Country superstar Luke Combs takes the stage at Notre Dame Stadium TODAY (Saturday, April 18, 2026) at 5:20 PM ET for what promises to be an unforgettable night of music. Over 80,000 fans will pack the historic South Bend venue to witness Combs perform alongside country legend Dierks Bentley and rising stars Ty Myers, Jake Worthington, and Thelma & James.
Gates swing open at 5:00 PM, and parking lots welcome early birds starting at noon. This massive stadium show continues Combs’ record-breaking tour—he just set an attendance record with nearly 71,000 fans in Las Vegas. Whether you’re heading to the show or just curious about this major event, here’s everything happening today at Notre Dame Stadium.
What’s Happening at Notre Dame Stadium Today?
Today marks a historic moment for both Notre Dame and country music fans. Luke Combs brings his My Kinda Saturday Night Tour to Notre Dame Stadium for an evening that the university expects will draw more than 80,000 people—making it one of the biggest events ever held at the iconic venue.
This isn’t just any concert. Combs, who’s won the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award twice, has been breaking records left and right on this tour. Just last month, he set a new attendance record at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas with 70,921 fans—beating out major boxing matches and even the Super Bowl numbers at that venue.
Notre Dame Stadium has hosted some legendary names over the years—Billy Joel, Johnny Cash, Whitney Houston, and Garth Brooks have all performed here. Today, Luke Combs adds his name to that prestigious list. This marks the fifth concert in the stadium’s history, and university officials have been working around the clock to make sure everything runs smoothly.
The atmosphere on campus already feels electric. Notre Dame is even hosting a special “Bootleggers” tailgate (that’s what Combs calls his fanbase) starting at 2:00 PM in front of Legends restaurant. Fans can grab food, drinks, and soak in the pre-show excitement before the music starts.
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Who’s Performing Tonight? The Full Lineup Revealed
Tonight isn’t just a Luke Combs concert—it’s a full-blown country music celebration featuring five incredible acts. The lineup includes Dierks Bentley, Ty Myers, Jake Worthington, and Thelma & James, turning this into what fans are calling a “mini-festival” experience.
Your Evening Schedule (Approximate Times)
Here’s when you can expect each artist to hit the stage:
| Who’s Performing | When They Start | How Long |
|---|---|---|
| Gates Open | 5:00 PM | Get in early! |
| Thelma & James | 5:20 PM | 20-25 minutes |
| Jake Worthington | 5:50 PM | 25-30 minutes |
| Ty Myers | 6:25 PM | 30-35 minutes |
| Dierks Bentley | 7:05 PM | 45-60 minutes |
| LUKE COMBS | 9:00 PM | 2+ hours of hits! |
Important note: These times can shift, so arrive early to catch every performance!
What to Expect from Luke Combs’ Performance
Combs doesn’t do short sets. At his recent tour stops, he’s been performing 25-28 songs spanning his entire career. At the Las Vegas tour opener, he debuted three new songs from his latest album “The Way I Am”—including “Sleepless in a Hotel Room,” “Tell ‘Em About Tonight,” and “Be By You.”
But don’t worry—he’s not forgetting the classics. Fans can expect massive sing-alongs to hits like:
- “Beautiful Crazy”
- “Beer Never Broke My Heart”
- “Hurricane”
- “When It Rains It Pours”
- “Fast Car” (his viral Tracy Chapman cover)
- “My Kinda Saturday Night”
- “Lovin’ On You”
- “Where the Wild Things Are”
Combs also performs a cover of Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” at most shows—a song they performed together at Lollapalooza last summer that’s become a fan favorite.
The Stage Setup Will Blow Your Mind
This tour features something special. Combs performs on a circular “in-the-round” stage positioned at the center of the stadium floor, with four catwalks stretching out into the crowd. This means no matter where you’re sitting, you’ll get great views—there are no “bad seats” with this setup. Combs walks the catwalks throughout the show, making sure fans in every section feel connected to the performance.
Getting Your Tickets: What’s Still Available
If you’re reading this and thinking “I want to go!”—you’re in luck. Tickets are still available through Ticketmaster, the official ticket partner. You can also find options on secondary markets like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats if you’re looking for specific sections.
Understanding the Stadium Setup
Notre Dame Stadium looks different for concerts than it does for football games. The university has set up special floor seating that fits about 10,000 people right on the field, according to Lee Sicinski, Notre Dame’s Event Management Executive Director. Some of these are standing general admission areas, while others offer chairs for those who prefer to sit.
The regular stadium seats are also available, and with Combs’ 360-degree stage, every seat offers a solid view of the action.
What You Can (and Can’t) Bring Inside
Before you pack your bag, know this: Notre Dame Stadium has a strict clear bag policy. Here’s what you CAN bring:
- Clear plastic bags (12″ x 6″ maximum)
- One-gallon clear zip-top bags
- Small clutch bags (no bigger than your hand)
You CANNOT bring:
- Regular backpacks
- Coolers
- Non-clear fanny packs
- Large purses
Also crucial: The stadium is 100% cashless. Bring your credit card, debit card, or mobile payment app for any purchases inside.
Merchandise: Get There Early!
Want a tour t-shirt or hoodie? Merchandise sales start when parking lots open at noon. Tour merch typically includes shirts, hoodies, hats, koozies, and Combs’ signature Columbia PFG fishing shirt (the same style he wears on stage every night) for around $75. Pro tip: Buy early to avoid massive lines and potential sellouts of popular sizes.
Where to Park and How to Get There
Parking can make or break your concert experience, so plan ahead. Notre Dame has opened three main parking lots for concert-goers: Burke, Blue, and Gold lots. These lots open at noon—giving you plenty of time to arrive, park, and enjoy the pre-show festivities.
