The announcement that country music artist Chase Rice will headline a concert at the University of Nebraska’s Bob Devaney Sports Center on January 9, 2027, represents a significant turning point for the Lincoln entertainment landscape. This event officially breaks a nearly two-decade-long hiatus during which the facility pivoted its focus away from major national touring acts, signaling a new strategic era for the campus venue.
Key Highlights
- Historic Event: Chase Rice headlines the first major concert at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in over 20 years, slated for January 9, 2027.
- Venue Transformation: This performance marks a strategic shift for the Devaney Center, which has primarily functioned as a home for volleyball and wrestling since the opening of Pinnacle Bank Arena in 2013.
- Campus Revitalization: The return of touring entertainment to the north side of the UNL campus is expected to drive significant foot traffic and local economic stimulation.
- Artist Profile: Chase Rice, a multi-platinum country artist, brings a proven track record of selling out arena-sized venues, making him an ideal choice for this inaugural re-launch.
The Resurgence of the Devaney Center as an Entertainment Hub
The Bob Devaney Sports Center, a fixture of Lincoln’s skyline since its completion in 1976, has long held a storied place in Nebraska’s history. For decades, it was the primary destination for everything from Nebraska Cornhusker basketball games to major touring concerts. The arena hosted some of the biggest names in rock and country during the 1980s and 1990s. However, as the entertainment industry evolved and larger, more modern arenas were constructed across the Midwest, the Devaney Center saw a gradual decline in its concert scheduling. This shift culminated in the 2013 opening of the Pinnacle Bank Arena in downtown Lincoln, which effectively consolidated the city’s major touring traffic, pushing the Devaney Center to focus almost exclusively on athletic events, most notably the powerhouse Nebraska volleyball program.
For nearly twenty years, the lack of concert activity at the Devaney Center was seen as a logical separation of duties: athletics in the Devaney, and major entertainment in the downtown arena. However, the decision to bring Chase Rice to the venue in 2027 suggests a reassessment of this model. By reintroducing music to the space, the University of Nebraska is capitalizing on the facility’s unique capacity and its historical resonance. This is not merely a one-off event; it is a tactical effort to maximize the utilization of university assets that have long been underused in the entertainment market.
Chase Rice: The Ideal Catalyst for a New Era
Selecting Chase Rice for this re-inaugural performance is a calculated strategic move. Rice, known for his high-energy, arena-filling sound and deep roots in country music, possesses a demographic reach that perfectly aligns with the Nebraska audience. His ability to draw substantial crowds while maintaining a relatability that resonates with the Midwest fan base is precisely the draw needed to test the viability of a large-scale concert at the Devaney Center.
Rice’s career has seen a steady trajectory of growth, evolving from his early days as a college football player—interestingly, a backdrop that fits the UNL setting quite well—to a multi-platinum recording artist. Hits like “Ready Set Roll” and “Eyes on You” have cemented his place in contemporary country, and his performance style, which emphasizes crowd engagement, is well-suited for the intimate yet cavernous nature of the Devaney Center’s bowl configuration.
Economic and Community Impact
Beyond the stage, the impact of a large-scale concert at the Devaney Center is projected to be significant for the surrounding area. While downtown Lincoln has benefited from the Pinnacle Bank Arena’s presence, the north side of the campus has arguably seen less spillover in terms of nightlife and retail activity directly tied to arena-sized events. The January 9, 2027, concert is expected to bring thousands of attendees, providing a welcome boost to local hospitality businesses, restaurants, and transport services near the university.
Furthermore, for the University of Nebraska, this concert series serves as a mechanism for branding. Utilizing the Devaney Center for entertainment allows the university to present its facilities as multi-purpose assets, capable of hosting not just world-class athletics, but also world-class touring talent. This diversification of use is a standard industry practice for successful university-affiliated arenas nationwide, and it appears the leadership in Lincoln is prepared to follow suit.
Challenges and Logistics of the Re-Entry
Restarting a concert program in a venue that has been dark to touring acts for two decades is no small feat. It involves more than just booking an artist; it requires a massive logistical overhaul. Technical requirements for modern concert tours—including lighting rigs, audio configurations, and stage load-in requirements—have advanced significantly since the mid-2000s. The production teams at the Devaney Center will need to ensure that the facility’s infrastructure can support the heavy-duty demands of current touring setups.
Moreover, the coordination between the athletic department and the events team will be critical. With the Devaney Center serving as a premier home for Nebraska volleyball, finding windows for concert setup and teardown without disrupting team schedules will be a complex scheduling puzzle. However, if the January 9 event proves successful, it will likely provide the blueprint for integrating live music into the university’s annual operations, potentially leading to a recurring series of events that revitalize the venue throughout the calendar year.
FAQ: People Also Ask
Q: Why was the Devaney Center not hosting concerts for the last 20 years?
A: The shift was primarily due to the 2013 opening of the Pinnacle Bank Arena in downtown Lincoln, which was designed specifically to handle large-scale, modern touring productions, leaving the Devaney Center to focus on university athletic programs.
Q: Will the Chase Rice concert affect the Nebraska volleyball schedule?
A: While specific scheduling details are still being managed, the event is being planned to ensure no disruption to the team’s athletic requirements, utilizing the Devaney Center’s flexibility as a multi-use facility.
Q: Is this the start of a regular concert series at the Devaney?
A: While this concert serves as a test, the strategic move to bring major acts back to the venue indicates an intent to explore future programming, though regular schedules will depend on the success and feasibility of the January 9 performance.
Q: How do I purchase tickets for the January 9, 2027, event?
A: Tickets will be made available through official university ticketing portals and the standard authorized live event retailers; fans are advised to check the official Bob Devaney Sports Center website for the most accurate release information.
