Country music lovers are fired up and ready to pack Ohio Stadium this weekend, when Buckeye Country Superfest brings to town a lineup of performers ranging from legendary long-timer George Strait to relative newcomer Warren Zeiders.
Boot-scootin' country:
The annual music festival, which gets underway Saturday afternoon, traces its roots to Cleveland, where it was known as the George Strait Country Music Festival before debuting in Columbus as Buckeye Country Superfest in 2015. The event has been held each summer since at the stadium, with the exception of 2020 and 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic put it on hold.
A record-breaking 63,000-plus fans came out to the 'Shoe to see artists like headliner Luke Combs when Superfest returned in 2022, according to the festival's Twitter.
This year, Buckeye Country Superfest will feature four acts:
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Warren Zeiders
The 23-year-old, who will kick off Superfest at 4:45 p.m., first turned heads in 2021, when his song "Ride the Lightning" made him a social media sensation. Since then, Zeiders has amassed more than 1.4 billion TikTok views worldwide, as well as over 767 million audio streams and 39 million video plays. Two well-received EPs led to his first tour, with all shows selling out in less than 72 hours. Zeider's recently released single, “Pretty Little Poison” can be heard on his latest EP by the same name.
Little Big Town
At 5:45 p.m., Little Big Town will take the stage. Featuring the same lineup since forming in the late '90s — Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman and Jimi Westbrook — the Alabama quartet is known for its four-part harmonies and alternating members on lead vocals. Little Big Town has scored some two dozen singles on Billboard's Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts including the No. 1 hits "Pontoon" and "Better Man," and Top 10 singles like "Bring It on Home," "Little White Church," "Tornado," "Day Drinking," and "Girl Crush."
Chris Stapleton
Up next at 7:15 p.m. is a singer-songwriter whose gritty, soulful rendition of the national anthem brought many to tears at this year's Super Bowl. Stapleton's breakthrough came with "Tennessee Whiskey," which shot to No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart two days after he sang it with Justin Timberlake on the 2015 Country Music Association Awards. The Kentucky native also has written and co-written more than 170 songs — including six No. 1 country hits — for artists including Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Luke Bryan, Adele, Kelly Clarkson and Taylor Swift, earning him the Academy of Country Music's Artist-Songwriter of the Decade award. Fun fact: Stapleton dropped out of Vanderbilt University, where he was studying engineering, to pursue a music career.
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George Strait
The evening will culminate in a 9:15 p.m. performance by the "King of Country," who previously headlined Superfest in 2019. Also known to fans as "King George," Strait served in the Army, where he performed in a band and following his honorable discharge, went to college to study agriculture. Unable to ignore the lure of music, he joined an ensemble that would become his backup group, the Ace in the Hole Band, and signed his first record deal at age 29. The only artist in music history to have a Top 10 hit each year for more than 30 years, Strait has racked up 60 No. 1 hits including his first, 1982's "Fool Hearted Memory," and his most recent, "Give It All We Got Tonight," which topped the charts in 2013.
While the music is the main attraction, there's more you need to know if you're heading to Buckeye Country Superfest:
What if I want to 'pre-game' before the fest?
Then the pre-party headlined by Larry Fleet is where you'll want to be! Doors open at 7 p.m. Friday at Newport Music Hall, 1722 N. High St., to see the Tennessee-bred singer along with Nashville quintet A Boy Named Banjo. Tickets are $30, with a limit of eight general admission tickets per person and two accessible tickets per person, at axs.com.
When does Buckeye Country Superfest begin?
Stadium gates will open at 3 p.m. Saturday.
Where will it be held?
Buckeye Country Superfest will be at Ohio Stadium, 411 Woody Hayes Drive.
How much are tickets for Buckeye Country Superfest?
- Remaining tickets start at $84.49, with a limit of eight tickets per person, at ticketmaster.com. The ticket windows at Ohio Stadium will open at noon Saturday.
- Only Ticketmaster mobile-compatible tickets (generated by Ticketmaster and shown on a mobile device as a SafeTix barcode) will be accepted. Screenshots or paper printouts will not be valid.
- If you don't have a smartphone, bring your confirmation email and photo ID the day of the event for assistance.
Will there be a tailgate party?
Yes, the 2023 Official Tailgate will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. across from the stadium on the south lawn of St. John Arena. The tailgate area opens at 10 a.m. Partygoers can buy official Buckeye Country Superfest merchandise, and enjoy food trucks, games, and live performances by country artists Drake Milligan at 12:30 p.m. and Conner Smith at 2 p.m.
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What's the parking situation?
As of press time, very few pre-paid parking passes were still available for $200 per vehicle at buckeyecountrysuperfest.com.
The parking lot opens at 8 a.m. on the day of the show. Parking will be first-come, first-served, and only credit, debit or mobile payments will be accepted. Your vehicle and tailgate must fit within the 8.5’ x 15’ space provided. Those with RV permits must vacate the lots no later than 10 a.m. Sunday.
For a map of various parking lots, see buckeyecountrysuperfest.com/traffic-parking.
Can I pay for parking, merch and concessions with cash?
No. Ohio Stadium has gone completely cashless. All purchases can be made with a debit/credit card or mobile payment.
Will alcohol be available?
Beer and other alcoholic beverages will be sold to those 21 and older at Buckeye Country Superfest and within the Official Tailgate. Designated drivers can register at Guest Services and get a coupon for a free soft drink.
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What if I need to hydrate?
Guests are encouraged to bring clear, plastic, empty bottles to fill at complimentary water stations in the stadium.
Are cameras allowed during the performances?
Point-and-click cameras are permitted. Prohibited: professional cameras, zoom lenses, selfie sticks, GoPros, iPads, laptops, video or audio recording devices.
Can I bring a bag, purse or backpack?
Bags or purses larger than 5" x 8" x 1” are not permitted in the stadium. Wallets and wristlets no larger than 5" x 8" x 1" are permitted. All items and persons are subject to inspection.
What about medical supplies or diaper bags?
Guests entering with medical or childcare needs must enter through the Steinbrenner Band Center entrance (between Gates 10 and 12) or the press entrance (between the Huntington Club and Gate 23) and may carry one bag per person, no larger than 14" x 14" x 14."
Can I bring stadium seats for the bleachers?
Seat cushions that are foam and do not have back supports, zippers, or storage slots are permitted.
What else is allowed or prohibited?
For a list of prohibited items, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section at buckeyecountrysuperfest.com.
What if I need to leave and come back?
Guests will not be allowed to reenter Ohio Stadium after exiting.
Where can I get more information?
Visit the event website at buckeyecountrysuperfest.com.
bpaschal@dispatch.com
