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Country music stars headlining ‘Music City Kickoff Concert’ before Ole Miss, Louisville play in Nashville in 2026
By Caleb Wethington at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 7, 2026
· 1 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Nashville Sports Council and Opry Entertainment Group announced the first-ever Music City Kickoff Concert, set for Saturday, Sept. 5, at Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater.The concert will feature performances by Lee Brice, Gabby Barrett and Payton Smith, begin...
Key takeaway Louisville, Ole Miss to play football game at Nissan Stadium in 2026Organizers said the concert will officially launch a weekend of major college sporting events in Nashville.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The Music City Kickoff Concert is the latest example of Nashville's efforts to blend its thriving music scene with its growing sports industry. By hosting a high-profile concert at Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater, organizers are creating a unique experience that will appeal to both music fans and sports enthusiasts. The event's timing, coinciding with the Liberty Mutual Music City Kickoff football game and the Sprouts Farmers Market Broadway Block Party, will bring a surge of visitors to the city, boosting local businesses and hotels. As Nashville continues to establish itself as a major sports destination, events like the Music City Kickoff Concert will be crucial in showcasing the city's ability to host large-scale events and attract new visitors. The success of this event will be closely watched, as it could pave the way for similar concerts and sporting events in the future, further solidifying Nashville's reputation as a vibrant and eclectic city.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Nashville Sports Council and Opry Entertainment Group announced the first-ever Music City Kickoff Concert, set for Saturday, Sept. 5, at Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater.The concert will feature performances by Lee Brice, Gabby Barrett and Payton Smith, begin...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Caleb Wethington at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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