<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF GAYLORD ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR  
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                           8,712
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   86,183
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,031
<INVENTORY>                                     23,206
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               151,381
<PP&E>                                         550,267
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,117,562
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          127,694
<BONDS>                                        388,397
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           327
<OTHER-SE>                                     515,897
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,117,562
<SALES>                                        825,995
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               825,995
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  804,144
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              27,177
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                162,228
<INCOME-TAX>                                    10,792
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            151,436
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                       (7,537)
<NET-INCOME>                                   143,899
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     4.45
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     4.41