Country music legend George Strait has officially announced a one-night-only concert at Death Valley — Clemson University’s Memorial Stadium in South Carolina — on May 2, 2026, marking his long-awaited return to the same venue where he last performed in 1999.
Joining Strait on this historic stage will be Cody Johnson and Wyatt Flores, two of country music’s most dynamic acts representing the next generation of the genre. The show is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans, reviving a tradition that hasn’t been seen at Clemson in over a quarter century.
According to Clemson Tigers Athletics, the concert will feature an in-the-round stage setup, placing Strait and his band at the center of the stadium, surrounded by the audience from all sides. The immersive design will allow fans to experience the performance from a new perspective — intimate, energetic, and personal.
In an official statement, Strait said: “Going back to Death Valley for the first time in more than 25 years feels pretty special. Can’t wait to see you, Clemson.”
The announcement came after a series of subtle teasers on social media, where Strait and Cody Johnson posted photos of Clemson football jerseys printed with their names, fueling speculation about a major 2026 concert event.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on October 31, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET, exclusively via Ticketmaster. Presale opportunities will be available for fans, Clemson students, alumni, and university staff in advance of the public release.
At 73, Strait continues to perform selectively, choosing venues and shows with special significance. In 2024, he made headlines for performing at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, where a record-breaking 110,905 fans attended — one of the largest ticketed concerts in U.S. history. His 2025 schedule includes just five shows in major cities such as Philadelphia, Buffalo, and Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium.
The Clemson concert represents something more than another performance — it’s a symbolic return to a place that helped cement his legacy. When Strait last played Death Valley in 1999, it was part of his “George Strait Country Music Festival,” a groundbreaking stadium tour that redefined how country artists approached live performance.
Sharing the bill, Cody Johnson, known for his traditional Texas country sound and passionate live shows, continues to rise as one of the most authentic voices in modern country. Wyatt Flores, a 22-year-old newcomer whose emotional songwriting has drawn attention from NPR and Austin City Limits, represents the future of the genre.
Industry observers see this lineup as a bridge between eras — uniting Strait’s timeless style with Johnson’s modern cowboy energy and Flores’ youthful storytelling. Together, they embody what fans call “the true spirit of country.”
Beyond its star power, the Death Valley concert carries emotional weight. For many fans who attended the 1999 show, this return feels like closing a chapter and opening a new one at once. It’s not just about nostalgia — it’s about celebrating an artist who has remained faithful to his roots while inspiring generations that followed.
With its unique stage format, intergenerational lineup, and historic setting, the May 2, 2026 concert at Death Valley is already being described as a once-in-a-generation event — one that will remind fans why George Strait remains the unshakable “King of Country.”