Ryman Auditorium

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Additional Press Releases

FEBRUARY 9, 2004

RYMAN AUDITORIUM NAMED THEATRE OF THE YEAR
Historic Venue Wins Prestigious National Award at 15th Annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards in Hollywood

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium was named Theatre of the Year Friday night in Hollywood at the 15th Annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards. The award, voted by peers and widely regarded as the most prestigious in the concert industry, was presented to Pam Matthews, Ryman General Manager. The Ryman was nominated along with only five other theatres in the nation: Radio City Music Hall in New York City, Dodge Theatre in Phoenix, Fox Theatres in Atlanta and Detroit, and Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

“Winning this award is an incredible honor,” said Ryman Auditorium General Manager Pam Matthews. “It is truly gratifying to know that the Ryman’s unique qualities are appreciated within the industry and by the people who come to work and perform here every year. I am sure that the affection that artists have for the rich musical history and amazing acoustics of the Ryman played a part in Friday’s win, and the fact that great artists want to perform here allows us to continue to provide memorable concert experiences for music lovers. I think it’s true that the beauty of a well-seasoned performance hall cannot be reproduced. I feel that this award is also a testament to the dedication of the Ryman’s fantastic staff.”

The Ryman Auditorium, known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” has featured a range of performers over the last year that includes Harry Connick Jr., Annie Lennox, George Jones, Margaret Cho, John Mayer, Etta James, and 2004 Grammy winner British rock band Coldplay who proclaimed the Ryman “The Greatest Theatre in the World.” The Ryman Auditorium, where the late Johnny Cash taped his television variety series in the 70’s, was also host this year to the nationally televised Johnny Cash Memorial Tribute concert.

The Pollstar Concert Industry Awards were first announced in 1984 while the official Pollstar Concert Industry Awards presentations began in 1990 at New York City's Radio City Music Hall. The Theatre of the Year award was first presented in 1992. The Ryman is the smallest and oldest venue to ever win this award.

About the Ryman Auditorium
A National Historic Landmark, the Ryman Auditorium was built as a church in 1892, served as the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-74, and was completely renovated in 1994. The Ryman, voted one of the Top Ten "Best Live Music Venues" in the nation by Citysearch patrons, continues its more-than-100-year music tradition by offering the best in live entertainment. The Ryman Auditorium is owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a Nashville-based hospitality and entertainment company that owns and operates Gaylord Hotels, the Grand Ole Opry and ResortQuest International. For more information, visit www.ryman.com or www.gaylordentertainment.com.

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Ryman Auditorium

Marketing & PR Coordinator: Lisaann Dupont, (615) 458-8715 or email

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