Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, is no stranger to roaring crowds and unforgettable moments, but come April 25, 2026, the University of Georgia’s iconic football venue will trade touchdowns for twang. The “Live Between the Hedges Concert Presented by Pruitt Health” is set to bring together country music’s biggest stars—Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Zach Top, and Lauren Alaina—for a night that promises to be as historic as any Saturday in the fall.
For many in Athens and across the Southeast, this announcement is more than just another date on the concert calendar. It marks the first stand-alone concert at Sanford Stadium since 2013—a gap of 13 years that’s only heightened anticipation. Back then, Aldean and Bryan shared the stage with Jake Owen, Thomas Rhett, and even Ludacris, turning the stadium into a sea of fans and music lovers. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks reflected on the excitement: “Everybody’s excited because people love Sanford Stadium, people love a good concert and it was such a popular thing in 2013. I can’t believe that was 12 years ago. It was such a great day for town and gown Athens, the whole thing. I mean, you think about a very quiet weekend normally in Athens to bring in 60,000 people and what that does for the town and a showcase again on campus. So the excitement has been through the roof and the texts. Now everybody’s suggesting who they want to perform.”
The 2026 lineup is nothing short of a country music all-star team. Jason Aldean, a Georgia native, boasts 30 No. 1 singles and more than 20 million albums sold. His trophy shelf includes five Grammy nominations and 11 Academy of Country Music awards. Luke Bryan, another homegrown star, has notched 26 No. 1 singles, sold over 75 million albums, and claimed over 40 major music awards—including “Entertainer of the Year” honors five times from both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. Zach Top, fresh off his win as the ACM’s New Male Artist of the Year in 2025 and a CMA nomination in 2024, brings a new generation’s energy to the stage. Rounding out the roster is Lauren Alaina, the former American Idol runner-up and two-time CMT Music Award winner, whose powerhouse vocals have made her a fan favorite.
News of the concert broke in spectacular fashion on September 27, 2025, when Bryan and Aldean appeared live on the SEC Network’s “SEC Nation” pre-game show outside Sanford Stadium. The pair, both diehard Georgia Bulldogs fans, whipped up the crowd with classic chants and a dose of humor. What really caught social media’s attention, though, was Bryan’s enthusiastic display of Bulldog spirit. As reported by Country Living, he told viewers, “In my household, I have a chocolate lab that’s the love of my life, and I have an English Cocker that’s the love of my life. They sleep at the foot of my bed every night. And I don’t kiss them on the mouth. There’s only one dog I kiss on the mouth, and it’s this one. Go Dawgs!” He then planted a big smooch on Uga, the Bulldogs’ live mascot, sending the crowd into a frenzy and sparking a viral moment that racked up over 1.2 million TikTok views and 63,000 Instagram likes within hours, according to SEC Network and Country Living.
The Bulldogs’ official social media accounts wasted no time celebrating Bryan’s devotion, posting a heartfelt message and sharing the viral video. Not everyone was thrilled, of course—fans of rival teams and even Bryan’s own alma mater, Georgia Southern, ribbed him in the comments. “Motion on the table is for Georgia Southern to disown you for this. Do I have a second?” joked one commenter. Meanwhile, Alabama supporters chimed in with “I love Luke and Jason, BUT, ROLL TIDE ROLL.” Still, Georgia fans were quick to defend their star, with comments like “Now that’s a real fan! FRAMER!” and “What’s surprising about smooching a dog. That is a green flag!”
But the real headline wasn’t just about Bulldog kisses. Bryan and Aldean used the moment to announce their return to Sanford Stadium’s stage. As SEC Network reported, Bryan expressed his excitement: performing in his home state, alongside one of his best friends, was “incredible.” Aldean echoed the sentiment, emphasizing how special it was to play together in Georgia. The energy from the crowd and the immediate surge of online buzz made it clear: Athens is ready for another legendary night.
For those eager to snag a spot at this historic show, ticket details are already out. Fan club pre-sales kick off on September 29, 2025, with general public sales starting October 3, 2025, at 10 a.m. local time. Tickets will be available through LukeBryan.com, JasonAldean.com, and GeorgiaDogs.com. If you’re feeling lucky, Cox Media Group Athens is running a ticket giveaway from September 29 to October 10, 2025, open to residents of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee aged 18 and up. No purchase is necessary, but with only one winner per contest, the odds are as tough as a fourth-and-goal stand in Sanford.
The stakes for this concert go beyond just music. The 2013 event drew more than 60,000 fans and brought a wave of economic activity to Athens, usually a quiet college town in the spring. Local businesses, hotels, and restaurants all benefited from the influx, and town officials are hoping for a repeat. As Brooks pointed out, “what that does for the town and a showcase again on campus” can’t be underestimated. The concert is poised to inject a fresh jolt of energy—and dollars—into the local scene, with fans traveling from across the Southeast for a chance to see their favorite stars in such a storied setting.
For the artists, the event is a homecoming and a celebration. Aldean and Bryan’s careers have soared since their last appearance at Sanford, and both have deep roots in Georgia. Their shared history and friendship add a layer of authenticity to the show, while rising stars like Top and Alaina promise to keep the night fresh and full of surprises. It’s a rare blend of nostalgia and newness, all set against the backdrop of one of college football’s most hallowed grounds.
Of course, not all news from that fateful weekend was music to Georgia fans’ ears. As Country Living noted, Bryan’s Bulldogs lost to Alabama, proving that even celebrity support can’t guarantee a win on the field. But in Athens, hope springs eternal—especially when there’s a chance to celebrate under the stadium lights with some of country music’s brightest talents.
As anticipation builds and ticket sales approach, one thing’s for certain: on April 25, 2026, Sanford Stadium will once again become the heart of Georgia, echoing not with the clash of pads, but with the sound of guitars, cheers, and maybe even a few more Bulldog kisses.
