Country music lovers everywhere can begin shining their boots and straightening their hats — Bayou Country Superfest is returning in 2011 with Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Sugarland and Trace Adkins as headliners.
Bayou Country Superfest Producer and Director Quint Davis unveiled the lineup for the event, scheduled for May 28 and 29, 2011, at a news conference Wednesday in Tiger Stadium.
East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden attended the conference and spoke about the success of the first festival and its contribution to the city.
Baton Rouge is changing scenery and making an effort to be more than one-dimensional, Holden said.
“Our vision was to take this event and move it to a level and have a signature event that people from around the world would understand,” Holden said. “That, yes, give us a challenge. We can make it happen, we can put it together and we can move it forward. Year two, here we are again.”
Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Joe Alleva said he expects this event to continue for many years to come.
“Some people thought I was crazy to allow it to come to Tiger Stadium and let the event go forward, but I had a feeling this was going to be a great event,” Alleva said.
Students interested in country music are impressed by the acts the event is bringing to the city.
Kinesiology freshman Rachel Debenedetto said she can’t wait for the 2011 Superfest.
“I think it’s a great lineup, and I am definitely excited to hear all those artists,” Debenedetto said. “I think it’s good for Baton Rouge. It’s different than other events that happen around here.”
The first Superfest was expected to bring 35,000 people into the stadium, Holden said, but the event actually saw an audience of more than 85,000.
Pam Breaux, secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism for Louisiana, said people from 47 states, Canada, the United Kingdom and U.S. military serving in Germany attended last year’s Superfest.
“This is developing a new, significant tourism product for Louisiana that’s important for our economy and for the locals to have the opportunity to enjoy the Superfest,” Breaux said. “And Louisiana is the perfect location for a music event of this size.”
Also playing at Superfest are Luke Bryan, Billy Currington, Jason Michael Carroll, Lee Brice and Josh Thompson.
Zac Brown will bring his tailgate truck to Fan Fest, a celebration of music and food that takes place outside Tiger Stadium before both days of the festival, Davis said.
Tickets go on sale Nov. 10 and are available in one- or two-day passes, ranging from $50 to $500.
 
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Contact Morgan Searles at [email protected]