Staff Reports | Happenings & Updates
To celebrate hosting the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, the Fiesta Sports Foundation has announced a lineup of pregame performances, highlighted by a Fan Fest appearance by Arizona native and country music artist Dierks Bentley on the Vrbo Sound Stage. The event takes place from 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, outside State Farm Stadium.
Mr. Bentley will perform a multi-song set on the first-ever Vrbo Sound Stage for guests attending Fan Fest and Club ’71. Bentley has eight No. 1 albums, more than 20 No. 1 singles, multiple awards and more than 9.5 billion streams, according to a press release.
“It’s always a great time playing in Arizona and there’s nothing like the energy around college football,” Mr. Bentley said. “We’re looking forward to being part of the Fiesta Bowl and will have a blast getting the party started!”
Fans are encouraged to arrive early as GRAMMY-nominated duo The War and Treaty will perform the national anthem.
The husband-and-wife team, Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, are known for their powerful live performances and were the first Black duo nominated for the Country Music Association Award for Duo of the Year.
Fiesta Sports Foundation is partnering with Jesse Collins Entertainment, a live-event production company recognized for producing major broadcasts including the Emmy Awards, Grammy Awards, American Music Awards and multiple Super Bowl halftime shows.
“Hosting a College Football Playoff Semifinal demands that we go big on and off the field — creating memorable experiences for our fans,” said Erik Moses, executive director and CEO of Fiesta Sports Foundation.
“Teaming with Jesse Collins Entertainment allows us to take our pregame presentation to the next level. We are excited for our fans to enjoy a country music superstar in Arizona’s own Dierks Bentley headlining the stage at Fan Fest, rising stars The War and Treaty delivering a powerful national anthem followed by what is sure to be one of the best college football games of the season at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.”
The Vrbo Sound Stage will be the centerpiece of Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Fan Fest, which features live music, interactive games, sponsor activations, food and beverage offerings and family-friendly entertainment leading up to kickoff.
Club ’71 offers exclusive access, upscale hospitality and preferred seating for the Vrbo Sound Stage.
