visitor guide to the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville?
Start with TicketSmarter’s overview above, then review current show listings and seat maps on Grand Ole Opry tickets. For trip planning around dining, neighborhoods, and other venues, see the Nashville city guide.
What should I know before attending a live Grand Ole Opry radio broadcast?
Plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes early. Doors usually open 60 to 90 minutes before the show, and the broadcast typically runs about two hours without an intermission. Travel light due to bag policies. You can secure seats in advance through Grand Ole Opry tickets.
Why is the Grand Ole Opry called the Grand Ole Opry and what is its history?
The name came from an on-air quip contrasting “Grand Opera” with the new “Grand Ole Opry.” Since 1925, the show has evolved from WSM radio studios to Ryman Auditorium and today’s Opry House, while keeping a live, unrehearsed format and rotating multi-artist lineups.
When do Opry House doors open and what are typical showtimes?
Saturday broadcasts begin at 7 p.m. CT on WSM-AM, with additional Friday and Tuesday nights for much of the year. Doors generally open 60 to 90 minutes before showtime. Check active dates and availability on Grand Ole Opry tickets or browse a current event such as Opry 100.
How has the venue evolved from Ryman Auditorium to the current theater?
The Opry broadcast moved from the Ryman in 1974 to a larger, purpose-built Opry House with more than 4,000 seats. The Ryman’s six-foot stage circle was preserved and installed at center stage. Seasonal Opry shows still return to the Ryman. Compare dates for Opry at the Ryman tickets or browse Ryman Auditorium tickets.
What are the best ways to buy last-minute tickets and travel deals?
Check TicketSmarter for same-week or same-day Grand Ole Opry tickets. For lodging near Music Valley or The Gulch, secure rooms through TicketSmarter’s hotel and travel deals. Mid-week travel often offers lower rates.
What are common accessibility and seating features at the Opry House?
Accessible seating is available throughout the venue, and assisted-listening devices can be requested in the lobby. The theater is designed with strong sightlines across its sections, and public elevators include braille signage. For alternate settings with different acoustics, see Ryman Auditorium tickets.
How does the Opry support emerging artists and different styles?
Shows pair legends with rising artists and often include bluegrass, Americana, gospel, and country-pop. The Opry also spotlights younger performers through newer initiatives focused on diverse talent, keeping the broadcast current and dynamic. Explore related shows like Memories of the Grand Ole Opry tickets.
What membership requirements and obligations do Grand Ole Opry artists have?
Membership invitations recognize artists who demonstrate notable success and a strong bond with fans. Members traditionally make regular Opry appearances each year and uphold Opry standards, which helps ensure the show’s continuity for future audiences.
Author: TicketSmarter Insider Editorial Team
Updated: December 17, 2025
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