Opry Entertainment Group to invest a minimum of $6 million for facilities improvements, increase programming
Simpsonville, S.C. — Simpsonville City Council voted Tuesday night to approve an 11-year management agreement for CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park with Opry Entertainment Group (OEG), a Nashville-based entertainment company that owns and operates a diverse portfolio of indoor and outdoor venues, festivals and live events across the United States.
Located about 2 hours from Atlanta and Charlotte, and a short drive from the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park is a 14,000-capacity open-air venue in the heart of Simpsonville, ideally positioned as a regional destination for national touring acts and festivals.
As part of the agreement, which begins Feb. 10, 2026, OEG will invest at least $6 million in capital over the course of the initial five years. Planned investments for future years will include guest amenities, infrastructure enhancements, improved parking and traffic management and expanded food and beverage offerings.
“The City of Simpsonville is thrilled to welcome Opry Entertainment Group as its partner for the CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park,” said Simpsonville Mayor Paul Shewmaker. “Their legacy goes back more than 100 years through WSM Radio and the Grand Ole Opry. OEG will bring a new level of excitement and fan experience to the stage with a great mix of music genres, artists and events. I’ve seen the culture of commitment in Nashville to world-class entertainment after having worked in the renowned city, so I know what these folks can and will deliver. This partnership and agreement are fantastic for the Simpsonville community.”
OEG brings extensive operational experience across live music venues and large-scale events. The company’s portfolio includes Nashville-based Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry House and Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater; ACL Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, Texas; and Southern Entertainment, a festival and live event production company with a strong presence in the Carolinas. Collectively, OEG hosts hundreds of events annually, welcoming millions of guests to enjoy programming across multiple genres. As an independent operator, OEG maintains strong relationships with artists, promoters and touring partners of all sizes.
Beginning with the 2026 season, CCNB Amphitheatre will adopt an open-room programming approach designed to deliver a diverse mix of concerts and events. In addition to an enhanced concert season, OEG plans to activate the venue and its adjacent Heritage Park with family-friendly community events throughout the year.
“CCNB Amphitheatre is an extraordinary community asset with the potential to become a nationally recognized, must-visit entertainment destination,” said Patrick Moore, CEO of OEG. “Working closely with the city, we look forward to elevating CCNB Amphitheatre as an even stronger foundational center for the community, artists and fans for many years to come.”
###
About Opry Entertainment Group
Rooted in the unparalleled country music history of the Grand Ole Opry, Opry Entertainment Group (OEG), produces multi-platform entertainment experiences through its growing portfolio of owned and managed entertainment venues and live event businesses. This includes the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, the iconic Ryman Auditorium, WSM Radio, the Blake Shelton-inspired Ole Red brand, ACL Live at Moody Theater, Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater, Category 10, Luke Combs’ multi-experiential live music venue, bar and restaurant and Southern Entertainment, a premier festival production company. Through concerts, tours, music-inspired restaurants, retail, publishing, digital content and more, OEG connects millions of music fans to the artists they love through experiences they’ll never forget. OEG is a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP).
Media Contacts:
Shannon Sullivan
VP, Corporate and Brand Communications
Ryman Hospitality Properties / Opry Entertainment Group
ssullivan@rymanhp.com
Justin Campbell
Community Relations Specialist
City of Simpsonville