Big Shoes ... Big Stadium

Last Garth stadium stop for 2019 is the fifth largest stadium in the world. November 16th in Knoxville, TN at the Univ. of Tennessee's Neyland Stadium.

The last time UT hosted a concert was for East Tennessee's Kenny Chesney, who started going to that stadium when he was five. It was his dream to play there. The dream was probably to play football there. but who knew his destiny.

And 61,780 were there Saturday, June 7th, 2003. Brooks & Dunn, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Deana Carter and the Warren Brothers played just before KC. The threatened rain never showed up.

It was a big night among big nights for Chesney. A few years before that, I sat way up in the stands for The Victory Tour -- Michael, Jackie, Tito, Marlon and Jermaine. (No, I couldn't remember all their names; I had to look it up). August 10,1984.

I just remember the encore: "Billie Jean" and "Beat It."

So what kind of memories will Garth make? Will he go for a stadium concert record? I guess we will see. Saw this show in the St Louis Dome and it was the best Garth yet. That November night should be in the 50s ... and rain in November is always a possibility. The Fall leaves should be more than halfway. Dollywood? Smoky Mountain Christmas: November 9th - January 4th.

Garth's team booked Notre Dame's stadium first -- 80,795 the registered attendance, 84,000 attended. (football teams are there, so the floor is available)

Neyland claims 102,455 for football. You know he will go for a stadium record. The tickets go on sale September 13th and it might blow up Ticketmaster.

Looking ahead ... Other bigger stadiums include University of Michigan, Penn State and Texas A& M. You know those are on the playlist for 2020/21.

And Austin, Tuscaloosa, Ohio State and LSU ... oh yeah ... All in the top 10 in the world!

The Stones, Garth and a few others but in Country, what a giant.

I have watched his history literally from day one and I just shake my head at what a ride he has been on. His show is great and the vibe is amazing. It's like a love fest. Such a positive atmosphere that seems unique to GB. Marketed and produced like a textbook. The blueprint for all. That's just the truth.

Randy Travis, The CMA Christmas show all had announcements on the same day. Whoops. Guess who's getting the coverage. Not planned, just Garth luck.

This story was in the Las Vegas newspaper this week. The MGM Resorts have announced plans for the festival site of the Route 91 tragedy. They hope to put in a community center, Parking lot for the new stadium and a permanent memorial of some sort.

Since the horror filled night of October 1,2017, the property has remained fenced and closed.

It will be a very long time before that night dims for anyone alive in Las Vegas that day. Some hoped it might become a part, but a community center is close to that. Healing and moving forward and learning lessons so something like that can never happen again. The city of Las Vegas is growing like a wild weed. The community, the victims, the families need a place to pay respects. I hope MGM and The City of Las Vegas do what's right.