South Bend is set for a **stadium spectacular**! Grammy Award-winning musician Zach Bryan will headline a concert at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, September 6, 2025. The event, also featuring comedian Shane Gillis and Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy, promises an unforgettable experience. According to Experience Notre Dame, this is only the fourth concert at the historic venue since 2018, and with an expected attendance exceeding 80,000 people, it’s poised to be a landmark event.
Event Details and Schedule
The concert is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET. Early birds can take advantage of the ample parking, with lots opening at 12:00 p.m. Stadium gates will open at 5:00 p.m., giving attendees plenty of time to settle in and soak up the atmosphere. For those looking to snag some merchandise, Gate B of Notre Dame Stadium will be open on Thursday, September 4, and Friday, September 5, prior to the concert. Additional merchandise locations will be available on Saturday, September 6, as well.
A Strategic Vision for Notre Dame
The Zach Bryan concert is more than just a one-off event; it’s part of a broader strategy by Notre Dame to host world-class events. Mike Seamon, Vice President for University Operations, Events and Safety at Notre Dame, emphasized the university’s commitment to “bringing world-class events to the South Bend-Elkhart region” and offering new visitors a chance to experience the campus. Lee Sicinski, Executive Director of University Events at Notre Dame, further explained that the concert aligns with the university’s goal of hosting two to three major events annually, in addition to football games. This initiative aims to broaden the university’s reach and introduce the campus to a wider audience, according to The Observer.
Zach Bryan’s Enthusiasm and Collaboration
Zach Bryan himself has expressed his excitement about performing at Notre Dame Stadium. He is particularly looking forward to playing for “The Fighting Irish” and sharing the stage with talented friends. His collaboration with Shane Gillis has proven to be a successful draw in previous pop-up shows, as noted by Holler Country, adding another layer of anticipation for the concert. Bryan has also hinted that this Notre Dame Stadium performance may be one of his last announced shows, per Country Central, leaving fans wondering about his future touring plans.
Logistical Preparations for a Massive Crowd
With an expected attendance exceeding 80,000 people, the Zach Bryan concert presents significant logistical challenges. This crowd size is potentially larger than what is typically seen on a football Saturday, necessitating extensive preparations from both university events staff and law enforcement. Managing traffic and parking is a top priority, with pre-reserved parking already sold out, according to Sporting News. However, drive-up lots will be available on concert day to accommodate additional attendees.
Economic Impact and Local Business Anticipation
The influx of concertgoers is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. Local businesses are gearing up for a busy weekend, anticipating crowds similar to those seen during home football games. The Economic Times reports that the concert will bring substantial revenue to the South Bend-Elkhart region. The university is actively working with local businesses to ensure they are prepared to handle the increased demand.
Behind the Scenes: A Massive Production
The Zach Bryan concert is a massive undertaking from a production standpoint. According to Pollstar News, the event involves approximately 50 to 55 trucks and crews from across the United States. These crews are responsible for setting up the stage, lighting, sound systems, and other essential infrastructure. The sheer scale of the production highlights the complexity of hosting a major concert at Notre Dame Stadium.
Quick Turnaround for Football Season
Following the Zach Bryan concert, Notre Dame Stadium faces a quick turnaround. The stadium will have just seven days to prepare for Notre Dame’s first home football game of the season against Texas A&M. This tight schedule requires careful planning and efficient execution from the university’s facilities and operations teams. The ability to seamlessly transition from a major concert to a high-profile football game demonstrates the versatility of Notre Dame Stadium as a premier entertainment venue.
Get Ready for the Show
The Zach Bryan concert at Notre Dame Stadium promises to be a memorable event for all involved. From the world-class musical performances to the economic impact on the local community, the concert is poised to leave a lasting impression. As Mike Seamon stated, this event helps bring new visitors to experience the university and the South Bend-Elkhart region. With meticulous planning and widespread anticipation, the stage is set for a truly spectacular show.
