Opry Entertainment Group Expands Live Music Empire with Southern Entertainment Acquisition

Opry Entertainment Group (OEG), a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties, has made a strategic move to acquire a majority interest in Southern Entertainment, a North Carolina-based live events, hospitality, and production company. This acquisition not only strengthens OEG's position in the live music space but also opens up new opportunities for growth and diversification.



Southern Entertainment's portfolio includes popular country music festivals such as Carolina Country Music Fest, Barefoot Country Music Fest, Lovin Life Music Fest, Greenville Country Music Fest, and the upcoming Field & Stream Outdoor Music Fest. These events attract a diverse fan base, complementing OEG's existing fan base and allowing the company to reach a broader audience.

One of the key benefits of this acquisition is the integration of OEG's artist development programs into Southern Entertainment's flagship festivals. This collaboration will provide emerging artists with access to larger festival audiences, fostering artist development and enhancing the festival lineup diversity. The Opry's NextStage Class of 2024, featuring artists like 49 Winchester, Anne Wilson, and Flatland Cavalry, will have the opportunity to perform at Southern Entertainment festivals, further enriching the festival experience.



The acquisition also enables both businesses to tap into markets and demographics that they couldn't reach individually, expanding their reach and market share. Southern Entertainment's established presence in key markets like Myrtle Beach and New Jersey provides geographical diversification for OEG, reducing its dependence on Nashville-centric operations and allowing it to capture significant market share in the festival space.

Moreover, the investment aligns with OEG's long-term growth objectives by expanding its footprint in the live music space, reaching new audiences, fostering artist development, and creating multiple revenue streams through data capture and targeted marketing. The combination of OEG and Southern Entertainment enables both businesses to tap into new markets and demographics, creating a more competitive landscape for OEG and its partners.

In conclusion, Opry Entertainment Group's investment in Southern Entertainment is a strategic move that strengthens OEG's position in the live music festival market. By acquiring a majority interest in Southern Entertainment, OEG gains access to a complementary fan base, expands its geographical reach, and fosters artist development. This acquisition aligns with OEG's long-term growth objectives and sets the stage for continued success in the live music industry.