2/4/08
FANS CLAMOR FOR TICKETS TO 2008 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Four-Day Tickets Selling Faster Than Ever Before
Official CMA Music Festival Merchandise
Now Available Online at CMAfest.com
NASHVILLE – CMA Music Festival is the ultimate
destination for music lovers. Four days, 35 hours of autograph
signings, 100 hours of live music, 400 Country Music artists and
celebrities, and more than 191,000 fans add up to one major musical
philanthropic event: 2008 CMA Music Festival, held Thursday through
Sunday, June 5-8, in Downtown Nashville.
“I describe CMA Music Festival to those who have
never been as ‘spring break’ for adults,” said Karyn Tomaski
of Palm Harbor, Fla. “CMA Music Festival was, without a doubt, our
best vacation experience. Can’t wait for June!”
Dubbed the “crown jewel” of Country Music
festivals by USA Today, CMA Music Festival builds on the
reputation of Fan Fair®, which was created exclusively for the fans
in 1972. And 37 years later, the unique relationship between Country
Music artists and their admirers remains at the heart of CMA Music
Festival.
“My two sisters and I have travelled from Ireland to Nashville for
the last five years and always have a great time at the CMA Music
Festival,” said Barbara Purcell of Dublin. “It is
brilliant to see all of the artists perform at the same venue. In
2007, we brought more friends with us. They enjoyed the whole
experience and are planning a return trip. We will be back!”
Each June, the artists take time out of their busy
touring schedules to perform for free, meet fans, sign autographs,
and pose for photos as a way of giving back to the people and
community that have supported them throughout the year. Half the net
proceeds from the Festival are donated on behalf of the artists to
CMA’s charity campaign “Keep the Music Playing.” The program
supports music education in Metro Nashville’s 136 public schools
through a partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public
Education (NAPE). To date, CMA has donated more than $1 million to
purchase equipment and instruments to meet the music education needs
of the county’s 75,000 public school students.
“CMA Music Festival is a unique experience that
could only take place in Nashville,” said Tammy Genovese,
CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Thousands of people come to Music City
from around the globe to hear the music that made our city famous
and interact with the artists who create it through autograph
signings and one-of-a-kind events. We welcome these fans of
America’s music to Nashville’s signature music event.”
“CMA Music Festival is truly the best time anyone
could ever have!” said Susan Thompson, of New
Berlin, Ill. “The town of Nashville itself is a huge highlight of
the Festival. The atmosphere is unlike any other town. The locals
are great and welcome you in. There is so much to do outside of the
concerts – great food, great shopping, and great sightseeing.”
The 2007 CMA Music Festival generated $21 million
in direct visitor spending for the city, according to the Nashville
Visitors and Convention Bureau (NCVB). Since moving the Festival to
Downtown in 2001, visitor spending has increased from $15.5 million
to the current $21 million.
“A world-class music festival in the world’s
‘Music City’ – what could be more perfect?” asked Butch
Spyridon, President of the NCVB. “The event is truly the
highlight of the year and the $21 million in visitor spending is
icing on the cake.”
Following the record-setting aggregate attendance
of 191,000 in 2007, tickets for 2008 CMA Music Festival are selling
at a brisk pace – 14 percent ahead of last year and 38 percent ahead
of tickets sold by this date in 2006.
“It speaks to the strength of the event and the
popularity of Nashville as a tourist destination that our sales are
outpacing each previous year,” said Genovese. “We are poised to have
another very successful year.”
CMA Music Festival fans are dedicated and they
don’t mind telling their friends and families.
“I have attended CMA Music Festival every year
since 2003,” said Joyce Spicer of West Bath, Maine.
“The first year I went alone. The following year my husband had to
go to witness for himself all of the excitement that I had tried to
convey to him. We have attended every year since. Last year, my
children went and love it every bit as much as we do. We will be
back this year with bells on – well, at least sun screen on!”
Tracie Molter
of Waterford, Mich., made new friends from Florida at CMA Music
Festival in 2006. “Not only do you meet celebrities, but you meet
and make friends that you will have for a lifetime.”
CMA Music Festival is about the fans and their
relationship to both the artists and the music they love. Four days
filled with activities and events, building up to the Nightly
Concerts at LP Field with state-of-the-art production and
heart-pounding entertainment, the fan-favorite CMA Music Festival
Photo Line, and giant video screens showcasing all the fun.
