But, CMA Music Festival isn't just about seeing artists in concert. The event offers numerous opportunities for fans to interact and see their favorite stars in unique settings, whether it's getting an autograph in the Wrangler® Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) at the Nashville Convention Center; asking questions during the CMA Celebrity Close Up series; or standing clear as the artists fire arrows at targets during the "Fourth Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament."
Back for a second year in 2005, the Sports Zone will be held on the grounds at The Coliseum. Free of charge and open to all sports and Country Music enthusiasts from 3:00-7:00 PM, Thursday and Friday, June 9-10, and 2:00-7:00 PM Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12.
The Sports Zone is also the hot spot for free concerts prior to the nightly Coliseum shows. The Sports Zone offers fans the opportunity to participate in sports activities plus see some of their favorite artists and professional athletes go head-to-head in friendly competitions.
A strong relationship exists between sports personalities and Country artists, and it is a proven winner with fans, too. In 2004, the Sports Zone featured appearances by top BASS anglers, NASCAR drivers, professional wrestlers, hockey and football stars.
"These competitions were a huge hit with fans last year and a great example of what the Sports Zone concept has to offer," Benson said. "The artists enjoy participating because it's fun and gives them an opportunity to flex their competitive muscles and the fans enjoy seeing them in a non-traditional setting."
Personal interaction remains a cornerstone of CMA Music Festival and the Exhibit Hall at the Nashville Convention Center, proudly carrying the Fan Fair® name and sponsored by Wrangler®, is the epicenter of the fan/artist bonding experience. Country legends, newcomers and other celebrities meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photos. For many fans, this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment to make a personal connection with someone they admire. For others, it is an opportunity to establish an early bond with a new artist on their way to stardom.
"The autograph sessions at the Exhibit Hall were unbelievable. Who would have thought that so many of the artists would actually make themselves available to sign so many autographs and pose for pictures? It truly is all about the artists and their fans," said Elizabeth Mauck of New Port Richey, Fla.
Added to Wrangler® Fan Fair in 2004 and returning in 2005 is the Acoustic Corner, a totally acoustic performance area, which offers new artists another place to showcase their talent.
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, with two question-and-answer sessions Thursday, June 9, and Friday, June 10, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM, hosted by media personality Lorianne Crook at the historic Ryman Auditorium. CMA Celebrity Close Up gives fans an opportunity to submit questions for celebrity panels moderated by Crook.
In 2004, participants included Trace Adkins, Kix Brooks, LeAnn Rimes, "JAG" actress Karri Turner, Darryl Worley, Mark Wills and more. The lineup for 2005 will be announced soon. A separate ticket is required. Call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) for advance, reserved-seating tickets at $10 ($15 at the door).
CMA Celebrity Close Up "was an absolutely wonderful time," said Terry Parrish of Taneytown, Md. "The ticket prices were great and affordable for all. It is so nice to see a different side of the artist. A very relaxed setting, joking, laughing and telling stories you would not normally get to hear during a concert. I would definitely recommend this type of show to others. It was GREAT."
Obviously, Country artists aren't the only ones making appearances at CMA Music Festival. The event has a long history of attracting artists and celebrities outside of the format such as Bryan Adams, the Beach Boys, Paul McCartney and actors Danny Glover, Maureen McCormick, Verne Troyer and more. In 2004, the list of multi-faceted collaborations continued with Poison's Bret Michaels joining Chris Cagle for a performance and Uncle Kracker performing with Rachel Procter during The Coliseum shows.
Of all the celebrities who donate their time to the event, the stars of NBC Daytime dramas "Days of our Lives" and "Passions" are among the most popular. And they are back in 2005 for the fifth consecutive year to participate in a variety of CMA Music Festival activities, from signing autographs at Wrangler® Fan Fair, to introducing concert performers and hosting the fifth annual "NBC Daytime After Hours Party," with skits and musical performances at the Wildhorse Saloon, Saturday, June 11 at 11:00 PM (separate ticket required). For information and tickets, call the Wildhorse Saloon (615) 902-8200 or www.wildhorsesaloon.com