With Tiger Stadium nearly filled, Bayou Country Superfest brought a different kind of Louisiana Saturday night to Death Valley.
In place of football players, cheerleaders and screaming sports fanatics, the floor and stands of the stadium were transformed into a venue for the second Baton Rouge country music festival, held Saturday and Sunday.
Big name acts Tim McGraw and Sugarland attracted approximately 50,000 audience members Saturday.
This event has attracted people from all over the country and the state of Louisiana, said Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne.
“Last year was a huge success this year it’ll be even bigger, and we’ve very optimistic about what it will be in the future. It means an awful lot to this community and to Baton Rouge,” Dardenne said. “We look forward to it being here in our community for many many years to come.”
Opening act Josh Thompson took the stage at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, followed by Luke Bryan, Trace Adkins and Sugarland before headliner Tim McGraw performed.
Adkins, a Louisiana native, announced to the crowd that his family is from the state and he is the only person in his family to leave town.
“It’s good to be home. I love you Louisiana and I miss you,” Adkins said.
Dardenne later arrived on stage to welcome guests and announce the concert would be recorded and brought to armed forces on Memorial Day, and 200 free tickets were given to soldiers to attend the Superfest.
“We want all of our service men and women to come enjoy this great state we call home,” Dardenne said on stage.
Sugarland began their set with their new single “Stuck Like Glue.” Midway through the act, the band surprised the audience by giving a new guitar, signed by lead singer Jennifer Nettles, to a member of the crowd.
Headliner Tim McGraw closed the event Saturday with popular songs “Something Like That” and “Red Ragtop,” among others.
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Contact Morgan Searles at [email protected]