Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Two of the three concerts announced for Highmark Stadium so far feature country artists as headliners. Zach Bryan will play June 2, 2027, followed a few weeks later by Kenny Chesney on June 19.
Metallica is sandwiched in-between those two concerts on June 8.
In an era where popular acts can barely fill arenas, also called "blue dot fever", country music is an outlier.
"It's because country fans are so loyal," longtime country music voice Liz Mantel tells WBEN. "The country format is so different from pop, it's so different from alternative, it's so different from R&B."
Mantel recalled a conversation she had with The Band Perry, known for their 2010 hit "If I Die Young", and how they were happy to be back in the country world after crossing over into pop.
"They said, 'Country music is like family. It just feels different'," Mantel says of her conversation with the band members.
Mantel says the festival atmosphere of country shows helps too. Chesney is known for touring with an extensive list of openers, and that will be the case when he visits Orchard Park.
Bryan is joined by John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival - who may draw a large audience of his own - and Fey Fili.
"I think [Bryan] can sell it out. He's one of those artists that doesn't necessarily need the radio support," Mantel said.
Tickets for Zach Bryan go on sale Friday, Oct. 23.
Zach Bryan will play at Highmark Stadium on June 2, 2027
Zach Bryan will play at Highmark Stadium on June 2, 2027
