Grand Ole Opry House stripped to foundation for repairs from Nashville floods; famous stage OK

Opry House stripped to foundation for repairs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Grand Ole Opry House has been stripped to its concrete foundation as workers try to repair damage from flooding about two weeks ago.

The stage, including a historic 6-foot circle of board from the old Ryman Auditorium stage, has been removed along with pews that served as seats on the house floor.

Opry president Steve Buchanan said Thursday the Ryman floorboards were protected by varnish and fared well in floodwaters that reached nearly 4 feet over the stage.

The Ryman floorboards are from the venue where the country music show was once presented. They will need some work but will soon be back center stage.

Buchanan said thousands of artifacts, instruments and archival material have been shipped out for restoration.