NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Grand Ole Opry House will reopen earlier than expected after suffering extensive damage in the May flood.
Officials announced Wednesday the Grand Ole Opry will return to its permanent home with a star-packed show on Tuesday, September 28. The Opry House was previously scheduled to reopen a few days later in early October.
Among the artists scheduled to perform are Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, the Charlie Daniels Band, Diamond Rio, Jimmy Dickens, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, and Josh Turner.
Wednesday's announcement came just before the Opry House's signature element, a six-foot circle of oak wood taken from the historic Ryman Auditorium, was returned to its home.
Opry members Little Jimmy Dickens and Brad Paisley were on hand and helped lower the circle into the center of the Opry House stage.
"That circle means the world to all of us who love country music. I've always said that the circle still contains the dust from Hank Williams' cowboy boots," Paisley said. "Now it contains that dust, but also the heart and soul of this town and all the people who have worked to rise above this spring's floods."
President of the Grand Ole Opry Group Steven Buchanan said it is the best feeling in the world to see the circle back home.
"There is no doubt, the next two months are going to be some of the most memorable and emotional ever for our performers and fans," he continued.
The Opryland Hotel is still on schedule to reopen November 15.
In total, the sprawling complex sustained more than $200 million in damages when the Cumberland River overflowed its banks on May 2.
Related Stories:
- Aug. 12, 2010: Gaylord Opryland set to reopen on schedule, buys new land
- July 27, 2010: Gaylord Springs Golf Links reopens post flood
- July 21, 2010: Opryland looks to annual Christmas celebration
- July 10, 2010: Gaylord Opryland's Country Christmas will go on after flood
- July 8, 2010: Mayor wants tax funds to help rebuild Opry House
- June 24, 2010: Gaylord plans updates during rebuilding process
- June 16, 2010: Gaylord Opryland to question Army Corps of Engineers
- June 3, 2010: Flood damage to Opryland Hotel may prompt lawsuit
- June 2, 2010: Gaylord to layoff 1,700 employees
- June 1, 2010: News 2 tours flood-damaged Opryland
- May 20, 2010: Opry Mills Mall shows clean up progress
- May 11, 2010: Opry Mills to remain closed
- May 7, 2010: Opryland damage estimates at least $50M
- May 5, 2010: CEO says it will be months before Opryland reopens
Opry members Little Jimmy Dickens and Brad Paisley helped lower the historic wood circle into center stage.
The Grand Ole Opry House flooded in early May.
