It is possible to buy Grand Ole Opry tickets at the door, but it is not recommended. The Grand Ole Opry is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nashville, Tennessee and tickets often sell out in advance. Buying tickets at the door runs the risk of the show being sold out. It is highly recommended that you purchase Grand Ole Opry tickets well in advance online or by phone to ensure you get seats.
About the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is a weekly country music concert held in Nashville, Tennessee. It is the longest running radio show in history, having been broadcast since 1925. The Opry features performances by country music stars along with a mix of bluegrass, folk, gospel, and comedy acts. The shows are held live every Friday and Saturday night at the Opry House venue.
The Opry has featured performances by country music legends like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton over the years. Today’s Opry shows include performances by contemporary country acts like Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, and Brad Paisley. The Opry is regarded as one of country music’s most prestigious stages. Being asked to join the Opry as a member is considered the highest honor that can be bestowed on a country performer.
Some key facts about the Grand Ole Opry:
Location | Nashville, Tennessee |
Venue | Grand Ole Opry House |
Founded | 1925 |
Broadcast | WSM AM radio station |
Performances | Friday and Saturday nights |
Opry Venues Over the Years
The Opry has been housed in several Nashville venues since its inception:
- National Life & Accident Insurance Company showroom (1925-1934)
- WSM radio station studio (1934-1943)
- Ryman Auditorium (1943-1974)
- Grand Ole Opry House (1974-present)
The Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville was home to the Opry for over 30 years and is considered a sacred venue in country music. The current Grand Ole Opry House opened northeast of downtown Nashville in 1974. It was specifically designed to accommodate the Opry show.
Buying Grand Ole Opry Tickets
If you want to attend a Grand Ole Opry show during your visit to Nashville, advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended. Here are some tips on buying tickets:
Online Purchase
Purchasing tickets online in advance at opry.com is the easiest and most secure way to buy Opry tickets. You can view a calendar of upcoming shows and check ticket availability before you purchase. Online tickets can be purchased via mobile device up until show time if last minute tickets are released.
Phone Purchase
You can order Opry tickets over the phone by calling 1-800-SEE-OPRY (1-800-733-6779). Phone orders are available Monday through Saturday from 9AM to 5PM Central Time.
In Person
Grand Ole Opry box office hours are Monday through Saturday from 10AM to 4PM Central Time. The box office is located at the Opry House so you can purchase tickets in person when you visit. However, there is no guarantee tickets will be available for purchase at the box office on the day of the show.
Group Sales
For group tickets sales for parties of 10 of more, you can call 615-884-9368 or email [email protected]. There are special group rates and packages available.
Purchasing Tickets at the Door
The Grand Ole Opry does release a limited number of tickets for sale at the door on the night of the show. These are tickets that were held for members or comp tickets that were not used. If the show did not reach a sell-out capacity in advanced sales, more tickets may be released at the door.
You can stand in line at the Opry box office starting at 6PM to wait for any doors tickets to be released. These tickets are first come, first served to those waiting in person.
However, during peak tourism season and for special Opry shows, most tickets are sold out prior to the event. There is always a risk the show could be completely sold out if you try to buy tickets at the door. Waiting until show night runs the risk of not getting in.
The Opry offers this guidance on its website regarding buying tickets at the door:
“Tickets are not guaranteed to be available at the door because most shows sell out prior to the event. We recommend you purchase tickets in advance.”
So while you can try to get Opry tickets at the door, it is not always possible if the show is sold out. Advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended to guarantee you can attend the Opry on your preferred date.
Opry Ticket Prices
Grand Ole Opry ticket prices vary based on the seating section and show date. Here are some sample Opry ticket prices:
Section | Price Range Per Ticket |
---|---|
Main Floor Front | $69 – $109 |
Main Floor Back | $59 – $99 |
Balcony Front | $59 – $79 |
Balcony Back | $49 – $69 |
Ticket prices may be higher for premium or special event Opry shows. Discounts are available for children 12 and under, military members, seniors 60+, and groups of 10 or more people. Accessible seating is available for disabled guests.
Overall Grand Ole Opry ticket prices are very reasonable compared to concerts by major touring artists. Attending the Opry offers great value and affordable entertainment.
Membership Discounts
Opry members get discounts on show tickets for themselves and their guests. If you join the Opry fan club annual membership, you can get lower level seats for as low as $40 per ticket.
What To Expect From the Grand Ole Opry Show
The Grand Ole Opry offers an entertaining night of lively country, bluegrass, and gospel music. The shows run about two and a half hours long, with typically 12 acts performing of varying styles and levels of fame. Some things to expect from the Opry show experience:
- A mix of legendary performers, upcoming artists, and established country stars
- Each act does a short 2-4 song set
- Upbeat music mixes with comedy and stories
- Family-friendly entertainment
- Opry House venues seats 4,400 with excellent views
- Souvenir shops onsite
- Refreshments available for purchase
Fans can expect lots of great classic country songs along with new country hits performed live. There is a range of talent showcased in an intimate theater setting with a history and charm that can’t be beat. Attending a Grand Ole Opry show is a must for any country music fan visiting Nashville.
Getting Opry Tickets for Sold Out Shows
If the specific Grand Ole Opry show date you want tickets for is sold out, don’t despair! Here are some options for getting tickets to sold out Opry shows:
Last Minute Ticket Releases
Check the website or call the Opry box office the week of the show to see if any last minute tickets have been released. Oftentimes a few extra seats open up.
Scalpers & Resale
You can take a risk on scalpers or resale sites like StubHub and VividSeats that resell tickets, however prices are often inflated. Use caution to avoid counterfeit tickets.
Stand in the RUSH Line
A limited number of RUSH seats are sold 75 minutes before each Opry show for $20 cash only. You can stand in line and hope to score RUSH tickets.
Try a Different Date
Flexibility on your dates can help. Switching to a weekday show or another weekend night might yield better ticket availability at the Opry.
Book a Package Deal
Many Nashville hotels and tour companies offer Grand Ole Opry ticket packages that bundle rooms and show tickets. This is a way to secure tickets as part of a package.
With persistence and flexibility, you can usually find a way to get tickets even to sold out Grand Ole Opry shows during your Nashville trip.
Conclusion
While buying Grand Ole Opry tickets at the door on the night of the show is possible, it is not recommended due to limited availability and sell outs. To ensure you can attend the iconic Opry during your Nashville visit, purchase tickets well in advance online, by phone, or in person at the Opry box office. Ticket prices are reasonable and the show is family fun for country music fans of all ages. With a variety of ticket purchasing options and some flexibility on show dates, you should have no problem securing admission to the Grand Ole Opry, the home of American country music.