Keith Urban, Darius Rucker to play first concert at Tim Hortons Field
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have chosen country star Keith Urban as their first foray into their new money-making venture of hosting concerts.
The Ticats will host Urban and Hootie and the Blowfish alumnus Darius Rucker on Sept. 27. It’s a venture that’s costing the club $1 million, owner Bob Young said. But it’s the first step into a realm of offering concerts at the new Tim Hortons Field stadium, and he hopes that earns the team a lot of money.
“We are very excited about the potential,” said Young during a Monday media conference.
“I want there to be a team for my children, and my grandchildren, and my fans’ grandchildren. That’s what this stadium is going to do.”
The Urban announcement came amidst concerns that the new $145-million stadium wouldn’t be done for the Labour Day Classic, when the Ticats are scheduled to take on the Toronto Argos at Tim Hortons Field.
Infrastructure Ontario has hired the consortium Ontario Sports Solutions to build the 22,500-seat stadium. The builders missed the initial deadline of June 30, and three more Ticats home games in July and August.
City building officials will be at the stadium for the rest of the week, issuing last-minute approvals so the stadium can open on Labour Day.
The team will hold its first practice in the stadium on Wednesday.
The Ticats considered several acts, Young said. But “I have been assured by everyone that it doesn’t get any bigger than Keith Urban.”
He hopes the new stadium and concerts help put the financially struggling team in “a position of financial stability,” he said.
Tickets will go on sale on Aug. 28 through Ticketmaster and range from to $39.50 to $125.