The Grand Ole Opry House

In March 1974, the Grand Ole Opry turned a new page in its storied history. After 31 unforgettable years at the Ryman, the show packed up its guitars and gospel roots and moved into its first purpose-built home: the Grand Ole Opry House. With 4,400 seats and state-of-the-art acoustics, it was a bold leap into the future—without letting go of the past.

Just steps away, Opryland USA opened around the same time. This country music-themed amusement park offered roller coasters, live shows, and Southern charm. Together, the park and Opry House transformed this part of Nashville into a major entertainment destination, drawing millions over the next two decades until the park’s closure in 1997. 

Opening night at the new Opry House was legendary. President Richard Nixon didn’t just attend—he played piano and sang. Yes, a sitting U.S. president joined a lineup that included Hank Snow, Stonewall Jackson, and Jeannie Seely. Only at the Opry.

Hank Snow sang his #1 hit, which came out just a few months earlier. It went like this:

Well, look who's coming through the door

I think we've met somewhere before

Hello, love; Hello, love

Where in the world have you been so long?

I've missed you so since you've been gone

Hello, love; Hello, love

Things rolled on for the Opry for more than 30 years. Then, in May 2010, disaster struck. A historic flood swept through Nashville, submerging the Opry House. But the show didn’t miss a beat. For five months, it toured the city, including returns to former homes like War Memorial Auditorium and the Ryman. Through it all, the Opry’s spirit endured.

One symbol of that spirit stood firm: the iconic circle of wood at center stage—cut from the Ryman’s floor and transplanted to the Opry House. Though the stage was underwater, the circle survived. On September 28, 2010, the circle came back to life. The Opry reopened with an all-star celebration featuring Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Blake Shelton, and more. As music once again filled the hall, one truth rang louder than ever: the circle can’t be broken.

Today, the Grand Ole Opry House remains a must-visit for country music fans worldwide. Hundreds of thousands fill the pews each year, while millions tune in on radio, TV, or livestream. The Opry isn’t just preserving history—it’s making it. With new artists, new voices, and deep respect for tradition, the show continues to evolve.

Because country music is more than sound—it’s storytelling. And the Grand Ole Opry? Its story is still being written. Now, let’s head to our final stop, the current WSM Tower. It’s a bit of a drive, so if you choose not to travel to Brentwood, you can just listen to the stop on the way to your final destination.

If you’re up for the drive, follow the signs to exit the mall area and get back to Briley Parkway South. Take Exit 6 B for I-40 West towards Nashville. Stay to the left to take Exit 213 toward I-440 West towards Memphis. Take Exit 5 to merge onto I-65 South towards Huntsville. Stay on I-65 about 9 miles then take Exit 71 and turn LEFT onto Concord Road. Turn RIGHT to park at the Concord Park Civitan Fields parking lot across the street from the transmitter tower—you can’t miss it!