Williams to Headline UW Cowboy Kickoff Concert Sept. 11

Singer-songwriter Chancey Williams will headline the University of Wyoming's Cowboy Kickoff Concert Friday, Sept. 11, as part of Kickoff Week, building excitement for the new semester and the Cowboys' home-opening football game the following day against Northern Colorado.

The free concert, open to students, faculty, staff and the public, marks the return of the Cowboy Kickoff Concert for the first time since 2018. Once an annual UW tradition, the event is designed to bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and Cowboys fans to celebrate the start of a new academic year and the first home football game of the season.

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. on Fraternity/Sorority Mall. Then, at 7 p.m., President Shane Reeves will address the crowd and introduce Williams to the stage. The event will be held rain or shine unless severe weather conditions require cancellation.

"The Cowboy Kickoff Concert is the perfect opportunity to bring together the UW community, Wyoming residents and Cowboy fans from across the state as we celebrate the start of another academic year," Reeves says. "We're excited to bring back this tradition and provide an unforgettable evening of live music, community spirit and Cowboy pride as we count down to the football home opener."

A UW alumnus, Williams is a northeast Wyoming native who has gained national recognition for his authentic Western country sound and deep roots in rodeo and ranching culture. A former saddle bronc rodeo competitor, Williams is one of only two performers, alongside Chris LeDoux, to both compete in rodeo events and perform on the main stage at Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Williams has shared stages with artists including Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, Cody Johnson and Parker McCollum, while also performing at the Grand Ole Opry, Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the National Finals Rodeo. Widely regarded as one of country music's leading voices of the modern West, Williams continues to build a national following while staying true to his Wyoming roots.

The concert serves as a centerpiece of Kickoff Week and an opportunity for the campus and community to come together ahead of a memorable fall semester. To help amplify the experience, there also will be guest appearances by UW student-athletes and cheerleaders.

In addition to live music, attendees can enjoy food from regional food trucks, refreshments and a beer garden, brought to you by the UW Alumni Association, for guests ages 21 and older (ID required).

The celebration will culminate with a 3D drone show around 9 p.m., projecting animated images in the night sky that will be visible across much of the UW campus.

The concert is free, and no registration is required. A shuttle service will operate throughout the evening. Additional shuttle and route details will become available closer to the concert date.

Event Details

What: Cowboy Kickoff Concert

When: Friday, Sept. 11

Gates open: 5:30 p.m.

Concert begins: 7 p.m.

Where: Fraternity/Sorority Mall, University of Wyoming campus

Admission: Free and open to the public

Event Policies       

Attendees should be aware of the following event policies:

-- No large bags. All bags are subject to search.

-- No outside food or beverages.

-- No weapons or items deemed dangerous or inappropriate.

-- No flags attached to poles or sticks.

-- No smoking, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars or pipes, within the event area.

-- No smokeless tobacco products.

-- No animals, except approved service animals.