Sandy_Hernandez

Going to Nashville in early December and I want to go to the Grand Ole Opry. I have never been there and was wondering when I go to get tickets if there are certain sections I need to stay away from. Since I do not know who is performing at the Opry I am unsure how much money I want to pay for a ticket. Can someone tell me how many singers perform and how long the show is? Are the balcony seats better than the seats in the back on the main floor?
Any other information you have would be greatly appreciated.

musicfan

First of all, check the schedule as in the winter, the Opry moves downtown to the Ryman Auditorium--not sure when that starts.

I've been to the Opry twice, both before the May floods. I assume the seating, although it's new, is basically the same.

I was on the main floor both times so can't speak to the balcony views. The seats are really just very long church pew-type things. I would think all the views in the main floor seating would be pretty good...it's a big place but not massive.

There are two shows per night; I don't recall exactly how many singers per night--3-5? The majority of those will be old-timers who don't really do much other performing. Each artist only sings a few songs, except for the final, more "headliner" type artist who might do 3-4. There are ads for the sponsors written into the show because it is still broadcast on radio just like it has been for decades.

Hope this helps--have a good time!

Sandy_Hernandez

Thanks for the info about the Opry shows being moved to the Ryman. Have you ever stayed at the Gaylord Opry Resort? Just wondering what there is to do that is within walking distance? I just recently found out that the mall that is next to it has been closed for good. Trying to figure out what I am going to do when my friends are in meetings all day.

musicfan

Yes, I have stayed at the Opryland resort once (pre-flood). It's a quite impressive structure, and I'm glad I got to stay there, but I was pretty underwhelmed otherwise. And there is little to nothing I can think of that you can walk to from there now that the mall is closed--sorry to disappoint you. The Opryland area is just off an interstate highway with lots of chain hotels and restaurants...not very "Nashvill-ey."

If you want to take a fun tour, though, Tommy's tours will pick you up anywhere and for $20 you get a funny, kind of cheesy, tour of the city for a couple of hours. We enjoyed it enough. I think his website is www.tommystours.com or you can google it.

There may be public transportation from the Opryland area to downtown, but I'm not familiar with the details. Once downtown there is quite a bit to do that you can walk to.

jent103

There is definitely not much in walking distance from the Opryland hotel, except what is actually IN the hotel (which is quite a lot - it's like a town unto itself). If someone is coming to town mostly to experience the hotel and the Opry, staying there would be fine. However, if the main goal of the trip is to visit other area attractions, I would stay near downtown and just make the trip to the Opry area once.

BUT: The Opry is at the Ryman from November through March, so absolutely in your case I'd stay downtown. You can go check out the hotel if that's of interest to you. The Ryman is an amazing venue - I'm actually going to a show there tonight. It's my favorite place to see anyone in town.

As far as I know, Opry Mills mall is not closed "for good," but it is closed indefinitely while they try to work out some insurance issues from the flood. A lot of the stores, understandably, have relocated to other shopping areas around town, though the Bass Pro Shops is open.

musicfan

I am guessing the OP is at the Opryland hotel due to accompanying her friends to a meeting or conference there (and I know they have a lot of those).

And jent--you are going to a show at the Ryman tonight? I'm jealous--I love that place too!

jent103

Oh, I missed that part. Well, there is a lot just inside the hotel to do and see! But if you're stuck staying there, I'd rent a car or look into tours/transport.

musicfan, I'm going to see the Avett Brothers in just a few minutes. SO excited. This'll be my first time to see them live. It's their second year to do a two-night stand at the Ryman on Halloween weekend. People are going to be dressed up. Epic. Soooo getting a Hatch print for this one!

musicfan

I've heard so much about them, but always seem to miss them when they come here. Hope it was a good show!

And I have several Hatch show prints framed and ready to hang-they are very cool!

jent103

musicfan, it was an AMAZING show. It's competing with U2's 360 tour for my favorite show, ever. That good. I've never seen a band and an audience connect so much - we were on our feet all but three songs, I think, and sang along to at least half. And since it was Halloween eve, they played the entire show dressed as mummies. Yes. Mummies. (And the Hatch print is very cool!) If the band is new to you, they just put out a new live album that would give you a good idea.

Sandy, sorry to hijack the thread with our side conversation!