Ryman Auditorium to Host Community Day On May 26

Annual Event Offers Complimentary Tour Admission for Tennessee Residents.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 9, 2024) – Ryman Auditorium  will host its annual  Ryman Community Day  on  May 26. Sponsored by Mid-South Ford Dealers, Farm Bureau Health Plans, Vanderbilt Health, Hiller Plumbing Heating, Cooling and Electrical, and Kroger,  this special day invites  Tennessee residents to enjoy the Ryman’s daytime tour experience free of charge from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. with a valid Tennessee state ID. Tickets may also be reserved in advance at  ryman.com.

Guests will have the opportunity to experience the Ryman’s newest exhibition, “From Memphis to the Ryman,” which highlights the story of Elvis Presley’s one and only Grand Ole Opry performance through a series of recollections, photographs, and artifact displays. The exhibit's centerpiece is the dynamic storytelling surrounding Presley's infamous appearance, narrated by Matthew Ramsey, songwriter and lead singer of ACM and CMA award-winning band Old Dominion.

"This year's Community Day is exciting because it will be the first time Tennesseans can see our new ‘From Memphis to the Ryman’ exhibit for free," said Ryman Auditorium General Manager Gary Levy. “The Ryman is full of unique stories, and Elvis Presley’s Opry debut is one of the most talked-about moments in Ryman history. We are pleased to showcase this new experience to locals.”

As part of Ryman Community Day festivities,  PNC Plaza at Ryman Auditorium  will come alive with family-friendly offerings, including on-site printmaking from the iconic Hatch Show Print, free live music, food trucks, games, and activities for children like face painting, balloon animals, and caricatures. Once visitors enter the Ryman, they will have access to the full Ryman daytime tour experience, including other star-studded exhibits like Rock Hall at the Ryman, the Soul of Nashville immersive theater, and a souvenir photo on the Ryman’s historic stage. Guests will also have access to a new video experience, "Show Day at the Ryman," which provides a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into putting on a show at the iconic venue.

Other items unique to the Ryman’s daytime tour include:

  • Striped jumpsuit owned and worn by Diana Ross.
  • Outfit worn by  Luke Combs  during his 2018 Ryman debut performance.
  • Designer dress and shoes worn by  Taylor Swift  during the 2022 NSAI Awards at the Ryman.

About  Ryman  Auditorium:

A National Historic Landmark,  Ryman  Auditorium was built by Captain Thomas G.  Ryman  in 1892 as  the  Union Gospel Tabernacle. A 15-time winner of  the  prestigious  Pollstar  Theatre of  the  Year award,  the  historic venue is well-known as  the  Mother Church of Country Music and is  the  most famous former home of  the  Grand Ole Opry (1943-1974).  The  Ryman’s thriving concert schedule hosts more than 200 shows annually, and  the  venue is open for daytime tours year-round.  The  Ryman  has also been featured in numerous film and television projects, including  Coal Miner’s Daughter,  The  Johnny Cash Show,  American Idol,  and Nashville.  Ryman  Auditorium is owned by  Ryman  Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP), a Nashville-based REIT that  also owns and operates  the  Grand Ole Opry, WSM Radio, and Ole Red. For more information, visit ryman.com. Follow the Ryman: Facebook | Instagram | X

###