9 Fascinating Things You Probably Didn't Know About the Ryman Auditorium In Tennessee
The Ryman is smack dab in the middle of downtown Nashville, and its past is illustrious. The original Grand Ole Opry, the stage that catered to the greats – Cash, Cline, Williams. The hallowed Mother Church has come out the other side after an intensive restoration project, and now hosts a series of solid tours just for your enjoyment. Our questions? How much do YOU know about this spot of legends? We’re curious.

How many people can the Ryman seat? A solid 2,362.

A circle has been cut out of the middle of the stage, and was melded into the ground at the Grand Ole Opry in Opry Mills. Why? So everyone can stand where the legends of country music once stood.
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The Grand Ole Opry was located at the Ryman from 1943 to 1974.
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Supposedly, a shrouded man in black watches all rehearsals from the balcony. He never shows up for the actual performances, but his eerie presence is seen beforehand quite consistently.

The acoustics in the hall are only bettered by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Dang...

The Ryman used to serve as the background for "The Johnny Cash Show." Remember that one?

The Country Music Association Awards shows were broadcast here from 1968 through 1973.

The Ryman is considered the Birthplace of Bluegrass.
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Minnie Pearl and Roy Acuff still find themselves forever frozen in time in the lobby.
How many of these little tidbits did you already know about the Ryman? Did any of them really surprise you?
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Ryman Auditorium, 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, USA