NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 19, 2022) – Opry Entertainment Group today announced a multi-year partnership agreement with the Mid-South Ford Dealers, making Mid-South Ford Dealers the exclusive automotive partner of the Grand Ole Opry and Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.
The partnership will add a new Ford Lounge experience at both the Grand Ole Opry House and the Ryman, which will provide more amenities and exclusive offerings for visitors to enjoy at each venue. At the Opry House, a brand-new outdoor lounge space will be constructed to give all Opry guests a new space to enjoy prior to live events, just steps away from the main entrance. More details on the Ford Lounge experience at the Ryman to be announced at a later date.
The sponsorship will also create the first-ever Opry Community Day, inspired by the annual Ryman Community Day, which will give Tennessee residents the opportunity to experience the Opry’s backstage tour free of charge in September. In addition to the creation of Opry Community Day, Mid-South Ford Dealers will also support the Opry’s current ‘Opry Loves the 90s’ campaign, Opry CMA Fest Plaza Party and Ryman Community Day.
“We know there is a large affinity for live music experiences, and especially country music, among Ford owners,” said Mark Fioravanti, President of Ryman Hospitality Properties. “This partnership is a natural fit that will continue elevating the guest experience at our iconic Nashville venues. We look forward to creating even more moments for fans to experience the Opry and the Ryman in different ways through this new partnership.”
“As an automaker focused on building legends, Ford is excited to partner with Opry Entertainment Group,”
greg houston – regional manager of the memphis region ford motor company
“As an automaker focused on building legends, Ford is excited to partner with Opry Entertainment Group,” said Greg Houston, Regional Manager of the Memphis Region, Ford Motor Company. “We’re invested in Tennessee, which is why we feel a natural connection to the values and spirit of these two institutions of music. The Mid-South Ford Dealers are ready to show music fans what it means to be Built Ford Proud.”
Mid-South Ford Dealers Advertising Association is a cooperative of 141 Ford dealers in western Tennessee, southwest Kentucky, central and northern Mississippi, Arkansas, southern Illinois and southeast Missouri.
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About Opry Entertainment Group
Rooted in the unparalleled country music history of the Grand Ole Opry, Opry Entertainment Group produces multi-platform entertainment experiences through its growing portfolio of entertainment venues, including the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, the iconic Ryman Auditorium, WSM Radio, the Blake Shelton-inspired Ole Red brand and Circle TV Network. Through concerts, tours, music inspired restaurants, retail, publishing, digital content, and more, Opry Entertainment Group connects millions of music fans to the artists they love through experiences they’ll never forget. Opry Entertainment Group is a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP).
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 182,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com.
