Jeannie Seely Helps Grand Ole Opry Celebrate New $12 Million Expansion

Pictured (L-R): Pete Weien, Chief Operating Officer, Opry Entertainment, Mayor David Briley, Mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Jeannie Seely, Grand Ole Opry Member, Colin Reed, Chairman and CEO,Ryman Hospitality Properties Photos courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC. Chris Hollo, photographer

Nashville Mayor David Briley, Opry member Jeannie Seely, Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. Chairman and CEO Colin Reed, and Opry Entertainment Chief Operating Officer Pete Weien showcased the first phase of a $12 million Grand Ole Opry Complex expansion with a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday (Oct. 11). The new phase has been revealed just as the Opry prepares to celebrate its 93rd birthday this weekend.

The project features several additions and enhancements, including a larger 5,000-square-foot retail footprint and a new box office, and a new parking area featuring 1,100 surface parking spaces on undeveloped land just north of the Opry House, adding a convenient parking option for Opry guests and the public during peak times.

Plans were also revealed for a new, state-of-the-art Opry House backstage tour theater and 100-seat VIP event space to open in Spring 2019, which will feature a new backstage tour film including new Opry member interviews and performances as well as highlights from the Opry’s vast video and audio archives. By night, the new space will transform into a VIP guest experience available to Opry-goers featuring food and beverage options as well as pre-show entertainment and the opportunity to meet an artist scheduled for the evening’s performance.