Winnipeg is set to host a highly anticipated new music festival this summer, with classic rock icons Def Leppard and country star Jason Aldean headlining the Thunder Stadium Concert Series. The festival, which will take place at Princess Auto Stadium in July, was announced Monday by True North Sports + Entertainment and the Winnipeg Football Club.
The event marks the first stadium shows at the venue in eight years, with Kevin Donnelly, senior vice-president of True North Sports + Entertainment, emphasizing that the festival is designed to be an annual staple for both local and regional music fans.
“We are building this to last,” Donnelly said. “Our goal is to create an event Winnipeggers and Manitobans can rely on every year.”
The festival will be split into two nights: the first, “Rocking Thunder,” will feature Def Leppard on July 9, alongside Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Foreigner, and Canadian band Toque. The second night, “Country Thunder,” on July 10, will see Aldean take the stage with Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line and rising stars Nate Smith and Madeline Merlo.
Donnelly explained that the key to bringing these major acts to Winnipeg was proactive collaboration with event promoters, instead of waiting for bookings to come in.
With the backing of $250,000 from Economic Development Winnipeg, the event is expected to generate a $1.8-million economic impact for the city.
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