When Zach Bryan steps onto the field at Tiger Stadium on March 28, 2026, he won’t just be performing—he’ll be rewriting the legacy of one of America’s most iconic sports venues. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter from Oologah, Oklahoma, will headline the inaugural show of Death Valley Live, a bold new concert series launched by LSU Athletics in partnership with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, and Visit Baton Rouge. The event, titled AEG Presents Zach Bryan With Heaven On Tour, marks the first time the 101-year-old stadium will host a major music concert outside of football season—and it’s already generating buzz across the South.
Why Tiger Stadium? It’s More Than a Football Arena
Tiger Stadium isn’t just where LSU football lives—it’s where generations of Louisianans have felt the ground shake, heard the roar of 100,000 voices, and watched history unfold under Friday night lights. But for decades, its power was confined to fall Saturdays. Now, with the Death Valley Live initiative, that’s changing. The stadium’s towering concrete stands, its electric atmosphere, and its deep cultural roots make it the perfect stage for live music on a grand scale. "There is no place like Death Valley," said Verge Ausberry, LSU’s Director of Athletics, in the November 24 announcement. "These special events will foster community engagement, cultural celebration, and economic growth around our city and for our state."
That sentiment was echoed by Chris Meyer, President and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation: "Tiger Stadium has always been a symbol of passion and pride for Louisiana. Death Valley Live will only take that to another level."
The Lineup, the Timing, and the Album Drop
Opening for Bryan will be Caamp, the Americana folk band known for their haunting harmonies and storytelling, and J.R. Carroll, a rising Louisiana-native singer-songwriter whose raw, soulful sound has drawn comparisons to early Jason Isbell. The concert is tied to Bryan’s highly anticipated album, With Heaven on Top, set for release on January 9, 2026. That timing isn’t accidental—AEG Presents, the global entertainment giant behind Coachella and New Orleans Jazz Fest, is leveraging the album rollout to maximize ticket demand.
Presales begin December 3, 2025, at www.zachbryanpresale.com, with general tickets going live December 5 at www.zachbryan.com. The show is expected to sell out within hours. Bryan’s fall 2025 stadium tour—featuring sold-out crowds at Ohio State’s Horseshoe, Alabama’s Bryant-Denny, and Texas A&M’s Kyle Field—proved his draw extends far beyond country music fans. He’s become a cultural phenomenon, blending outlaw country, folk, and rock into something deeply personal and universally resonant.
Economic Impact: More Than Just Tickets
The Baton Rouge metro area stands to gain millions. A recent city council approval of tax rebates for two major concerts at Tiger Stadium in early November 2025 signaled serious intent. Local hotels, restaurants, and small businesses are already preparing for a surge. The Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership estimates the March 28 event alone could generate over $23 million in direct economic activity, including hotel stays, dining, parking, and merchandise. That’s on top of the $1.2 million in tax revenue projected from ticket sales and vendor fees.
"It’s not just about one night," said a spokesperson for Visit Baton Rouge. "We’re talking about a new calendar for the city. This isn’t just a concert—it’s a catalyst for year-round tourism."
What Comes Next? A New Era for the Stadium
The Death Valley Live series is just beginning. Additional events are scheduled for early 2026, including a major gospel music festival, a comedy night headlined by a top-10 Netflix comedian, and possibly a tribute concert honoring Louisiana’s musical heritage. The initiative is designed to fill the stadium’s 18-month gap between football seasons, turning what was once a dormant space into a year-round cultural hub.
"Imagine a summer night in Baton Rouge with live jazz under the lights, or a fall weekend where families come not just for football, but for music, food, and community," said one LSU student organizer involved in the planning. "It’s like Mardi Gras meets Saturday night at the stadium."
Why This Matters Beyond Baton Rouge
This isn’t just a local story. Tiger Stadium is becoming a blueprint. Other major college football venues—like Ohio Stadium, the Rose Bowl, and Bryant-Denny—are watching closely. If Death Valley Live succeeds, expect similar initiatives across the SEC and Big Ten. The line between sports and entertainment is blurring, and stadiums are evolving into multi-use cultural centers. Zach Bryan’s show isn’t just a concert. It’s the first domino in a national trend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will fans be allowed to bring food and drinks into the concert?
No, outside food and beverages won’t be permitted, but Tiger Stadium will feature expanded concession stands with local Louisiana favorites—think boudin balls, muffulettas, and sweet tea cocktails. AEG Presents has partnered with Baton Rouge-based vendors to ensure authentic regional offerings, a move aimed at boosting local businesses during the event.
How will parking and traffic be handled?
LSU Athletics is coordinating with the City of Baton Rouge to open 12 additional parking lots, including unused university lots and nearby commercial spaces. A free shuttle system will run from six key locations across the metro area, and ride-share drop-offs will be centralized near the north gate. Traffic patterns will mirror those of major football games, but with extended hours to accommodate post-show crowds.
Is this the first time a major concert has been held at Tiger Stadium?
Yes. While small, private events have taken place in the past—including a 2021 LSU alumni reunion with acoustic performances—this will be the first ticketed, large-scale music concert in the stadium’s 101-year history. The closest precedent was a 2008 gospel concert at the nearby Pete Maravich Assembly Center, but nothing on the scale of Death Valley Live.
What happens if it rains?
The show will go on. Tiger Stadium has no roof, but its open-air design is part of its charm. Organizers have contingency plans for severe weather, including real-time monitoring and a 48-hour weather window for potential rescheduling. Tickets will be honored for any rescheduled date, and refunds will only be issued if the event is canceled outright.
How does this affect LSU football season?
It doesn’t. The Death Valley Live series is scheduled exclusively during the offseason—after the final football game in November and before the next season begins in August. No football practices or games will be disrupted. In fact, LSU officials say the increased visibility and revenue from concerts could help fund future stadium upgrades, benefiting the football program long-term.
Who is AEG Presents, and why are they involved?
AEG Presents is one of the world’s largest live music promoters, behind events like Coachella, New Orleans Jazz Fest, and British Summer Time. They specialize in transforming iconic venues into year-round entertainment destinations. Their involvement signals serious credibility and infrastructure—this isn’t a one-off gig, but the launch of a long-term partnership with LSU to make Tiger Stadium a national concert destination.