<Tr> <Th> NRHP reference #</Th> <Td> 14001222 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Added to NRHP </Th> <Td> January 27, 2015 </Td> </Tr> <P> The Ryman Auditorium was home to the Opry until 1974 . By the late 1960s, National Life & Accident desired a new, larger and more modern home for the long - running radio show . Ryman Auditorium, already 51 years old at the time the Opry moved there, was beginning to suffer from disrepair as the downtown neighborhood around it fell victim to increasing urban decay . Despite these shortcomings, the show's popularity was increasing and its weekly crowds were outgrowing the 3,000 - seat venue . The Opry's operators were seeking to build a new air - conditioned theatre with a greater capacity, ample parking, and the ability to easily serve as a television production facility . The ideal location would be in a less urbanized area of town, providing visitors a more controlled, safer, and more enjoyable experience . </P> <P> National Life & Accident purchased farmland owned by a local sausage manufacturer (Rudy's Farm) in the Pennington Bend area of Nashville, nine miles east of downtown, and adjacent to the newly constructed Briley Parkway . The new Opry venue was to be the centerpiece of a grand entertainment complex at that location, which would later come to include Opryland USA Theme Park and Opryland Hotel . </P>

When did the grand ole opry move from ryman