A handful of stadium concerts each year is typical for a major market such as Atlanta.
In 2019, the inventory was nearly invisible, as only George Strait (with Chris Stapleton and Ashley McBryde) filled Mercedes-Benz Stadium until later in the year when the venue self-produced ATLive, a pair of country shows boasting lineups that included Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Luke Combs and Eric Church.
But this year, fans can indulge in a head-spinning array of massive shows heading to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Tech and Truist Park when the Atlanta Braves are on the road.
So far, 10 concerts will fill these venues with an 11th – the return of ATLive with a genre to be determined – set for later this fall.
“It’s cyclical,” said Peter Conlon, president of Live Nation Atlanta, which will promote seven of the 10 stadium shows announced. “The thinking goes, since there were almost none last year, let’s do a lot this year.”
Stadium concerts, which typically pull crowds of 40,000-75,000, often attract as many regional fans as local.
“You’ll get people statewide, for sure, but even beyond that because people like to come to Atlanta to shop and stay for the weekend. And stadium shows tend to block out secondary states,” Conlon said.
The “Ramblin’ Wreck” at Georgia Tech (aka Bobby Dodd Stadium), which hosted The Rolling Stones in 2015 (they’re back this year at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, is being utilized for K-pop sensations BTS early in the season and Guns N’ Roses later this summer.
Conlon chose the venue – which can accommodate as many as 50,000 depending upon stage configuration – because he prefers open-air venues for acoustic purposes. Then there are two weekends of back-to-back concerts at Truist Park - strategically planned to maximize cost-effectiveness and minimize stage and crew work.
But even with this year’s glut of mega-shows, Conlon doesn’t think they’re too much for the market to bear.
“It’s really about whether fans want to see the artist or not,” he said.
Here’s a look at the stadium shows vying for your concert dollars.
Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and by calling 1-800-745-3000 unless otherwise noted.
Kenny Chesney
The Jimmy Buffett of country is a regular presence in Atlanta, having played area stadiums four times since 2012. As usual, he’s bringing a stable of pals with him for his “Chillaxification Tour” and even escalating his usual party vibe with the inclusion of feel-good reggae-hip-hop-funk singer Michael Franti. Chesney’s stalwart fan base – aka the No Shoes Nation – will find plenty of reasons to party with this lineup.
With Florida Georgia Line, Old Dominion and Michael Franti & Spearhead. 5 p.m. May 16. $35-$563. Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 1414 Andrew Young International Boulevard NW, Atlanta.
BTS
We do not exaggerate when we relay the detail that the first major Atlanta appearance for the K-pop superstars sold out as quickly as 45,000-ish tickets could be processed. The mania surrounding the septet also known as the Bangtan Boys is early-‘60s-Beatles level (from what historical video shows us) and their outing behind their new “Map of the Soul: 7” album is certain to land on top-grossing tours lists this year.
7:30 p.m. May 17. Sold out. Bobby Dodd Stadium, 177 N Ave. NW, Atlanta. 404.894.5447, www.ramblinwreck.com.
The Rolling Stones
For the first time in five years, the gang known as the World's Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Band will return to Atlanta on a continuation of their "No Filter" tour. Mick Jagger underwent a heart procedure a few months prior to the 2019 dates that launched in June, but onstage, he vigorously led a band that still presents a robust show. Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts form the core foursome, while Georgia's Chuck Leavell remains the band's keyboard wizard, Darryl Jones holds down the bass, Tim Ries and Karl Denson handle saxophone duty, Bernard Fowler and Sasha Allen chime in with backing vocals and Matt Clifford gives an assist on keyboards and French horn.
8 p.m. July 9. $182-$1,173. Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Dead & Company
Since forming in 2015, Dead & Company has played Atlanta five times (including twice in 2017). Obviously, the fans have supported them.
As part of their monthlong, 17-show “Summer Tour 2020,” the band will play its first stadium concert in Atlanta (plenty of good seats remain). The music makers are frontlined by Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, John Mayer and Bob Weir, along with Oteil Burbridge and Jeff Chimenti.
7 p.m. July 17. $59.50-$764. Truist Park, 55 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta.
Justin Bieber
The previously off-the-radar pop star will return to his onetime hometown for the first time since 2016 – and he’s aiming high with a tour that includes several stadium dates sprinkled among more traditional arena outings. “Changes,” Bieber’s fifth studio release, has spawned the hits “Yummy” and “Intentions” and, upon its arrival earlier this month, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart. That feat designated Bieber, 25, as the youngest solo artist to achieve seven No. 1 albums, breaking a record previously held by Elvis Presley.
With Kehlani and Jaden Smith. 7 p.m. July 18. $49.50-$549. Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Chris Stapleton
The shaggy, soulful country star is getting comfortable on a stadium stage. Last year, Stapleton performed at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on a bill headlined by George Strait and this summer he'll swing through Truist Park with his All-American Road Show featuring Hank Williams Jr., Sheryl Crow and Kendall Marvel. On June 26, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville will open a new exhibit that spotlights Stapleton. Though his last album bowed in 2017, Stapleton has released numerous collaborations (Pink, John Mayer, Crow) and is dribbling out new songs during his live shows.
6 p.m. July 18. $49-$290. Truist Park.
Zac Brown Band
In 2018 the country-rock behemoths slayed a show at the venue formerly known as SunTrust Park and they’ll return to the baseball venue for a hometown stop on their “Roar with the Lions” tour. ZBB’s road run – which kicks off in May - will include songs from their entire catalog (including their current release, “The Owl”), along with their usual grab bag of covers.
7 p.m. Aug. 7. $45-$700. Truist Park.
Green Day, Fall Out Boy and Weezer
If you’re going to name your summer road run the “Hella Mega Tour,” you’d better be prepared to bring it rowdy and proud. All indications – and a nearly depleted ticket inventory – point to a night of rock revelry, spearheaded by Green Day, whose 13th studio album, “Father of All…” dropped in early February. Fall Out Boy recently released “Dear Future Self (Hands Up),” featuring Wyclef Jean, on its “Greatest Hits: Believers Never Die – Volume Two” album, and Weezer’s “The End of the Game” single will be included on its 14th studio album, “Van Weezer,” due in May.
With The Interrupters. 5:30 p.m. $64.50-$555. Aug. 8. Truist Park.
Motley Crue and Def Leppard
Consider this guitar-shredding outing – which also features Poison and Joan Jett – the equivalent of BTS for people who grew up in the '80s. And who love massive choruses. And hairspray. And Tommy Lee's drum solos. Who knows if it's the mystique of Motley Crue – who famously demolished their previous "will never tour again" edict – or the reliable good time provided by Def Leppard, Poison and Jett that has already positioned this as the tour of the summer. Figure out how to get a ticket now.
4:30 p.m. Aug. 9. Sold out except for VIP packages priced at $855-$4,225. Truist Park.
Credit: Photo by Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP)
Credit: Photo by Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP)
Guns N’ Roses
For years, the band garnered a reputation for late, sloppily played shows. But their 2016 "Not in This Lifetime" tour, which hit the now-demolished Georgia Dome, showcased a revitalized Axl Rose. Joining him for this tour are fellow originals Slash and Duff McKagan, as well as longtimers Dizzy Reed (keyboards/piano), Richard Fortus (rhythm guitar), Frank Ferrer(drums) and Melissa Reese, who has handled keyboards and synths since 2016.
6 p.m. Aug. 12. $49-$250. Bobby Dodd Stadium. 404.894.5447, www.ramblinwreck.com.
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