Who Owns Gaylord Entertainment? A Deep Dive into Ryman Hospitality Properties and Its Evolving Legacy

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Introduction: The Evolution of Gaylord Entertainment

Gaylord Entertainment has played a pivotal role in shaping the entertainment and hospitality industries in the United States. Its legacy, spanning decades, includes ownership of legendary venues like the Grand Ole Opry and the Opryland Hotel. Over recent years, the company has undergone significant restructuring and strategic partnerships, leading to its transformation into Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. Understanding who owns Gaylord Entertainment today requires delving into its corporate journey, major acquisitions, and the current structure of its operations. [1]

The Foundation and Growth of Gaylord Entertainment

Gaylord Entertainment began as a public company in 1991, consolidating Oklahoma Publishing Company’s broadcasting and entertainment holdings. Early on, Gaylord maintained a majority stake and voting control, setting the foundation for its expansion. [1] The company’s purchase of the Opry properties in 1983-Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, Opryland Hotel, and WSM Radio-formed the backbone of its entertainment business. These assets became iconic cultural destinations, drawing millions of visitors and shaping country music history. [2]

Over the years, Gaylord Entertainment expanded its portfolio, entering TV and film production, acquiring notable properties, and investing in large-scale hospitality ventures. This growth was driven by both organic development and strategic acquisitions, such as the formation of Gaylord Hotels and the purchase of major resort properties. [3]

Transition to Ryman Hospitality Properties

In 2012, Gaylord Entertainment made a pivotal decision: it sold the Gaylord Hotels brand and operations to Marriott International, a move that allowed Marriott to manage the hotel properties while Gaylord retained ownership of the real estate. This transaction marked the beginning of Gaylord’s transformation into a real estate investment trust (REIT) under the new name Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. [2]

Today, Ryman Hospitality Properties owns and oversees five of the largest non-gaming resort and convention center hotels in the U.S.-Gaylord Opryland, Gaylord Palms, Gaylord Texan, Gaylord National, and Gaylord Rockies. Marriott International manages these hotels, providing operational expertise while Ryman maintains ownership of the physical assets. [3]

Ownership Structure and Key Stakeholders

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker RHP. The company’s shares are held by a diverse group of institutional investors, private equity firms, and individual shareholders. Major institutional stakeholders have included investment companies such as TRT Holdings (which at one point held a significant minority stake) and, more recently, Atairos and NBCUniversal, which acquired a 30% minority stake in Opry Entertainment Group-a subsidiary of Ryman. [1] [2]

Ryman Hospitality retains majority control of its entertainment assets, including the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, while sharing ownership and strategic direction with its investment partners. The company’s governance structure ensures a balance of operational autonomy and external oversight, fostering continued growth and innovation in both entertainment and hospitality sectors. [3]

Current Portfolio and Strategic Alliances

The company’s portfolio extends beyond hotels to include iconic entertainment venues and live events. Ryman Hospitality not only owns and operates legendary institutions like the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, but also actively invests in new entertainment concepts and partnerships. Recent expansions include the acquisition of a majority interest in Southern Entertainment, a music festival and live events company, and minority investments in brands like Whiskey Riff. [2]

Artist partnerships, such as those with Blake Shelton and Luke Combs, have led to the creation of branded venues and experiential destinations. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in the development of new concepts like Category 10, a venue inspired by Luke Combs’ music, and the continued restoration and enhancement of historic properties. [1]

How to Engage with Ryman Hospitality Properties and Its Assets

If you are seeking to access services or opportunities related to Gaylord Entertainment’s legacy, now managed by Ryman Hospitality Properties, here are practical steps:

1. Book a Stay or Event: To reserve rooms or event space at any Gaylord Hotels property, visit the official Marriott website and search for each hotel by name (e.g., “Gaylord Opryland Resort”). Marriott manages daily hotel operations, so all booking inquiries are handled through their platform. [4]

2. Attend a Concert or Live Event: For tickets to performances at the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, or affiliated venues, visit their official websites. These sites provide up-to-date event schedules, ticket purchasing options, and visitor information. To connect with festival experiences promoted by Southern Entertainment, search for event names such as “Carolina Country Music Fest” or “Barefoot Country Music Fest” for direct ticketing and details. [5] [6]

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3. Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships: Businesses interested in partnership or sponsorship opportunities should contact Ryman Hospitality Properties through their official corporate website. The site offers contact forms and direct phone numbers for inquiries related to partnerships, events, and venue management. [3]

4. Investor Information: For those seeking to invest in Ryman Hospitality Properties, financial data, stock performance, and investor relations resources are available on the company’s official site. Potential investors can find SEC filings, annual reports, and contact information for further inquiries. [7]

Challenges and Solutions in Engaging with Ryman Properties

One challenge for consumers is navigating the distinction between hotel management (Marriott) and property ownership (Ryman Hospitality). To avoid confusion, always use official channels-Marriott’s booking engine for hotel stays, venue websites for event tickets, and Ryman’s corporate portal for business inquiries. In cases where information is unclear, reaching out via phone or official contact forms ensures accurate guidance.

For business partnerships, the competitive landscape in hospitality and entertainment requires clear proposals and direct contact with Ryman’s development or partnership teams. Alternative approaches include attending industry events where Ryman participates or networking through professional associations in hospitality and entertainment.

Alternative Pathways and Opportunities

If you are unable to access a specific service or program directly, consider these alternatives:

– Search “Gaylord Hotels” on Marriott’s official site for up-to-date availability and offers.

– Visit the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium official sites for ticket and event information.

– For festivals, use official event names to locate authentic ticketing platforms and details.

– Investors may consult financial news portals or brokerage firms to analyze Ryman Hospitality Properties’ stock performance and growth trends.

Summary: Who Owns Gaylord Entertainment Today?

Gaylord Entertainment’s assets and legacy are now owned and managed by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. , a publicly traded REIT. Marriott International operates the Gaylord Hotels brand, while Ryman retains ownership of the real estate and entertainment venues. Strategic partnerships, minority investments, and ongoing innovations continue to define the company’s growth in hospitality and live entertainment. [3]

References

[1] Wikipedia (2024). Ryman Hospitality Properties – Company History and Ownership. [2] The Tennessean (2025). Opry Entertainment Group ventures into music festivals. [3] Ryman Hospitality Properties (2024). About Us – Company Overview. [4] Marriott International (2025). Official Hotel Booking Platform. [5] Grand Ole Opry (2025). Official Event and Ticketing Site. [6] Ryman Auditorium (2025). Official Venue and Event Information. [7] Ryman Hospitality Properties (2025). Investor Relations Portal.