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· June 15, 2003 ·


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· Gaylord Opryland To Complete $5 Million In Renovations In 2003
Resort remains committed to making improvements for the benefit of guests

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center announced today it will complete $5 million in renovations by the end of 2003. The most recent improvements, which are in addition to $80 million in renovations made over a four-year period and completed in 2002, demonstrate Gaylord Hotels' continued commitment to the 25-year-old landmark facility.

"We are keeping our facilities in excellent condition so our guests will have the best experiences possible. That's why we continue to update the lighting and carpet, build unique entertainment and dining options, and pursue other important projects and upgrades," said Jay D. Sevigny, president of Gaylord Opryland.

Major features of the resort's recent renovations and capital improvements include:

NEW FOOD, BEVERAGE & ENTERTAINMENT VENUES that include Findley's Irish Pub, Sweet Surrender, the Conservatory Cafe, Rusty's Sports Bar & Grill, and a state-of-the-art Tasting Room.

  • The Victorian-style Findley's Irish Pub - which opened in May - features nightly entertainment and a menu that offers delicious Irish staples such as fish-n-chips, corned beef and Yorkshire pudding, as well as a fine selection of drafts that includes Harp, GUINNESS(R) Extra Stout, Bass Pale Ale, Boddington's Ale and Hard Core Cider.
  • Sweet Surrender is dedicated to all who have a sweet tooth - from candies to homemade gelato.
  • The Conservatory Cafe gets a new look and feel - more "grab and go" items for guest convenience, and a cutting-edge cyber cafe.
  • Rusty's Sports Bar & Grill is now equipped with its own grills to offer guests the aroma and tastes of their ballpark favorites.
  • A state-of-the-art Tasting Room is under construction - and will give Gaylord Opryland's culinary department an opportunity to showcase new menu items, as well as allow for presentations and classes for guests and meeting planners in a perfect setting.

NEW RETAIL that includes a video Arcade, Savannah's, Pure Essentials, and the Children's Shoppe.

  • The Arcade will feature 35 of the most popular video machines including Golden Tee, which is popular with young adults and pre-teens, to Centipede and NASCAR racing, which are popular with "kids" of all ages.
  • Savannah's is a unique apparel shop that features the latest women's fashions, including plus-sized clothing, suits-separates-accessories, contemporary western, and after-five clothing.
  • The Children's Shoppe features puppets, reading and activity books, toys, children's clothing, and other unique gift items for the children in your life.

BUILDING MAINTENANCE to include:

  • New air handlers in the Magnolia East and Magnolia West guestroom buildings
  • New stairway in the Garden Conservatory
  • Upgrade to the lighting in the Cascades Atrium
  • New Christmas decorations
  • Restroom renovation in the Governor's section of the Convention Center
  • New electronic door locks in all guestrooms and meeting rooms
  • New luggage staging area in the Magnolia Lobby

Renovations will continue in 2004 and beyond. Some expected additions are a 5,000-seat amphitheater, a world-class spa and fitness facility, and guestroom upgrades in the Garden Conservatory, Cascades and Delta sections.

About Gaylord Opryland Nashville

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center - the largest non-gaming in-hotel facility in the world - is known for providing superior products and services to the meetings and convention industry. Winner of numerous prestigious awards including the coveted Gold Key Elite Award in 2003, Gaylord Opryland Nashville is the flagship property of the Gaylord Hotels brand owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a leading hospitality and entertainment company based in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, visit www.gaylordentertainment.com or www.gaylordopryland.com.

Media Contact:
Karen Hunter-Lowery
615-871-6966
khunter@gaylordhotels.com
Jeffrey Zimmer
615-871-6270
jzimmer@gaylordhotels.com
Produced by Judi Janofsky, Rich Steck and the Golf Press Association