Why there will be no major concerts at Arizona State Fair 2022. And what to expect next year
For a third year running, there will be no major concerts at Veterans Memorial Coliseum when the 2022 Arizona State Fair returns to the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix on Sept. 23.
After canceling the fair in 2020 due to COVID-19, fair representatives said the event didn't have enough money to host major concerts in 2021.
The lack of touring acts at this year's fair is also pandemic-related.
Jen Yee, the fair's assistant executive director, explained: "The Coliseum Concert Series again faced challenges stemming from the pandemic, e.g., increased production and artist costs, a tight and saturated live entertainment market."
There is some good news, though.
Yee added that the fair plans to "return to the tradition of filling the coliseum with top-rated talent in 2023."
Shania Twain to play 1st Phoenix show since 2018. What to know about 2023 tour
No big concerts. But here's what to expect at the Arizona State Fair
There will be entertainment, though, including stock-car racing, monster trucks and a Backyard Concert Series of tribute bands playing the music of the Beatles, No Doubt, Bruno Mars, Van Halen, AC/DC, Billy Joel, Journey, Selena and more.
One group, CC Seger, does two tributes for the price of one — Creedence Clearwater Revival and Bob Seger.
There's also the Omnium Circus with acrobats.
Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle tour is coming to Phoenix. Here's how to get tickets
The Arizona State Fair concert series has been entertaining generations on the cheap for decades, from Rock & Roll Hall of Famers as revered as the Police, Johnny Cash and Nirvana to up-and-coming stars with hot TV shows like Selena Gomez.
This year's tribute shows will take place at the Grandstand, in the northwest region of the fairgrounds, starting at 8:30 p.m. most nights.
For the full schedule and to see which shows have admission prices, visit azstatefair.com/calendar.
Country Thunder Arizona has announced its lineup. Here's who's playing 2023
Arizona State Fair 2022
When: Sept. 23-Oct. 30.
Where: 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix.
Admission: $15, free for ages 7 and younger.
Details: 602-252-6771, azstatefair.com.
This Phoenix band foreshadowed the '90s Riot Grrrl movement. Now they're back together
Reach the reporter at [email protected] or 602-444-4495. Follow him on Twitter @EdMasley.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona State Fair concerts 2022: What to know about the entertainment
