A Week of Celebration
Arkansas State University is set to kick off its 2026 football season with a free pregame concert featuring country music star Lauren Alaina, just days before the Red Wolves host West Georgia on September 12.
The game, scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m., will be preceded by an all‑day tailgate atmosphere, a post‑game fireworks display and a series of events that stretch across the campus and downtown Jonesboro.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early and stay late, taking advantage of affordable ticket and parking packages, while A‑State students can simply present their IDs for entry to the stadium.
Paint the Town Red
The September 12 matchup is part of a week‑long Paint the Town Red celebration that includes a pep rally, the Great A‑State Block Party and additional community activities aimed at building excitement for the new season.
Lauren Alaina, who will debut her new album Stages on August 28, brings three No. 1 singles — including the Kane Brown duet "What Ifs" — to the stage, promising a high‑energy set that will appeal to both longtime supporters and newcomers.
The concert is sponsored by St. Bernards Medical Group and Jonesboro A&P, underscoring the partnership between local businesses and the university’s athletics department, which has enjoyed recent bowl success in 2024 and 2025.
In addition to the main game‑day experience, a lucky fan will be selected to win an upgraded four‑person ticket package, further incentivizing early arrival and extended stay.
Beyond the stadium, the event highlights Arkansas State’s growing reputation as a hub for entertainment, with Rolling Stone, American Songwriter and Grand Ole Opry all spotlighting the university’s vibrant pregame festivities.