ATHENS, Ga. – In a moment that blended the thunderous spirit of college football with the soul-stirring twang of country music, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan dropped a bombshell announcement on September 27, 2025, that has Bulldog Nation buzzing louder than a pre-game tailgate. The Georgia-born superstars, lifelong friends and icons of the genre, will co-headline the inaugural “Live Between the Hedges” Concert Series at the University of Georgia’s legendary Sanford Stadium on April 25, 2026. This isn’t just any gig—it’s a triumphant homecoming to the hallowed grounds where they first electrified a crowd back in 2013, marking the stadium’s first standalone concert in over a decade and promising a night of unbridled energy under the iconic English privet hedges.

The reveal unfolded live on ESPN’s SEC Nation set at Myers Quad on UGA’s campus, just hours before the Bulldogs faced off against the Alabama Crimson Tide in a primetime showdown. Aldean and Bryan, decked out in red-and-black gear and grinning like kids on game day, hyped the crowd of students and alumni before breaking the news. “Luke and I had a chance to play Sanford Stadium in 2013—the first concert, and only one, to ever happen there,” Aldean shared during the broadcast, his voice thick with nostalgia. “To go back and do it again, co-headlining with my buddy? That’s gonna be pretty incredible. My favorite show we’ve ever done, right there.” Bryan, pumping his fist to the cheers, added, “Growing up, going to Sanford was always the highlight of the year for me. I can’t believe I get to go back as a co-headliner with one of my best friends and play this iconic place. We’ve been talking about putting on a unique show together for years—now, on our home turf? Incredible.”

What elevates this event beyond a standard stadium spectacle is its deep ties to Georgia’s cultural heartbeat. Sanford Stadium, home to the Georgia Bulldogs since 1929, isn’t just a venue—it’s a shrine to Southern pride, where 93,000 fans pack the stands each fall for gridiron glory. Nicknamed “Between the Hedges” for the manicured privet shrubs lining the field—a phrase coined by legendary sportswriter Grantland Rice in the 1930s—the stadium has hosted its share of historic moments, from national championships to Larry Munson’s unforgettable radio calls. But live music? That’s rarer than a perfect season. The 2013 Night Train Tour stop, headlined by Aldean with Bryan opening, sold out in a frenzy and drew raves for transforming the football fortress into a country mecca. Fans still swap stories of that April night: the sea of cowboy hats, the scent of barbecue wafting from tailgates, and the stars’ seamless blend of high-octane anthems with heartfelt ballads echoing off the south stands.

Fast-forward 13 years, and UGA Athletics is betting big on recapturing that magic with the launch of the “Live Between the Hedges” series, presented by PruittHealth. Partnering with DOES Entertainment and Dugas-Jackson Consulting, the university aims to weave music into its traditions, creating an annual rite that celebrates Bulldog spirit off the field. “As we worked on bringing concerts back to Sanford Stadium, it was important that we find a group with Georgia roots,” said J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks. “We have always had a strong partnership with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan and appreciate their passion for their home state and this university. Zach Top and Lauren Alaina are the perfect complement to what will be a fun night in Athens.” Associate Athletic Director Tanner Stines echoed the sentiment: “Their deep passion for the University of Georgia and their enthusiasm to help us relaunch this concert series speaks volumes to their commitment to this state. This collaboration is a celebration of music, tradition, and the incredible energy that defines Bulldog Nation.”

The lineup reads like a who’s-who of country royalty with a heavy dose of Peach State flavor. Joining the co-headliners are ACM New Male Artist of the Year nominee Zach Top, whose breakout hits like “I Never Lie” are storming the charts with traditional twang; platinum-selling Georgia native Lauren Alaina, an American Idol alum whose powerhouse vocals and relatable anthems (think “Road Less Traveled”) have made her a staple at home-state events; and DJs Rock and Dee Jay Silver, ready to crank up the party with seamless mixes that keep the dance floor—and likely the goalposts—shaking. Expect a setlist packed with crowd-pleasers: Aldean’s gritty anthems like “Dirt Road Anthem” and “She’s Country,” Bryan’s feel-good bangers such as “Country Girl (Shake It for Me)” and “One Margarita,” plus potential surprises like joint renditions of their shared hits from that 2013 show. “This one’s gonna be something people haven’t seen before… WE PROMISE YA!” Aldean teased in a statement, hinting at production wizardry that could rival a Super Bowl halftime.

