A Summer of Sound at Toby Town
Mercer University’s Ford Football Concert Series returns for its eighth season, turning the campus green into a lively stage where college football fans can enjoy live music before each home game. The series, anchored at Toby Town just steps from Five Star Stadium, offers free admission to all performances, inviting students, alumni and the wider Macon community to gather for an evening of music and camaraderie.
The kickoff night on August 29 will showcase Nashville songwriter Conner Smith alongside rising country star Micah Fletcher, setting a high‑energy tone for the schedule that stretches through September and October. Their sets will be followed by a rotating roster of national and local acts, including Demun Jones, The Stews, Dani Rucker, JB Strauss, Penelope Road, Cam Smith, Bottomland and The Restless Natives, each slated to perform ahead of specific matchups.
Demun Jones is slated to take the stage before Mercer’s September 5 contest with Presbyterian, while The Stews will headline the September 12 game against Furman, a match that also marks a back‑to‑back Southern Conference title defense. Penelope Road will open pregame festivities for the Family Weekend game versus Western Carolina, and Cam Smith will usher in the October 31 showdown with The Citadel, with Bottomland closing the night as the final pregame act for that same opponent.
The series also highlights student creativity, exemplified by Mothafunka, a student band that opened Bearstock in 2025, and The Restless Natives, a Macon‑based tribute group to the Allman Brothers, who will perform on November 21 against East Tennessee State. All concerts remain free, reinforcing the university’s commitment to accessible entertainment.
For those who prefer a guaranteed seat, reserved‑seat season tickets for the 2026 home football schedule are available starting at $75, providing fans with a premium view of both the game and the musical performances that precede it.
Beyond the games, the concert series serves as a showcase for emerging talent and a celebration of regional culture, blending the excitement of college football with the vibrant sounds of country, folk and tribute bands. As the campus prepares for another season of spirited competition, the Ford Football Concert Series stands as a signature event that unites sport, music and community.