Ryman, Opry Step Up Security

Two of Nashville’s most prominent destinations have installed metal detectors and additional security measures, trying to stay ahead of an industry trend to install arena-level security in smaller venues.

Ryman Hospitality, the company running the 2,362-capacity Ryman Auditorium and the 4,400-capacity Grand Ole Opry House, has reportedly dropped about $500,000 to add the metal detectors, as well as to ramp up security personnel and police.

“At the Grand Ole Opry House and Ryman Auditorium, we offer our guests a unique opportunity to see artists who frequently play arenas and football stadiums in a much more intimate setting, as well as the chance to go backstage during the day and tour our iconic venues,” Ryman Hospitality spokesman Brian Abrahamson told the Tennessean.

“While we will be among the first venues of our size to make these screenings standard, we are doing it because we feel it is important for us to continue fostering an environment where our artists feel comfortable playing and our guests and employees feel safe.”

The new security procedures were implemented Aug. 18 and Aug. 20 at the Opry and Ryman, respectively. Because there will be more bag searches and stops at the detectors, visitors are being encouraged to arrive to the iconic venues earlier.