For Aldean and Bryan, both Macon-raised sons of the South, this gig hits close to home—literally. Aldean, the reigning ACM Artist of the Decade with 30 No. 1 singles, over 20 million albums sold, and nearly 20 billion streams, has built a career on raw, unfiltered country that mirrors Georgia’s backroads. His 2025 Full Throttle Tour has been a juggernaut, packing arenas with openers like Ella Langley and Dylan Marlowe, and he’s teasing new music that dives deeper into personal storytelling. “Playing Sanford in 2013 was one of the biggest highlights of my career,” he reflected. “Luke and I have talked for years about wanting to do another show in Athens, and finally the stars have aligned.” Bryan, a five-time Entertainer of the Year with 32 chart-toppers, 27 billion global streams, and a shelf full of trophies, embodies the everyman charm that resonates from tailgates to farm fields. Fresh off judging stints on American Idol—where he’ll return in 2026 alongside Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood—he’s no stranger to blending music with Southern rituals. “To be able to do that in our home turf is incredible,” he said of the co-headline.

Their brotherhood adds layers to the excitement. The duo’s paths crossed early in Nashville’s grind, bonding over shared Georgia grit and a love for the game—both are die-hard Dawgs fans who’ve performed the National Anthem at UGA games and donated big to athletic causes. That 2013 concert wasn’t just a tour stop; it was a full-circle moment, with Bryan opening for Aldean amid a lineup that included Jake Owen, Thomas Rhett, and even Ludacris for a hip-hop twist. Since then, they’ve crossed paths at award shows, golf outings, and charity events, but a full co-headline like this? It’s a rarity that fans have clamored for. Social media lit up post-announcement, with #LiveBetweenTheHedges trending nationwide. “Two GOATs bringing the heat back to Athens? Take my money!” one fan tweeted, while another posted a throwback clip from 2013 captioned, “Round 2, but make it epic.”

Logistics are shaping up to make this a seamless spectacle. The show hits Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium, the turf where legends like Herschel Walker once roamed, ensuring that electric between-the-hedges vibe without disrupting football ops. Gates open early for tailgating, with UGA encouraging classic Bulldog traditions: red-and-black attire, face paint, and maybe a pre-show chant of “Go Dawgs!” PruittHealth, Georgia’s largest health system, steps in as presenting sponsor, aligning with the event’s community focus—expect wellness booths, family zones, and nods to local nonprofits. “We’re honored to team up with the University of Georgia and look forward to providing unforgettable concert experiences for UGA and its fans,” said Jared Stone, CEO of DOES Entertainment.

Tickets are the hot commodity everyone’s chasing. Aldean Army and Luke Bryan fan club presales kick off Monday, September 29, at 10 a.m. local time, running through Thursday, October 2, at 10 p.m.—a prime window for die-hards to snag prime seats. General public onsale follows on Friday, October 3, at 10 a.m., available via LukeBryan.com, JasonAldean.com, or GeorgiaDogs.com. Prices haven’t been detailed yet, but expect tiers from general admission lawn spots (perfect for picnics under the stars) to premium field access closer to the action. An interest form on the UGA site has already racked up thousands of sign-ups, signaling a sellout potential that rivals any Bulldogs home opener. VIP packages could include meet-and-greets, backstage tours of the stadium’s historic south end zone, or even a pre-show golf cart ride around campus—hallmarks of Aldean and Bryan’s fan-centric approach.

The ripple effects are already felt across Athens and beyond. Local hotels are booking up, restaurants like The National and Last Resort Grill are prepping for a spring surge, and the Athens music scene—home to R.E.M. and the B-52s—sees this as a boost for year-round tourism. For UGA students, it’s a capstone event bridging academics and revelry, potentially tying into spring graduation festivities. “While nothing compares to a football Saturday at Sanford Stadium, a big-name concert inside one of the most iconic venues in sports creates a tradition that Bulldog Nation and the surrounding area will enjoy,” Brooks noted. Economically, it’s a windfall: the 2013 show pumped millions into the local economy, and with inflation-adjusted expectations, this could top that.

As April 25, 2026, approaches, the anticipation builds like a fourth-quarter comeback. Aldean and Bryan aren’t just performers here—they’re ambassadors of Georgia soul, turning a football cathedral into a country jubilee. Whether you’re a lifelong Dawgs fan, a country purist, or just chasing good vibes, this night’s fusion of hedges, hits, and homecoming promises to etch itself into Athens lore. Mark your calendars, grab your boots, and get ready to raise a red solo cup: the South’s biggest stars are coming home, and they’re bringing the thunder.