Surprise artist appearances are a hallmark of CMA
Music Festival and 2007 didn’t disappoint with Reba McEntire
performing with Kelly Clarkson, rocker Ted
Nugent joining Montgomery Gentry and a
surprise performance by five-time CMA Vocal Group of the Year
Rascal Flatts. As plans come together for 2008,
surprise performances and unique collaborations are always
considered.
“CMA Music Festival is also a wonderful opportunity to experience
the depth of Country Music,” said Genovese. “Our format includes an
amazing array of talented artists representing the many styles of
Country Music and we are thrilled to spotlight them for the fans.”
In addition to the Nightly Concerts, fans will
enjoy four days of nonstop music during the Daily Concerts on the
Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park with an
eclectic lineup of artists performing on dual stages, including
Country hit-makers, rising stars, legends, bluegrass performers, and
surprise guests. Music can also be heard in Acoustic Corner at the
Nashville Convention Center, the site of the Fan Fair (Exhibit
Hall), which features daily autograph sessions, shopping and
lifestyle exhibits from with extended hours Thursday and Friday,
June 5-6, (10:00 AM-6:00 PM); 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Saturday and Sunday,
June 7-8.
“I loved the Riverfront Park performances,” said
Rosalie Jonas of British Columbia, Canada. “Every
area gives you a great view of the stage. There, I met John Conlee
and had my picture taken with him. The Festival is the ultimate
experience for Country Music fans.”
“The Riverfront shows are always a thrill,” said
Karen Newman of Frankfort, Ky. “It is such a
relaxed atmosphere and it is a treat to see new artists perform.”
“When we weren’t at the Riverfront, we were at the
Exhibit Hall looking for autographs,” said Rachel Atcheson
of Lilburn, Ga. “The atmosphere was awesome because it was just a
lot of people getting together to hang out. The stars wanted to meet
fans as much as the fans wanted to meet them. And they were always
eager to get to know you and see how you’re liking the Festival.”
CMA Music Festival offers many other opportunities for fans to
interact and see their favorite stars in unique settings, whether
asking questions during the CMA Celebrity Close Up sessions,
presented by GAC, or watching the artists compete in friendly
competitions in the Chevy™ Sports Zone.
The Chevy Sports Zone, which is free and open to
the public in the parking lot adjacent to the Sommet Center and the
Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, at the corner of Demonbreun
Street and Fifth Avenue, offers fans the opportunity to participate
in sporting activities plus see unique celebrity competitions and
appearances from professional athletes. A strong relationship exists
between sports personalities and Country artists and it is a proven
winner with fans, too.
“I really enjoyed the Sports Zone,” said
Annette Gasper, of DeForest Wis. “It was a lot of fun to
see the artists enjoying a little friendly competition with their
fellow stars.”
The McDonald’s®-Dr Pepper® Family Zone is a fun
stop for the entire family. Free to the public and open daily at
the park across from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the
McDonald’s-Dr Pepper Family Zone is the place for children and
adults to kick back and enjoy games, hands-on educational exhibits,
storytelling with Country artists, and more. In fact, CMA Music
Festival is very family-friendly with a discounted price for
children age 12 and younger – making it an attractive family
vacation.
A haven for fans of all ages, the Fun Zone,
located on Broadway between First and Third Avenues, will sparkle
with activities that include interactive displays, games, and
product sampling. Daily access to these popular attractions is free
and open to the public.
For a deeper look into the lives of some of our
musical heroes and their road to stardom, there is the CMA Celebrity
Close Up, presented by GAC, on Thursday, June 5 at the historic
Ryman Auditorium. CMA Celebrity Close Up gives fans an opportunity
to submit questions for celebrity panelists. The sessions are taped
for future airing on GAC television. A separate ticket is required.
The artist lineup and ticket on-sale date for 2008 will be announced
soon.
At CMA Music Festival, the fun doesn’t end with
the closing fireworks at LP Field. Night-owls will find many
late-night activities that are part of CMA Music Festival After
Hours™. Clubs and bars in Downtown Nashville offer outstanding
entertainment and exclusive specials for attendees, making CMA Music
Festival After Hours a favorite activity.
