Garth Brooks heads RodeoHouston lineup
2018 lineup includes legends Garth Brooks and Blake Shelton, as well as newcomers J Balvin and Kelsea Ballerini
Aflurry of debuts, a new stage and a double-duty superstar highlight this year’s RodeoHouston lineup.
Six acts will perform for the first time on the rotating stage inside NRG Stadium. They include reggaeton star J Balvin, whose “Mi Gente” was one of 2017’s biggest hits; country blonde Kelsea Ballerini; pop singer Alessia Cara; Fort Worth-grown soul singer Leon Bridges on Black Heritage Day; enduring pop outfit OneRepublic; and norteño group Calibre 50 on Go Tejano Day.
The announcement was made Thursday night inside NRG Center.
Garth Brooks, as previously announced, will open and close the 2018 RodeoHouston season, playing Feb. 27 and March 18. He appeared in person in
March on the carnival grounds to reveal the news. Both shows went on sale in December and sold out in 18 minutes. Brooks previously played RodeoHouston in 1991 and 1993.
Country, of course, dominates the lineup on 13 days. And there are just three women-led acts on the bill: Little Big Town, Ballerini and Cara.
Brad Paisley will take his 12th trip around the stadium. Luke Bryan, who currently holds four spots in the top 20 for paid attendance, returns for his seventh consecutive appearance.
Texas country singer Cody Johnson, a last-minute replacement for Old Dominion in 2017, returns for a second go-round. And so does Chris Stapleton, whose scorching 2017 debut was a season highlight.
Several favorites are back after taking a few years off. Blake Shelton returns for the first time since 2014 for a fifth spin. Rascal Flatts is back for the first time in seven years for a seventh appearance. Zac Brown Band rejoins the fold for the first time in three years for its sixth appearance.
Expect quick sellouts for Bryan, Balvin and Stapleton.
RodeoHouston also will debut a new, star-shaped stage, the first overhaul in more than 30 years. It includes a 48-foot diameter rotating performance area. The previous stage had a 40-foot diameter. Each point of the star can be raised or lowered individually, and it includes a motion-controlled LED backdrop video screen.
Individual tickets are $18$350 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Thursday through axs.com. The virtual waiting room opens at 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Season tickets already are sold out, likely due to Brooks’ two shows this year.
Weekday rodeo performances start at 6:45 p.m. and concerts start around 8:45 p.m. Weekend rodeo performances start at 3:45 p.m. and concerts start around 5:45 p.m.