There’s a bit of good news in Nashville for country music fans. Both the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium will soon be open again for backstage tours, as the city moves into Phase Three of the reopening plan. Backstage tours at the Opry will be open this weekend, Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28, with daily tours beginning on July 2. Self-guided tours at the Ryman will begin on June 26.

“Your safety, and the safety of our artists and team are our first priorities at the Opry House,” the Opry announced on their website, with a similar message posted on the Ryman’s website as well. “We’ve put measures in place at every guest and staff touchpoint to ensure that your experience is safe and fun, whether you join us for a tour or a show. And we have the support from our team at Ryman Hospitality Properties to make sure that we have the very best safeguards and training in place so that you can feel good about your visit to the Opry House.”

Several safety measures will be put in place at both venues, including requiring staff and guests to wear masks, operating at a limited capacity, and utilizing more staff for frequent cleaning.

The Opry originally announced they would resume a live audience in July, before revising their statement to continue with shows, without an audience, for at least the first two shows in July.

“To align with Metro Nashville health and safety guidelines amid current COVID-19 concerns, the Grand Ole Opry has canceled performances that include a live audience on July 4 and July 11,” the Opry previously announced.

Jimmy Buffett was scheduled to perform at the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, but decided to postpone his performance, which was to mark his Opry debut, because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“To all Opry fans, I would just like to say how disappointed I am that because of circumstances with the recent spikes in COVID-19, I have had to postpone my trip to Nashville to play with Mac [MacAnally] and Brad Paisley,” Jimmy announced. “I have loved the Grand Ole Opry since the days I covered shows at the Ryman as a Billboard reporter on Music Row in the early 70s before I moved to Margaritaville.

“As soon as it is safe for me to travel back to Music City and meet up with Mac and Brad, I will come play for you,” he added. “Can’t wait. See you then and keep your Fins Up.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry / Chris Hollo