Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center recently unveiled plans to add approximately 108,000 square feet of meeting space to the resort via a $131 million expansion. Already underway, the project is expected to be completed in Spring 2027, just in time for the resort’s 50th anniversary. 

The massive project includes a new ballroom (approximately 31,000 square feet), breakout space (approximately 38,000 square feet), and pre-function space (approximately 39,000 square feet). Once completed, the expansion will bring Gaylord Opryland’s total exhibit and meeting space to 756,000 square feet and its meeting space per guestroom to approximately 260 square feet, “solidifying its status as the largest non-gaming hotel by exhibit and meeting space in the U.S.,” according to Ryman officials.   

What they are saying 

“In recent years, Nashville’s popularity as a top meetings destination has skyrocketed, and we anticipate annual visitors and spending to continue this upward trajectory,” said Mark Fioravanti, president and CEO of Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc., the property’s Nashville-based ownership group. “Our premium group customers are seeking modern, flexible carpeted meeting space, and this expansion will deliver the high-quality experience our guests have come to expect from us. In addition, we believe this expansion will attract new corporate groups to Music City.” 

By the numbers 

The expansion is the latest in a multi-phase transformational capital improvement plan at the resort, with other previously announced projects including:   

• A $17 million transformation of the Governor’s ballroom and pre-function space, which was completed at the end of January 
• A $36 million renovation and reconfiguration of the Presidential ballroom and pre-function space, which is currently underway and expected to be completed mid-2025 
• A $40 million new 550-seat sports bar, a 6,200-square-foot event lawn, and a 3,000-square-foot pavilion, expected to be completed in late 2025 

Funding the expansion 

According to Ryman officials, the company expects to fund the Gaylord Opryland expansion, as well as other previously announced projects, through cash on hand and availability under its revolving credit facility. 

Why it matters 

“These projects leverage our deep customer relationships, strong partnership with our hotel operator and key learnings from similar recently completed projects across our portfolio, transforming previously underutilized areas on our Opryland campus into valuable space for our customers to enjoy,” Fioravanti added. “Gaylord Opryland has been an iconic national destination for nearly 50 years, and we expect that these transformational projects will drive its next phase of growth.” 

Context 

A lodging and hospitality real estate investment trust specializing in upscale convention center resorts and entertainment experiences, Ryman Hospitality Properties’ holdings include five non-gaming U.S. convention center hotels, including: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center; Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Fla; Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas; Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Md.; and Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colo. Managed by Marriott International, the company’s hotel portfolio includes a combined total of 11,414 guestrooms and more than 3 million square feet of total indoor and outdoor meeting space. 

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