CMT Drops a Tailgate for College Football Concert
CMT is throwing the first big party of the year on Friday night (Jan. 9) as music and football fans alike join forces in celebration of the College Football Playoff National Championship.
The CMT Ultimate Kickoff Party Live From the College Football Playoff National Championship will get this hard-hitting weekend started with performances by Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Big & Rich, Brett Eldredge, Jake Owen, Thomas Rhett and Maddie & Tae.
Then on Jan. 12, the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, between the No. 2 ranked Oregon Ducks and the No. 4 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.
Actor and comedian Rob Riggle (Dumb and Dumber To) was announced Monday (Jan. 5) as the CMT special’s host, while Redneck Island’s Jessie James Decker will serve as social correspondent for the event.
Additionally, Aloe Blacc -- the vocalist on Avicii’s pop smash “Wake Me Up” -- has been slated to join Lady Antebellum for an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind collaboration.
Taking place at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, the 90-minute concert will air live on CMT, CMT.com and the CMT app at 9 p.m. ET and will also be broadcast on 119 iHeartMedia country stations across the country.
Meanwhile, the College Football Playoff Fan Central multiday festival aims to make fans a part of the historic championship game by holding pep rallies and featuring performances and activities with each school's marching band, cheerleading squad and mascot, plus much more. The first 6,000 fans to purchase tickets to Fan Central will also get access to the CMT Ultimate Kickoff Party on a first come, first served basis.
Stay tuned for updates, including exclusive rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage. For more, watch CMT Hot 20 Countdown Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. ET/PT.
