Ohio has a long history of hosting music festivals, particularly country music festivals. These events provide not only lights, music, and performances by famous country singers but also serve to unite rural communities and celebrate shared traditions.
On Saturday, June 21, Ohio Stadium will be abuzz with the sound of country music as Buckeye Country Superfest 2025 takes the main stage. The yearly event attracts people from all around the country and highlights performances by some of the top country music singers today.
With a selection of well-known performers, the festival provides fans with more than just country music; there is also a Tailgate Fanfest and first-class seating choices available. Additionally, the event offers a chance to connect with the Ohio community by gathering with other country music fans and highlighting the partnership of nearby companies and suppliers.
Headliners and Performances
The Buckeye Country Superfest 2025 roster includes Conner Smith, Dasha, Treaty Oak Revival, Megan Moroney, Kane Brown, and Jelly Roll. Ohio Stadium will host an entire afternoon of live music performances by these artists. Details on the event and the official Tailgate Fanfest will be revealed later.
Jamie Gothard, an OSU graduate, full-time employee for College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences CFAES, and the Waterman event coordinator, shared her excitement for the 2025 lineup.
"I'm excited for Conner Smith. I don't know if I've seen Kane Brown, so I am looking forward to seeing him. I've seen Jelly Roll and Megan Moroney, so I'm excited about all of them, but I’m very excited about Conner Smith. I really like him," she said.
Gothard also highlighted the possibility of a unique performance.
"I am also excited to see Kane Brown and Jelly Roll—because they just came out with a song together not too long ago, and I love that song—so I’m assuming they’ll probably sing it. I love a good duet, so that'll be awesome," she said.
Dave Redelberger, Director of Communications & Interactive Marketing for Columbus Arena Sports & Entertainment said,
"When we look back, you know, we’re always expecting a full house at Ohio Stadium, There’s nothing like a wonderful night under the stars."
Redelberger said that 2023 set the single-day attendance record of 63,891, and 2024’s two-day event drew over 127,000 fans.
"This year, it’s a one-day event, but we’re always striving to make it a memorable experience," he said.
Buckeye Country Superfest Kickoff
The Official Friday Pre-Party, which is only open to VIP ticket holders, kicks off the Buckeye Country Superfest. More details on the pre-party will be released later.
On Saturday, June 21, the day of the main event, Ohio Stadium will host the Official Tailgate Fanfest. The pre-event celebration includes games, drinks, food trucks from nearby businesses, and your chance to purchase Buckeye Country Superfest Merch before heading into the show.
"We looked at how we could create something special for fans who want to make a full day of it," Redelberger said.
He said that the Fanfest area was inspired by the blueprint of Ohio State football game days and has become a signature feature of the event.
"We try to bring in a variety of great food trucks, refreshing beverages, and fun, interactive stations to set the stage for the day," Redelberger said.
A Unique Concert Atmosphere
For many concertgoers, Buckeye Country Superfest is a highly anticipated event known for its enthusiastic atmosphere. Gothard, who attended the festival from 2015 to 2019, said the experience was incomparable.
"For me, there's no other feeling than being around all these people that love the same music as you, singing all the same words. There's no other experience like it," she said.
Compared to other country music festivals, Gothard said that Buckeye Country Superfest tends to have a more respectful and less rowdy crowd.
"I feel like at Buckeye Country Superfest, people are a lot more respectful. We’re all there for country music," she said. "At other festivals, sometimes people aren’t as respectful or nice."
Gene Smith’s Vision for Ohio Stadium
Ohio Stadium is more than a Buckeye football stadium, it is a community treasure that has been home to many significant events. Former Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith was given credit by Dave Redelberger for seeing the stadium's possibilities as a center for entertainment outside of athletics.
"Gene Smith tasked us with finding new entertainment options," Redelberger said. "He wanted the stadium to impact not just Ohio State, but the community as a whole—local restaurants, hotels, and team shops all benefit when we host events like this."
"When I came to Ohio State in 2005, I did my normal, you know, leadership transition of listening and learning," Smith said. "We weren't able to have as many concerts in the stadium because of the grass field."
He explained that in 2006, they switched to artificial turf, which allowed them to host more events like Buckeye Country Superfest.
"I felt that if we could maximize that venue’s use, we could generate revenue. And that's really what it was and to have an economic impact for our community," Smith said.
Smith emphasized that the festival’s reach extends beyond Ohio, attracting fans from all over the country and even internationally.
"We were getting fans from, you know, every state, and Canada. One of my teammates told me that they saw some tags from Mexico," Smith said.
Redelberger said that the first Buckeye Country Superfest in 2015 was a part of Smith's big plan to make the most of the stadium.
"That year, we also hosted the Rolling Stones, and it had been nearly a decade since the stadium was used for a concert," he said. "It was Gene’s vision that helped bring big events like this to Ohio Stadium, making it a destination for fans far and wide."
Agricultural Roots in Country Music
The Buckeye Country Superfest provides a venue for fans to celebrate the coming together of country music, connection, and agriculture.
"The ag community has been a strong supporter of country music in Columbus, Ohio," Redelberger said. "One of the great things about working here is seeing how people come in from the agricultural community far and wide not just from Ohio, but across the country to this iconic event."
Gothard highlighted how country music often reflects themes of agriculture and rural life, making it especially popular among rural audiences.
"People can relate to it. There’s a lot of different emotions that they bring into country music. I think a lot of people in rural areas grew up listening to country music—it's what our roots are and what we like," she said.
However, she noted that while many of the attendees come from agricultural backgrounds, she hasn’t seen much direct industry presence at the festival.
"Other than the attendees, a lot of whom are in agriculture, I haven’t really seen a big presence from companies or organizations at the festival," Gothard said.
She pointed out potential ways for agricultural businesses to become more involved in the event.
"With Buckeye Country Superfest being at Ohio State, maybe CFAES could tie into that and bring in some of our alumni or companies to add more of that agricultural aspect. I definitely see that as an opportunity," Gothard said.
Gene Smith also acknowledged the connection between country music and the agricultural community.
"I would imagine that a large part of our fan base around country music, are those who are farming, and, you know, music tells their stories many times," Smith said.
Ticketing Process and Event Guidelines
For safe and effective access, organizers stress the usage of mobile ticketing. Fans are advised to store their tickets in their smartphone wallet to prevent network problems on the day of the event. Tickets can be accessible via Ticketmaster's mobile app.
"We want every fan to have a seamless experience, from purchasing their tickets to entering the stadium," Redelberger said.
Ohio Stadium has a strict bag regulation that only permits medical bags, diaper bags, or wristlets that are no bigger than 5x8x1 inches. Parking permits can be purchased in advance at www.buckeyecountrysuperfest.com, and spots are available on an early arrival basis on the day of the event. Additionally, travelers with difficulty getting around can use the shuttle services and accessible parking.
Looking Ahead
Buckeye Country Superfest 2025 is a combination of country music, agriculture, and Ohio State spirit, featuring top country acts, top-rate seating options, and community involvement.
"When you’re there, it’s great to see the multigenerational appeal," said Redelberger. "It’s kids, dads, and grandfathers all enjoying a great day of country music together."
The preparations for a day of country music and culture are still being made as June 21 draws near. Buckeye Country Superfest 2025 gives visitors the chance to engage with Ohio's agricultural heritage and the country music culture through events like concert performances and Fanfest tailgating.
Credits:
Libby Grossniklaus