TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Kenny Chesney will kick off his “Here and Now” tour at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Saturday after years of delays.
After being postponed twice in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” singer and acts Dan + Shay, Old Dominion and Carly Peace will take to the stage.
“When we realized we weren’t getting to spend 2020 with No Shoes Nation, I never thought it would be three years until I would see my most favorite people in the world,” the singer said in a statement on his website.
Chesney’s production manager, Ed Wannebo, is ecstatic everyone can be back together again.
“It’s going to be great. It’s going to be an emotional night for sure. It’s been 4 years, almost to the day, that we’ve been here and I know everybody is super excited to get here and do this again,” he said. “We’ve been away from it for awhile.”
Chesney has kicked off multiple tours in Tampa over the years.
“Love coming to Tampa. It’s a great place to start. The weather’s great. It’s just that beach vibe. I don’t know, it’s just got something great about it. This is the place to start. We’ve been here numerous times starting the tour and it’s almost tradition now,” Wannebo said.
Wannebo said he knows Chesney is ready and confident after seeing him rehearse and jam out with the other acts the past few days. He said Chesney is “super charged” to come out and play for fans once again.
The band is ready to see fans right around the stage and Chesney is “crazy excited.”
“I mean it’s just the energy in there. I mean, it’s like a heavyweight title fight in there, right? The band’s playing, they’re roaring at it, and the fans are coming back, giving it to them,” said Wannebo. “And you know everybody’s digging in a little harder, then the fans come back, it’s an amazing energy right there.”
Wannebo explained normally, the stage takes about 30 hours and three days to set up, but they’re taking time to make sure everything is perfect for the rest of the tour.
Chesney will play 21 stadium concerts on the tour, including two at New England’s Gillette Stadium to conclude.
Those who purchased tickets for previous dates will be honored in their original seats at each stadium, according to Chesney’s website. Tickets to the concert at Raymond James Stadium will be accessible by mobile device. Screenshots of tickets will not be accepted.
The south parking lots of the stadium will open at 10 a.m., with the north lots to open at 2 p.m. Gates to the show open at 4 p.m. and the show begins at 5 p.m.
