Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – One of country music’s biggest stars is coming to Jonesboro to perform a free concert.
Arkansas State University announced Thursday night that Grand Ole Opry member and multi-platinum recording artist Lauren Alaina will headline a free concert in Dustin White Realty Tailgate City before the Red Wolves’ Sept. 12 home football game against West Georgia.
The announcement was to be made during the annual A-State Football Kickoff Party at the Cooper Alumni Center Thursday night.
The concert is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. following the traditional Red Wolf Walk at 3:45 p.m. Fans will gather on the grassy hillside near the north end of the football practice field, creating a natural amphitheater leading into Tailgate City. Kickoff against West Georgia is set for 6 p.m.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lauren Alaina to Jonesboro for a free concert in Dustin White Realty Tailgate City ahead of our September 12 football game,” said Chris Pezman, A-State Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics. “This is an incredible opportunity to bring together our students, alumni, fans and the entire Northeast Arkansas community for a first-class game day experience. Lauren Alaina is one of country music’s most recognizable and dynamic performers, and her concert will create even more excitement around what promises to be a memorable day for Red Wolves football.”
Pezman credited presenting sponsor St. Bernards Medical Group and the Jonesboro Advertising and Promotion Commission for helping make the event possible.
“We are grateful to presenting sponsor St. Bernards Medical Group for their partnership and support to make this event possible. We also want to thank Jonesboro A&P for their tremendous help with this event,” Pezman said. “The commitment by both St. Bernards Medical Group and Jonesboro A&P to enhancing the quality of life in our region and creating unique experiences for our community continues to make a positive impact. We encourage everyone to come early, enjoy the concert and help create an electric atmosphere as we celebrate together and cheer on our Red Wolves.”
The idea for a major pregame concert reportedly originated with Dr. Mark Wiggins of St. Bernards Medical Group, who envisioned using live entertainment to draw students and fans to campus early on game day and encourage them to stay for the football game. Pezman embraced the concept, and the partnership quickly grew into what will be one of the largest pregame entertainment events in recent A-State history.
For Alaina, the appearance comes during one of the busiest and most successful periods of her career.
The Georgia native first captured national attention as the runner-up to winner Scotty McCreery on American Idol in 2011 before becoming one of country music’s biggest female stars. She has earned three No. 1 hits, including “Road Less Traveled,” “ONE BEER” with HARDY and Devin Dawson, and the Diamond-certified smash “What Ifs” with Kane Brown. That song made Alaina the only solo female country artist in history to earn an RIAA Diamond certification. She was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2022.
Alaina is also entering a new chapter personally and professionally. She welcomed her first child, daughter Beni Doll Arnold, in 2025 and has spoken about how motherhood has reshaped her outlook on life and music. Her long-awaited new album, “Stages,” is scheduled for release on Aug. 28, just two weeks before her Jonesboro appearance, giving Red Wolves fans one of the first opportunities to hear music from the new project performed live.
Admission to the Tailgate City concert is free, and fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the festivities before kickoff.
104.9 The Fox, a longtime marketing partner with A-State athletics, will also be giving listeners opportunities to win Red Wolves football tickets leading up to the game.
Game tickets, with prices starting at $5, are available now through A-State.