Parking Tips and Prices
The university strongly recommends buying parking passes online before you arrive. Pre-purchased passes save time and guarantee you a spot. Drive-up parking is available, but it’s first-come, first-served, and lots can fill up fast with 80,000+ people heading to campus.
If you park in the Blue or Gold lots, free shuttle buses will run to the stadium. Shuttles also operate from Saint Mary’s College, located about a mile from the stadium.
Taking the Train? Here’s What You Need to Know
The South Shore Line is running special service for the concert. Regular eastbound trains (503, 505, and 507) will get you to South Bend International Airport before the show starts. After the concert ends, they’re adding a westbound train that departs the airport about 90 minutes after the show wraps up, making all stops to Chicago’s Millennium Station.
Here’s the catch: You’ll need to get from the airport to campus. The airport allows Uber, Lyft, Eagle Cab, and United Cab services. Book your rides in advance if possible—everyone will want a ride at the same time after the show.
Getting Around Campus
Notre Dame offers free golf cart shuttle service across campus driven by Guest Services staff in green jackets. If you’re parked far from the stadium or have mobility concerns, look for these helpful team members who can give you a lift.
Safety and Security: What to Expect
Your safety is Notre Dame’s top priority. Campus police Chief Keri Kei Shibata says security measures match what they do for football games—which means extensive police presence, security screenings at gates, and trained staff throughout the venue.
Notre Dame Police work alongside officers from several regional agencies to create a safe environment. You’ll see uniformed officers in parking lots, at entry points, and throughout the stadium.
Health and Comfort Services
The stadium offers several helpful amenities:
- First aid stations: Four medical rooms available once you’re inside
- Water fountains: Located on both upper and lower levels
- Restrooms: Throughout the stadium (all have baby changing stations except one)
If you have a medical emergency, immediately find any Notre Dame staff member or police officer.
Weather Preparation
April in South Bend can be unpredictable. Temperatures might range from the 40s to the 70s, and rain is always possible in spring. Dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes (you’ll be standing a lot!), and consider bringing a light rain jacket just in case.
Why This Concert Matters: Luke Combs’ Record-Breaking Tour
This isn’t just another concert—it’s part of a historic tour. Combs kicked off his My Kinda Saturday Night World Tour on March 21 at Allegiant Stadium, where he immediately set an attendance record with 70,921 fans. That shattered the previous record held by a major boxing match and outdrew the Super Bowl numbers at that same venue.
The tour continues through the summer with stops at massive stadiums across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, including Ohio Stadium in Columbus (April 25), Neyland Stadium in Knoxville (May 2), and Lambeau Field in Green Bay (May 15-16). It all concludes with three nights at London’s Wembley Stadium starting August 1.
Luke Combs: More Than Just a Country Star
Combs recently received major recognition beyond the music world. TIME magazine named him to their 2026 TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people—he’s the only country artist on the list. Fellow Grammy winner Ed Sheeran wrote his tribute, praising how Combs “has scaled the highest heights of music while remaining loving and kind to those around him.”
His latest album “The Way I Am” dropped on March 20 and immediately hit #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. The timing was perfect—new album release right as the tour kicked off.
Combs’ Commitment to Family and Community
What makes Combs special isn’t just his music—it’s his character. He strategically scheduled this tour to spend more time with his family. After missing the birth of his second son in 2023 because he was on tour internationally, he promised to prioritize being present for his three kids’ important moments.
He and fellow North Carolinian Eric Church organized Concert for Carolina after Hurricane Helene devastated the region, raising an incredible $24.5 million for relief organizations. That humanitarian work earned them the Artist Humanitarian Award at the Country Radio Seminar.
Concert Day Checklist: Make Sure You’re Ready
Here’s your quick reference guide to ensure you have an amazing time:
Before You Leave Home: ✅ Check your tickets (digital or print) ✅ Bring a clear bag or small clutch ✅ Pack your credit/debit card (no cash needed) ✅ Charge your phone fully ✅ Check the weather and dress accordingly ✅ Confirm your parking pass if purchased
Timing Your Arrival: ✅ Parking lots open: 12:00 PM (noon) ✅ Bootleggers tailgate starts: 2:00 PM ✅ Stadium gates open: 5:00 PM ✅ First performance: 5:20 PM ✅ Luke Combs takes stage: Around 9:00 PM
Don’t Forget: ✅ Comfortable shoes (you’ll be on your feet) ✅ Light jacket or layers ✅ Sunscreen (if arriving early for tailgating) ✅ Portable phone charger ✅ Valid ID (if purchasing alcohol)
Final Thoughts: Why You Don’t Want to Miss This
Tonight’s concert represents something special—a convergence of world-class talent, historic venue, and once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere. University officials call this “one of the largest ticketed events in Notre Dame Stadium history”, and they’re not exaggerating.
Luke Combs has evolved from a North Carolina newcomer to one of the biggest names in all of music—not just country. His ability to connect with audiences of all backgrounds, his genuine humility despite massive success, and his commitment to putting on unforgettable shows make every concert an event worth experiencing.
Lee Sicinski, Notre Dame’s Event Management Executive Director, emphasized protecting the stadium’s iconic playing surface while installing massive lighting, sound equipment, and “the largest stage we have seen to date”. The production value matches the talent on stage.
Whether you’re a longtime “Bootlegger,” a casual country music fan, or someone who simply loves live music, tonight offers something extraordinary. Eighty thousand people gathering in one place to celebrate music, community, and shared experience—that’s what makes concerts like this unforgettable.
The gates are opening in just hours. Notre Dame Stadium is ready. Luke Combs and his all-star lineup are ready. The only question is: Are you ready?
For the latest updates and official information, visit Notre Dame’s official concert page or check Ticketmaster’s event listing.
Have an amazing time at the concert, and stay safe out there!
