By Amy Jorgensen
Located in
Nashville, Tennessee, today Opryland includes a number of attractions owned and operated by the Gaylord Broadcasting Company. Originally, the term referred to a theme park inspired by the Grand Ol' Opry, which was famous for country music performances.
The Opryland Beginnings
The Opryland theme park opened in 1972 and was owned by the National Life and Accident Insurance Company. The same company also operated the Grand Ol' Opry. By 1977, the park's annual attendance was 2 million.
The Early 80s
When National Life and Accident Insurance Company was purchased by American General, the new parent company attempted to sell all of the other firm's original assets. Gaylord Broadcasting, a company based in Oklahoma, purchased them in 1982.
Opryland Rides
The Screamin' Delta Demon, a bobsled-style roller coaster, the Grizzly River Rampage, a raft-based water ride, and the Wabash Cannonball, a steel coaster with two inversions were some of the most popular rides at the park.
The Decline
Although attendance grew through the 1980s, Opryland's popularity waned as two other theme parks in the same market began to grow: Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, Kentucky opened in 1987 (it closed that same year and reopened with more success in 1989) and Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee opened in 1986.
Opryland Today
In 1997, Gaylord Broadcasting decided to close the theme park. A new entertainment complex called Opry Mills was announced. However, as of 2009, Opry Mills is a mall owned by Gaylord and Simon Properties.
About the Author:
Amy Jorgensen is a freelance writer and college instructor from Indiana. In addition to freelancing, she has also taught writing, public speaking, business communication and customer service courses at two different colleges. Jorgensen holds a Bachelor of Science in English and a Master of Liberal Studies degree.
