NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
Construction began Saturday morning on the Ryman Auditorium's new stage.
Stronger Brazilian teak flooring will replace the oak flooring that has been part of the stage since 1951.
"We've just started removing the first planks," Ryman Communications Manager Lisaann Dupont told Nashville's News 2. "We'll move everything out and get started in just a couple of days."
She continued, "[The stage] has been there for 61 years, it's very worn, it's seen hundreds and hundreds of shows, TV shows, and films and it's time."
Friday night, Dupont discovered The Ryman had won Pollstar's "Theater of the Year" award for the second year in a row.
"It's a very big deal," she said, calling it "[The Ryman's] version of the Oscars."
No plans were announced for the old wood, but Dupont said it will be "secured."
She said, "None of it will be discarded. We love it as much as any Nashvillian."
Ryman officials said they will retain an 18-inch lip of the blonde oak at the front of the stage.
The construction is expected to take about two weeks to complete.
During that time, tours will continue throughout the work at a discounted rate, allowing the public to watch the progress.
For more information on the Ryman Auditorium, visit their Web site.
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