RYMAN AUDITORIUM NAMED A 'FAVORITE PLACE' BY
FORMER VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE FOR GOOGLE MAPS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept 22, 2009) The historic Ryman Auditorium has been named by former Vice President Al Gore as one of his favorite places.  As part of their Google Maps project, Google invited local experts and trendsetters from cities around the world to share their favorite places.  Mr. Gore listed the Ryman Auditorium along side the Larsen Ice Shelf in Antarctica; the Scripps Institute for Oceanography in La Jolla, California; and the Mauna Loa Observatory in Paauilo, Hawaii.

Mr. Gore and his family are Nashville natives with a long history tied to the area.  The former vice presidents father, Albert Gore, Sr., served as Senator for the Volunteer state from 1953 to 1971.  Mr. Gore himself was Senator from 1985 to 1993 before being elected to the Office of the Vice President in 1992.

Built in 1892 by riverboat captain and Nashville businessman Thomas G. Ryman, the Ryman Auditorium has been hosting the world’s most celebrated artists and entertainers for over a century.  Due to the Ryman’s stellar lineup of talent and amazing acoustics it has been known to be called the “Carnegie Hall of the South”.  As home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, pioneering performers such as Bill Monroe, Hank Williams and Patsy Cline helped shape country and bluegrass music from the Ryman stage.  The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2001.  With its original wood pews, elegant stained glass windows and legendary stage, the Ryman offers guests a unique concert experience.  Upcoming shows include: Steve Martin [October 11], Roger Daltrey [October 30] and Nashville natives Paramore [November 1].

“First opening in 1892, the historic Ryman Auditorium is one of my favorite places to see a performance from country to bluegrass.”   Mr. Gore remarked.

In addition to being a world renowned concert hall, the Ryman also features museum exhibits showcasing the rich history of its past performers.  Current exhibits include Johnny & June at the Ryman which features artifacts on loan from John Carter Cash, Marty Stuart and the Country Music Hall of Fame; Grand Ole Opry 1940s & 1950s and Grand Ole Opry 1960s & 1970s.  These exhibits will run through 2010.

The Ryman is open daily for tours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission for the self-guided tour is $12.50 adults, $6.25 children ages 4-11.  Admission for the combo tour [self-guided plus backstage tour] is $16.25 adults, $10.00 children ages 4-11.  Tickets are available at the Ryman box office.  No reservations are necessary.  Group rates are available for 20 or more by calling 615-871-5043.

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 is open as a museum during the day and at night 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 and the Grand Ole Opry. For more information, visit www.ryman.com

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