NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Sports Council and Opry Entertainment Group today announced the first-ever Music City Kickoff Concert at Nashville's Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater. The concert will feature performances by Lee Brice, Gabby Barrett and Payton Smith on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, starting at 7:30 p.m. CT.
The Music City Kickoff Concert will mark the official start of an exciting weekend of college sporting events hosted by the Nashville Sports Council. The festivities continue Sunday, Sept. 6, on the other end of Broadway at Bridgestone Arena for the second annual Sprouts Farmers Market Broadway Block Party, a women's college volleyball double-header featuring Louisville vs. Texas (aired on ABC and Tennessee vs. Indiana (aired on ESPN2), starting at 11 a.m. CT. Later that evening, the action shifts across the Cumberland River to Nissan Stadium for the inaugural Liberty Mutual Music City Kickoff, a neutral-site college football season opener between the Louisville Cardinals and Ole Miss Rebels at 6:30 p.m. CT (aired on ABC).
"We're continuously looking for creative ways to engage locals and tourists with new sporting events and continued elevation of Nashville's favorite traditions," said Scott Ramsey, president and CEO of the Nashville Sports Council. "Nashville has long been known as Music City, and we've worked tirelessly to make it a sports destination as well. This inaugural concert brings the two together for an unforgettable holiday weekend of entertainment."
Tickets for the Music City Kickoff Concert go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. local time on Friday, July 10.
For ticket details and more information on the Music City Kickoff Concert, axs.com/events
About the Nashville Sports Council, Inc.
The Nashville Sports Council, Inc. is a private, non-profit, membership-based organization of area companies and individual sports enthusiasts. Created in 1992, the Nashville Sports Council's mission is to positively impact the economy and quality of life of the Greater Nashville Area by attracting and promoting professional and amateur sporting events. The Nashville Sports Council has hosted hundreds of major sporting events, generating more than $1.4 billion in direct economic impact for the region. For more information, call 615-743-3120 or visit NashvilleSports.com. Follow the Nashville Sports Council on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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 pry, the iconic Ryman Auditorium, WSM Radio, ACL Live at Moody Theater, the Blake Shelton-inspired Ole Red brand, the Luke Combs-inspired Category 10 brand, Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater, CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park and Southern Entertainment, a premier festival production company. Through concerts, tours, music-inspired restaurants, retail, publishing, digital content and more, OG 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).
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