- Carmen
- First Reviewer
- 5 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 18
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42
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Grand Ole Opry at Last
We arrived in Nashville in mid afternoon and quickly changed into jeans for our night at the Opry. We found that our choice of attire was the dominant choice of most of the patrons, although there were a few that were in shorts and T's and a few that were done up in sequined tops and bedazzled jeans. (They must have taken lessons from Manuel and Nudie because some of the designs were very detailed.)
The Opry starts at 7PM and the doors open around 6:15. This gives you time to purchase some food and beverages before going to your seat. Most of the patrons arrive around 6:45 and the aisles get crowded so try to get there early, if possible. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, if you choose. Food is the typical hot dogs, burgers and fries.
We had seats in the back of the main floor area and I would suggest that you try to get seats in the front area (sections 1-7) and in the closest rows possible (they start at A and progress through the alphabet). We were barely able to see the performers, let alone tell who they were. If it wasn't for the big screen at the back of the stage, we wouldn't have had a clue who was performing on stage. We were lucky to "see" Pam Tillis, Billy Dean and Craig Morgan. Pam Tillis stopped the show with a rendition of the Beatle's "I Want To Hold Your Hand" that brought country into new areas. The harmony was terrific and the bluegrass twang made me want to run right out and get the CD.
We took the Backstage Tour (tickets available at the ticket office or in the Gift Shop) after the show. Everyone met in the lobby and were escorted back into the theater where we were shown a short video history of the Opry. We then were taken to the artist arrival area and shown the mailboxes that receive the fan mail (if you don't know the address and box number - just put the artist's name and "Grand Ole Opry at Opryland, Nashville, TN" and it will get to them). And you thought only Santa had that kind of service!!!
The dressing rooms and green room were next on the tour. At the end we were able to stand on the stage and see what the actual performers see. There is a circle of wood from the old Ryman stage in the center of the new stage, It was taken from the wing area where the artists enter so the Opry could be sure that every member had walked on it. (It seems that some members avoid the center of the stage so that area was not considered).
The tour takes about an hour and our guides, Michelle and Ms. Eloise, were willing to take questions that were not covered by the tour patter. It was very informative and fun to boot.
From journal Nashville, TN
Grand Ole Opry
- December 24, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
CurlyGirl from Raleigh, North Carolina
You just can't go to Nashville and not visit the Grand Ole Opry. Though it's not the same as it once was, and the Opryland theme park is gone, the music and the performers are evergreen at this famous singing joint.
Enjoy five or six different acts each evening. While the schedule is typically not released very far in advance, you are guaranteed to see some country music legends such as Little Jimmy or Roy. And we lucked out and had Dierks Bentley as the final act the evening we went! Aaron Tippin was also part of the show; it's always a name of big nights and up and coming favorites at the Opry!
The space is large enough to accommodate tons of fans, but small enough that you still feel close to the stage. We sat lower level far left, and still had a great view; three large screen TVs helped since we were at such a side angle. For Dierks performance, we ran right down to the stage with the younger pre-teen set to ooh and awe over this hot country star; and were able to get right up to the stage without any issues, and take plenty of photos.
If you are looking to get a real taste of Nashville music and the history of this music, you must check out the Grand Ole Opry. And each show they give away tickets to sit on stage!
From journal Nashville in the Summer
Grand Ole Opry
- August 5, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Sally_Moore from UK, United Kingdom
The modern Grand Ole Opry is also an unmissable while in Nashville. The
scale is phenomenal and you are guaranteed to experience a night to
remember when you see some of your country music heroes on that stage. It
is overwhelming to contemplate the history of the Opry. Capture some of
that history for yourself and marvel at the occasion.
From journal Nashville Next?
Grand Ole Opry
- September 23, 2005
- Rated 4 of 5 by
amjohnson from Holly Grove, Arkansas
During one night of our trip, we visited the Grand Ole Opry. It was a great show with some great performers. The theater was very nice and comfortable. The chairs were soft and really comfortable to sit in. The theater was sat up in a way where the stage and performers were easy to see. All the performers also put on a great show. Mel McDaniel’s was one of the performers, and he is one of my favorite. There were also several other performers, some who I had heard of and some I hadn’t, but they all did a great job and put on a great show. The show lasted around 2 hours, and there was no boredom time in there. They had a concession area at the front of the theater with all the normal snacks and drinks. The cost of the tickets is a little steep, but if you like country music, it is worth the price.
From journal Weekend Trip to Nashville
Grand Ole Opry
- April 24, 2005
- Rated 5 of 5 by
13DeanG from Asheville, North Carolina
Great! If you only do only one activity while in Nashville, do not leave without seeing the Grand Ole Opry. The night I visited, they were broadcasting the show to the troops in Iraq.
From journal Nashville Week