Kristen Theall
of Sunset, La., attended CMA Music Festival for the first time in
2006. “It was great. I met so many people. After the concerts,
meet-and-greets and other activities, I was getting only about five
hours of sleep a night in those four days. But it was definitely
worth it. I can’t wait to go again.”
CMA Music Festival is always in motion, constantly
evolving and growing. New events are on the horizon, with more
information to be announced as plans come together.
Tickets for 2008 CMA Music Festival, Thursday
through Sunday, June 5-8, in Downtown Nashville are available now.
Fans are encouraged to purchase early for best available seating.
To order tickets for the 2008 CMA Music Festival call 1-800-CMA-FEST
(262-3378); visit
www.CMAfest.com to download an order form to fax or mail;
visit www.ticketmaster.com
to buy online or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600. Prices do not
include applicable handling fees.
Four-day ticket package categories correspond to different levels of
seating at LP Field. Children 3 years and younger are admitted FREE.
Four-day ticket packages include the Nightly Concerts at LP Field;
Daily Concerts on the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages; daily
admittance to the Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) featuring the Acoustic
Corner; McDonald’s-Dr Pepper Family Zone; Fun Zone; Chevy Sports
Zone; CMA Music Festival After Hours; free in-town shuttles; the CMA
Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; and special
discounts to area attractions, restaurants, shops, and more. Prices
do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject
to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.
2008 CMA Music Festival Four Day Ticket Prices
are: Gold Circle (SOLD OUT); Floor Level (SOLD OUT); Lower Level
(adults: $145; ages 12 and younger: $102); Club Level (adults $135;
ages 12 and younger: $95); Upper Level general admission (adults:
$110; ages 12 and younger $78).
* NOTE: Please call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) for
information on ADA seating, which may be available in Sold Out
sections.
A limited number of four-day parking passes for LP
Field are available by phone order only. Call toll-free
1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) or Ticketmaster to order. The price is $31
for cars; $63 for vans/shuttles; and $123 for RVs/motor coaches.
Prices do not include handling fee. Spaces are limited, and no
overnight parking is allowed. All persons planning to park at LP
Field must pre-purchase the parking pass. Free shuttles (for
four-day registrants) will run daily between major Festival event
locations.
Attending is easy. Numerous tour operators provide
tour packages including CMA Music Festival tickets, accommodations,
and tickets to other Nashville attractions, such as the historic
Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Country Music Hall of
Fame and Museum. Visit
www.visitmusiccity.com or call 1-800-657-6910 for more
information on tour packages as well as hotel listings and
information about camping sites and RV parking.
Gray Line offers an all day Park N Ride shuttle
service from the Music Valley/Opryland area to the CMA Music
Festival events. To purchase a separate pass and make an advance
Gray Line satellite shuttle service reservation call 1-800-251-1864
or visit
www.graylinenashville.com
Shuttle service from outlying areas of Nashville
to CMA Music Festival events will be available from several
park-and-ride locations with unlimited access on the Gray Line
Satellite Shuttle. To purchase a separate pass and to make advance
Gray Line Satellite Shuttle reservations, call 1-800-251-1864 or
(615) 883-5555, or visit
www.GraylineNashville.com.
Merchandise for the 2008 CMA Music Festival is now
available for sale online. Attendees can come dressed to impress
with a line of clothing that captures the spirit and style of the
event including the official CMA Music Festival 2008 Cactus unisex
T-shirt and logo hoodie. To purchase official event merchandise,
visit www.CMAfest.com.
The site also features up-to-the-minute
information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist
appearances, and more. Attendees can also sign up for CMA Exclusive
e-news at www.CMAfest.com.
CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by
the Country Music Association. CMA Board member Tony Conway
is the Executive Producer of CMA Music Festival. Premiere Radio
Networks is the official radio broadcaster. Chevy: The Official Ride
of Country Music. Borders® Books & Music: The Exclusive Music & Book
retailer of the CMA Music Festival. Wrangler®: The Exclusive Jean of
the CMA Music Festival. Additional promotional partners include, Dr
Pepper®, Greased Lightning® Cleaning Products, McDonald’s® and Music
City Rising Star. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of CMA.
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