NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 14, 2008) – The sensational scents of summer sizzle with the Opryland BBQ Summer Series at Gaylord Opryland® Resort & Convention Center. This new series of special cooking events will be designed to bring backyard barbecue fans face-to-face with award-winning professionals who compete nationally on the Kansas City Barbeque Society circuit.

The Opryland BBQ Summer Series will run from May to October 2008. It will kick off with an event to be held May 31, featuring national champion Mike Davis of Lotta Bull BBQ and award-winning chef Troy Black, who represents Southern Living magazine's "BBQ On Tour."

"We are very excited about bringing these two professionals together and showcasing their barbecue tips and techniques in a personal, relaxed environment," commented Ken Groneck, Director of Special Events at Gaylord Opryland. "This will be an extraordinary weekend for anyone who loves barbecue and wants to find out the secrets behind creating the most mouth-watering barbecue in America."

During the first installment of the Opryland BBQ Summer Series, Davis and Black will fire up the pit to educate and entertain attendees in a two-and-a half hour presentation that includes sampling, tips and some of their favorite personal recipes. From the semi-professional to backyard beginners, everyone will walk away with first-hand knowledge of what national championship barbecue is all about.

Both cooks have won dozens of awards and accolades on the professional barbecue circuit. Their styles may be different, but their results are equally impressive. Most recently, Davis earned the coveted 2006 KCBS Team of the Year trophy and was runner-up in 2007. He is also the reigning champion of the Versus TV Barbecue Championship that was sponsored by Kingsford. Black's credentials include four state titles and four end-of-year Top 10 rankings, including KCBS runner up in Ribs for 2007. To learn more about each of them, visit www.lottabullbbq.com or www.learn2q.com.

For each event of the series, Gaylord Opryland Resort has established a special vacation package that includes overnight accommodations. For the May 31 combo event, packages start at $249*. A special VIP package that includes dinner with the pros is also available.

To view additional Opryland BBQ Summer Series events, visit the home page of www.gaylordopryland.com. To book your package to the first event on May 31, call Amanda Taylor at 615-458-2878.

*Rate is per person based on double occupancy for traditional accommodations, plus applicable tax and daily resort fee. For Atrium Garden, add $55 plus tax per night. Other restrictions may apply.

ABOUT GAYLORD OPRYLAND NASHVILLE
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center -- the largest non-gaming in-hotel facility in the continental United States -- 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 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007and Gold Platter Elite in 2004, 2005 and 2006, 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.

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Event or Package Information Contact:
Amanda Taylor, 615-458-2878, ataylor@gaylordhotels.com

Media Contact:
Rob Regg, 615-458-2882, rregg@gaylordhotels.com