Dierks Bentley to Headline Vrbo Fiesta Bowl’s Fan Fest: Exclusive

Country star Dierks Bentley will headline the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl’s Fan Fest prior to the Jan. 8 College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal game at Glendale, Arizona’s State Farm Stadium.

Fifteen-time Grammy nominee and Arizona native Bentley will appear on the inaugural Vrbo Sound Stage, marking the first time the annual Fan Fest has featured a national level musical act.

“Hosting a College Football Playoff semifinal demands that we go big on and off the field – creating memorable experiences for our fans,” said Fiesta Sports Foundation (FSF) executive director & CEO Erik Moses in a statement. FSF is the umbrella organization the produces the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Rate Bowl, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade and a number of other year-round events.

FSF worked closely with Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE), best known for producing the Grammy and Emmy Awards, in booking Bentley. JCE is also helping with production and creative execution, as well as the broadcast coordination with ESPN, which will air the game. “Teaming with Jesse Collins Entertainment allows us to take our pregame presentation to the next level,” Moses said. “Fans should take the afternoon to come out early as we deliver a pregame experience that matches the moment and the magnitude of the game on the field.”

“It’s always a great time playing in Arizona and there’s nothing like the energy around college football,” said Bentley in a statement. “We’re looking forward to being part of the Fiesta Bowl and will have a blast getting the party started!”

The family friendly Fan Fest, which starts at 12:30 p.m. on game day just outside of the stadium, also features music, interactive games, sponsor activations and food & drink. Fan Fest, including Bentley’s performance, is free, though attendees can also opt to purchase entry to Club ’71, an area adjacent to the stadium that allows an elevated experience to view the concert.  

Grammy-nominated duo The War & Treaty, also booked in collaboration with JCE, will perform the National Anthem to kick off the game.  

The Fiesta Bowl features the winners of the CFP quarterfinal at the Dec. 31 Goodyear Cotton Bowl and CFP quarterfinal at the Jan. 1 Allstate Sugar Bowl. The winner of the Fiesta Bowl will play the winner of the Jan. 9 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in the Jan. 19 CFP championship.

Prior to the Fiesta Bowl, Bentley, who released his 11^th studio album, Broken Branches, in June, will play New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash on CBS on Dec. 31.