For decades, the Academy of Country Music Awards crisscrossed the country, from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the storied streets of Nashville. But in recent years, the ceremony has found an unlikely — yet perfect — home in Frisco.
What started as a partnership with the Dallas Cowboys blossomed into a full-fledged country music takeover, turning this North Texas city into a hub of honky-tonk excitement and star-studded celebrations.
Frisco Is A Great Location
CEO of the Academy of Country Music Damon Whiteside believes Frisco is an ideal location for the ACM Awards being situated just a few miles from one of Texas' largest cities while maintaining a unique identity.
“Past performers have absolutely loved Frisco for the same reasons that we do — it’s far enough away from the big city of Dallas, but it still feels like you’re constantly in the middle of the action when ACM Awards Week rolls around,” Whiteside tells Local Profile. “It’s easy to navigate, never too far away from the excitement and everyone makes us all feel so welcome when we roll into town.”
The Star Transforms From Cowboys Central To Country Music Wonderland
The centerpiece of the ACM Awards in Frisco is The Star, the Dallas Cowboys’ world headquarters and practice facility. The venue offers a football-sized arena without the overwhelming scale of a full stadium.
The connection between the Cowboys and the ACM Awards dates back to 2015 when the two partnered for the ACM’s 50th Anniversary Show. That collaboration laid the groundwork for the awards’ return to North Texas. Whiteside believes that the Cowboys — “America’s Team” — share a natural synergy with country music, often regarded as “America’s music.”
Despite being the Cowboys headquarters, the city enables a full activation of The Star and transforms it into a temporary epicenter of country music. From massive murals to photo ops, country fans have many opportunities to celebrate everything country.
“Everywhere you look, you see ACM signage, events and excitement — we couldn’t get this same feeling in a big city,” Whiteside says. “Plus, The Star gives us a football-sized arena without the overwhelming feeling of a stadium — and we have the complex to utilize as we lead up to the big show with free concerts and activations for fans.”
Will The ACM Awards Stay In Frisco?
In short. Maybe. But nothing is certain. “There are ongoing conversations about where we’ll end up next year, but Frisco is definitely on our list,” Whiteside says.
The 60th Awards Are Just Around The Corner
The 60th ACM Awards promises to be one of the biggest yet, with Reba McEntire returning to host for her 18th time. The show will not only spotlight today’s stars but also pay tribute to the legends who helped shape country music over the past six decades.
“This year is primed to be the biggest and best show we’ve ever had,” Whiteside says. “We plan to not only celebrate the current stars of our genre but also tie in the decades of talent that got us to this 60-year mark, with more legends involved than ever before. Additionally, we want to continue breaking the mold with collaborations you’ll never hear anywhere else, so expect an incredible show.”
Get Your Tickets
ACM A-List, tickets went on sale to the general public. on February 21 through SeatGeek. Prices start as low as $100, plus taxes and fees. Hurry, they’re going fast!
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