New Orleans, the city famed for its vibrant music scene, is set to welcome the inaugural Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff on Saturday, September 2, 2023.
The musical extravaganza will feature the legendary country star Garth Brooks as the headline act, with performances by Louisiana’s own Lainey Wilson and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, both set to light up the stage at the Caesars Superdome.
The event, presented by the Louisiana Office of Tourism, is designed to celebrate the commencement of the 2023 college football season, intertwining sports, music, and community spirit in one grand affair. It is expected to become an annual Labor Day weekend event, adding another world-class musical occasion to the New Orleans calendar.
Tickets priced at $98.95, inclusive of all charges, will go on sale on Friday, July 21 at 10 a.m. via TicketNetwork.
The festivities will kick off at Champions Square with Tailgate Town, a football-themed interactive experience sponsored by New Orleans & Company. The outdoor portion of the event will host up-and-coming music talent, feature college football and amateur sports spotlights, sponsor activations, and other engaging activities throughout the day.
For those planning to attend the inaugural Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff, it is strongly advised to book your hotel accommodations as early as possible to ensure a convenient and enjoyable stay in the vibrant city of New Orleans. This article may help you which hotel to stay.
Tailgate Town will serve as the prelude to the main entertainment at the Superdome, featuring the much-awaited performances by Garth Brooks, Lainey Wilson, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Wilson, a native of Baskin, Louisiana, and the 2022 CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, and the Grammy-winning Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will precede the star act, Garth Brooks.
Brooks, visibly excited about the event, commented, “Being asked to be part of the first ever Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff is an honor. Any trip to Louisiana is a guaranteed good time so PLEASE count me in!!”
The Sugar Bowl Committee, renowned for its dedication to promoting tourism in Louisiana, has partnered with Russell Doussan and the Doussan Music Group for this initiative. While traditionally focusing on sporting events, the addition of music, another significant hallmark of the state, to the Sugar Bowl repertoire marks the start of a new football season.
Proceeds from the event will assist the Allstate Sugar Bowl in supporting various community programs, including the organization’s much-publicized backing of the New Orleans Teacher Collective. Funds will also aid existing scholarship programs and youth events the Bowl supports annually.
“As the College Football Playoff looks to expand a year from now, we find ourselves in an increasingly competitive environment,” said Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley. He hopes that the Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff will serve as a creative way to drive revenue, remain competitive, and continue to support the city and state.
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser expressed his excitement about the event, saying, “This lineup has all the makings of a great Louisiana Saturday night.”
Russell Doussan, the owner and president of Doussan Music Group, expressed his delight at the idea of an annual music event marking the opening of the college football season. “Launching it with Garth Brooks is truly a dream come true,” he said.
It’s clear that the inaugural Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff is expected to be a significant event, combining sports, music, and community, contributing not only to Louisiana’s cultural richness but also to its community programs.
