Country star Blake Shelton announced Wednesday he will perform a concert July 25 that will be simulcast at 300 drive-in theaters across the United States — another sign drive-ins became suddenly viable venues amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Guest stars will include Shelton’s wife, Gwen Stefani, and another country star, Trace Adkins. Prices will be about $115 per carload of up to six people. Tickets go on sale online July 14 here.
The drive-in concerts suddenly became a hot item after superstar Garth Brooks held a simulcast at 300 such venues last month. Several other music artists, including the Christian acts TobyMac and Newsboys, also have embarked on such tours.
Here are the drive-in theaters on Route 66 that will host the show that night:
- Route 66 Drive-In, Springfield, Illinois
- Admiral Twin Drive-In, Tulsa
- Skyline Drive-In in Barstow, California
Encore Live, which is promoting the event, stated in a news release that theaters will follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, plus any state or local health mandates. Staff must wear personal protective equipment, require 6 feet of space between vehicles, use contactless payment and ticketing systems, and limit capacity in restrooms.
“This is such a great way to enjoy music with your family and friends and stay safe,” said Shelton. “I’m excited we’re getting the chance to perform a concert for fans and we’re going to go back and play old hits like ‘Austin,’ newer songs like ‘God’s Country’ and we might even introduce something brand new! So fill up those popcorn tubs and get ready for some country music!” […]
“After the overwhelming response to Garth Brooks’ drive-in concert feature, we knew we had to launch Encore Drive-In Nights to provide music fans across the USA and Canada the chance to see their favorite artists in a cool new way,” said Encore Live Founder and CEO Walter Kinzie. “We can’t wait to bring music’s biggest stars to outdoor movie screens all across North America so that people can get back out there again and safely enjoy engaging in in-person experiences.”
(Image of Blake Shelton in 2019 by Sean Molin via Flickr)