Lauren Alaina to Headline Free Pregame Concert at Arkansas State's 2026 Season Opener
Arkansas State Athletics has announced a complimentary concert featuring country star Lauren Alaina ahead of the 2026 football home opener on September 12, when the Red Wolves host West Georgia at Centennial Bank Stadium. The event kicks off a week‑long celebration that blends athletics, music and community spirit.
Fans can enjoy all‑day tailgating, a Red Wolf Walk scheduled for 3:45 p.m., and a live performance by Alaina at 4 p.m. The festivities will culminate with a postgame fireworks display sponsored by St. Bernards Medical Group, adding a visual finale to the evening.
A Week of Red‑Themed Activities
The September 12 game is embedded in a series of campus‑wide events called Paint the Town Red. A pep rally will take place on September 9, followed by the Great A‑State Block Party on September 11, before the stadium lights blaze on the 12th. Student groups are also planning an ‘OT in the Pines’ after‑game gathering with a live DJ, food and drinks.
Exclusive Tailgate and Fan Experiences
For those seeking a premium experience, the Alpha Pack Tailgate offers curated food, beverages, live music and a private tailgate area for all six 2026 home games, complete with tickets and parking passes. Additionally, a contest on AStateRedWolves.com will award a four‑person premium seating package to one lucky fan, with entries open until September 8.
Lauren Alaina, a Grand Ole Opry member since 2022, brings three No. 1 hits, including the Diamond‑certified duet “What Ifs” with Kane Brown, and is set to release her new album “Stages” on August 28. Her participation underscores Arkansas State’s growing reputation as a destination for high‑profile entertainment alongside its athletic achievements.
Arkansas State continues to distinguish itself as the only current Sun Belt Conference program to capture bowl victories in both 2024 and 2025, and it remains one of just 18 Group of Six schools to appear in a bowl game each of the past three seasons. The free concert, combined with affordable ticket pricing — $5 general admission and $10 reserved — aims to make the opening night accessible to the broader Jonesboro community while showcasing the university’s expanding cultural footprint.