Idaho Center to shatter outdoor concerts record this year. Here’s another, more to come
If you’re a Boise concertgoer who loves outdoor music, there’s one place you’ll be spreading your blanket more than others this summer: Canyon County.
Idaho’s capital city is home to the Idaho Botanical Garden’s Outlaw Field — a consistently popular venue. But its schedule this year — five shows so far — is dwarfed by the Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater’s lineup in Nampa.
Promoter Live Nation just announced its 19th outdoor concert at the Ford Idaho Center this coming season: Lindsey Stirling. The violinist will dance under the stars Thursday, Aug. 29. Tickets become available to the general public starting at 10 a.m. Friday for $39.50 to $99.50 (plus fees) through fordidahocenter.com. Presales begin Tuesday. The opening act will be indie-pop band Saint Motel.
Nineteen shows is a record at the amphitheater, according to Creston Thornton, president of Live Nation’s mountain region. And that doesn’t include a 20th — the Jacksons Country Stomp with Brantley Gilbert (June 14) — not produced by Live Nation.
The number of Live Nation shows was 17 in 2022 and 18 in 2023, Thornton said.
“The Boise market has grown to a point that it seems to be on most artists’ hit list to play here now,” Thornton explained.
This year’s list isn’t done growing. Live Nation is planning more concerts at the amphitheater. Overall, Ford Idaho Center General Manager Andrew Luther said, he expects in excess of 30 concerts.
Highlights on this season’s schedule include Kenny Chesney (July 11), Luke Bryan (Aug. 2), Jason Mraz (Aug. 3), Outlaw Music Festival (Aug. 7, with Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp), Tyler Childers (Aug. 21), Hozier (Sept. 3), Jason Aldean (Sept. 6) and Lainey Wilson (Sept. 14).
Several of those concerts have sold out in advance.
