The Grand Ole Opry announced today (March 13) that it will suspend performances that involve a live audience until April 4 “in an effort to maintain health and safety amid current COVID-19 concerns.” The Nashville, Tennessee institution posted a statement on its website stating that “the Opry’s first priority has always been the safety of our employees, guests and artists who have been key in keeping the show that made country music famous on the air every week for over 94 years.” Find the Opry’s full announcement below.
The Opry is one of many venues to be affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Find Pitchfork’s list of tours, concerts, festivals, and other cultural events that have had to cancel or reschedule due to COVID-19 here.
The Grand Ole Opry stands by the motto of the Circle can’t be broken. Throughout the Opry’s history, various events have led Opry management to make difficult decisions about how to alter the show’s format. In an effort to maintain health and safety amid current COVID-19 concerns, the Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest-running radio show, will pause performances that include a live audience and tours through April 4. The Opry’s first priority has always been the safety of our employees, guests and artists who have been key in keeping the show that made country music famous on the air every week for over 94 years.
During this time, the Saturday Night Grand Ole Opry Show will return to its original format as a live radio broadcast without a live audience. Fans around the world can still tune in to the Saturday night broadcasts at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, and its flagship home, 650 AM WSM.
Guests with tickets for performances through April 4, 2020 may contact Grand Ole Opry Customer Service at opry.com/contact for rebooking information.