Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium debuted a new permanent outdoor stage on PNC Plaza at Ryman Auditorium, offering another location for visitors and the local community to enjoy live music and outdoor events as part of their Ryman experience.
The permanent stage is 10 feet deep and 19 feet long, and features several amenities that were not previously available on the PNC Plaza, including the capability to accommodate a five-person band. Positioned on the Fourth Avenue North side of the property, the new stage is part of a multi-year agreement with PNC Bank, which includes the stage naming rights and makes PNC the official banking sponsor of the Ryman. As with prior expansion projects on the property, the outdoor stage addition leaves the original 1892 auditorium untouched.
“Today’s unveiling provides another opportunity for folks to experience the Ryman in a different way as they once again return to Nashville,” said Colin Reed, Ryman Hospitality Properties Chairman and CEO. “Downtown businesses, restaurants and live music venues across Nashville have struggled over the last year, but events like today signal that we are moving in the right direction toward reopening and and welcoming back visitors.”
“The effects of the pandemic have been far reaching across the region, and our arts and culture community has certainly faced their own significant challenges as a result,” said Mike Johnson, PNC regional president for Tennessee. “Arts and music are vitally important to the economic future of Greater Nashville. In fact, research from Americans for the Arts found that, in years prior to the pandemic, event-related spending by local audiences totals as much as $250 million. The goal for PNC Plaza at the Ryman is to connect communities, neighborhoods and generations to create a stronger, more vibrant region.”
The Fisk Jubilee Singers, who won a Grammy award last month, delivered the inaugural performance on the PNC Plaza at Ryman Auditorium’s outdoor stage. The Jubilee Singers have a long history with the Ryman and were one of the first musical concerts to take place inside. Generations later, they returned to commemorate Fisk University’s 150th Anniversary in 2016
Guests will get to experience the new PNC Plaza and outdoor stage during the Ryman’s annual Community Day on May 30, when Tennessee residents are invited to experience the Ryman daytime tour experience free of charge. The stage also will be used for other community events that showcases a wide variety of local artists.
Today’s event also kicked off a community-wide food drive that will run through Ryman Community Day in partnership with Second Harvest. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items when they visit the Ryman. In lieu of food items, guests can also donate $1 with any daytime tour ticket purchase.
All events at the Ryman follow strict COVID-19 operating plans that include physical distancing, limited in-venue capacity, mandatory masks for all guests and staff, as well as enhanced cleaning practices.
About PNC Bank:
PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com
About Ryman Auditorium:
A National Historic Landmark, Ryman Auditorium was built by Captain Thomas G. Ryman in 1892. Ryman Auditorium is a 12-time winner of the prestigious Pollstar Theatre of the Year award. The historic venue is well-known as the Mother Church of Country Music and is the most famous former home of Grand Ole Opry (1943-1974). The Ryman has been featured in numerous film and television projects including Coal Miner’s Daughter, The Johnny Cash Show, American Idol, Nashville, and more. While offering a diverse lineup and thriving concert schedule (with over 200 shows per year), the venue is also open for daytime tours year-round. A coveted under-play for many, her iconic stage has seen the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Mumford and Sons, and Tom Petty in recent years. Ryman Auditorium is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP), a Nashville-based REIT that also owns and operates the Grand Ole Opry, 650 AM WSM and Ole Red. For more information, visit www.ryman.com.
Link to Ryman press kit: http://bit.ly/