The ultimate symbol of the Grand Ole Opry's longevity is carefully preserved and ever present. But the hundreds of thousands of visitors who take in the country variety show each year can't spot it from the Grand Ole Opry House pews. They can only get a glimpse by taking the guided tour that includes an on-stage photo op at the microphone — the same one that broadcasts Opry stars' singing and stage banter to AM radio listeners. It's when visitors stand in the spot where the performers do that they can see it: a 6-foot sphere of battered, blond wooden flooring.

A half century ago, that circle was cut from the stage of the Opry's previous home, the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville, then transported to the suburban theater that's been its primary venue ever since. Between those two loc

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