The Oak Ridge Boys played their last performance on the Ryman Auditorium's old wooden stage.
Workers will start replacing the wooden stage at the Ryman on Saturday.NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
Keith Urban, Charley Pride, Edens Edge and The Oak Ridge Boys were among the acts to play the Grand Ole Opry for the last time at the Ryman Auditorium Friday night before a major construction project to replace the historic stage.
Urban's performance is his first since having vocal surgery late last year.
Workers will start replacing the wooden stage on Saturday. The current stage is the second stage at the historic auditorium. It was installed in 1951.
"It is kind of strange to be playing on the stage for the last time, because The Oak Ridge Boys have a lot of history with the Ryman," Member Joe Bonsall said. "It is an honor to be chosen to perform on tonight."
Crews are expected to work 12-hour shifts for the next two weeks straight to replace the stage.
The stage is set to reopen February 20 when The Band Perry plays its sold-out show.
Around-the-clock security will be at the Ryman during the process.
The wood from the old stage will be transported for storage off site.
Plans for the wood will be announced in the future, according to Ryman officials.
"Artists cherish the chance to perform here because they know they are following in the footsteps of their heroes," Ryman Auditorium General Manager Sally Williams said in a statement. "By making this investment, we are insuring that future generations of artists and fans will be able to enjoy these same experiences."
The new Ryman stage will be the same size as the current stage, but will be a lot stronger.
The new stage will be made of Brazilian teak. The current stage is made of oak.
Brazilian teak is the same wood used to replace the stage at the Grand Ole Opry House following the May 2010 flood.
The current Ryman stage can bare up to 40,000 pounds of weight. By using the teak wood, the stage will be able to bare up to 120,000 pounds of weight.
Hickory support beams under the stage will be strengthened by concrete at their base and the joists will be reinforced with steel brackets.
The new stage will feature an 18-inch section from the former stage, so artist can still walk on a part of the stage that so many country music legends performed on.
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