Nashville Reflects on the Legacy of Opryland After Nearly Three Decades
Nashville, Tenn. — It’s hard to forget the joy and excitement that Opryland once brought to the people of Nashville. This beloved theme park, which opened its doors in 1972, became a cherished spot for families and friends, offering thrilling rides and heartwarming live shows. Unfortunately, the park closed its doors for the last time in 1997, leaving many fans heartbroken.
The announcement of Opryland’s closure came as a shock to park enthusiasts, especially when it was hinted that a new attraction would rise in its place, combining shopping and amusement rides similar to the famous Mall of America in Minnesota. Sadly, the fresh vision never fully materialized, and the holiday season of 1997 was particularly gloomy as many mourned the loss of their happy place.
Mixed Reactions to the Closure
In interviews from the time, fans expressed their deep sadness. “When friends passed by, we told them to go on before we started crying. It’s that sad,” reminisced one loyal visitor. Even city leaders and park owners tried to paint a positive outlook on what was to come next, emphasizing the new facility’s potential. “It’s going to have retail, but it’s also going to have a strong amusement theme,” said Roy Dale, a former Metro Council member. There were grand plans at the time to develop the new attraction into a mega-mall filled with rides, potentially drawing in an astonishing 15 million visitors a year.
Critics and Supporters
While some were hopeful about the incoming changes, others expressed skepticism. Critics pointed out the abundance of shopping centers and lamented the disappearance of parks like Opryland. Renowned historian Jim Futrell highlighted this sentiment, recalling his memories of visiting the park as a child. “You don’t expect a park like Opryland to close,” he shared. To Futrell, Opryland represented a part of Nashville’s soul, one that was closely tied to its rich culture and history.
However, as the 1990s rolled on, Opryland grappled with shifting visitor preferences. Guests were increasingly seeking adrenaline+fueled rides over the live entertainment that made Opryland special. The park’s limited operational months also posed a challenge, especially with the adjacent Gaylord hotel requiring consistent visitor influx throughout the year.
The Decision to Close
With pressures from shareholders, park owners ultimately decided that evolving to a megatrend model was imperative. “That was the right park at the right time,” said Futrell, lamenting how Opryland had grown alongside Nashville. When Opryland finally shut down, it wasn’t just rides that disappeared; thousands of trees were cut down, leading to a shocking transformation of the parkland.
The promises made regarding the development of a vibrant riverfront entertainment venue—a vision that some believed could connect the Grand Ole Opry with the new mall—remained unfulfilled. Despite these hopeful plans, the reality revealed itself when the mall was completed: the extra amenities surrounding it never emerged.
The Bitter Sweet Memories
Looking back 27 years later, it’s clear that the memories of Opryland still linger in the hearts of many Nashvillians. Nostalgic echoes of joyous laughter and community togetherness fill the air where the park once stood. “Nashville could easily support another Opryland,” Futrell said, a testament to the park’s lasting impact on the region.
While the dreams of mega-malls and amusement parks continue to spark excitement, many secretly hold onto the hopes of someday seeing a revival of the beloved Opryland, a place that once made Nashville shine a little brighter.
