George Strait, Willie Nelson to Help Open New Arena in Texas

For years the “Live Music Capital of the World” has lacked a modern era arena-sized venue to help attract some of the biggest names to the city, instead relying on the cave-like Frank Erwin Center built in 1977 where the University of Texas basketball teams play their games. But that’s all changing for Austin with the currently under construction Moody Center that will replace the old building, and be a 15,000-capacity concert and sports arena that is specifically designed to house big music shows.

No name in entertainment is bigger in Texas than George Strait, and nobody more legendary than Willie Nelson, and both men are pairing up to help give the venue a proper Grand Opening, along with The Randy Rogers Band opening the show. Oh, and it’s all set for Friday, April 29, 2022, which also happens to be Willie Nelson’s 89th birthday. A second night was added for Saturday, April 30th as well after fierce demand. They’ll be hot tickets for sure.

“While planning our grand opening celebration, we knew we had an obligation to pay homage to the Lone Star State,” says the Moody Center’s general manager Jeff Nickler. “George, Willie, and Randy are all Texas natives who have built legendary careers while having an unbelievable impact on the country music industry. After a Texas-sized response to the announcement of the Grand Opening Celebration, we are beyond thrilled to extend this historic event to a second night. This just goes to prove; everything is bigger in Texas and this celebration is no exception.”

The new Moody Center is being funded by a unique partnership between the Oak View Group, Live Nation/C3 Presents, The University of Texas, and actor Matthew McConaughey. It will continue to house University of Texas basketball games too, but will be much more optimized for music events.

“I’m so glad I’ll get to ‘sing one with Willie’ and I can’t think of a better place to do it than Austin, Texas,” Strait said in a statement, making reference to their recent duet song together. “Willie is an incredible musician and an even better person, so I know this will be a great night together along with our friends from Randy Rogers Band.”

Folks can access presale tickets through a number of channels, including if they’re American Express card members, or via signing up for the Moody Center newsletter. The presale runs from Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. until Thursday, Oct. 21 at 10 p.m. CT. Tickets go on sale for everyone Friday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. CT at moodycenteratx.com.

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