The Jonas Brothers, the largest fireworks show in Utah, guest host Glenn Beck, hundreds of dancers and unannounced surprises are all part of this year’s Stadium of Fire, organizers of America’s Freedom Festival announced Tuesday morning.
In the past, Stadium of Fire has had several well-known artists perform, including Lonestar, Mandy Moore, Blue Man Group and, last year, Miley Cyrus.
This year, the committee is determined to make the event even better than previous years.
For many, the announcement that the Jonas Brothers will perform was enough, but many look forward to the event as a powerful way to celebrate America.
“I can’t imagine a year that we need to celebrate America more than this one,” said David McDougal, chairman of the board.
Brad Pelo, senior executive producer of America’s Freedom Festival, said the Stadium of Fire represents the sacrifice of thousands of the nation’s volunteers over the years.
He said each year it reminds him of all those watching today and all those who preceded us.
Pelo said he believes America’s founders would be proud of the celebration put on by Stadium of Fire in celebration of America.
Pelo encouraged those who haven’t attended before to come inside the stadium this year to see what they are missing.
Stadium of Fire is both a touching and a bonding experience that unites Americans and families, and the board is hoping that the Jonas Brothers will help make that bond even stronger, Pelo said.
“We hope again we will bring families together on this day,” he said. “The Jonas Brothers are very family friendly.”
On his radio station show, Glenn Beck said he has been to all of the big Fourth of July events, but Stadium of Fire is his favorite. He said the events include the largest Fourth of July parade and that no one will regret taking their family.
Glenn Beck is also one of the few who knows what is planned for the finale and the surprises Stadium of Fire is planning.
“This year, I will tell you that there won’t be a dry eye,” Beck said. “I have never seen this done before. Stadium of Fire is fantastic for the family.”
Stadium of Fire will be Saturday, July 4 at 8 p.m. at the LaVell Edwards Stadium.
According to a news release, the celebration will be televised to “U.S. military men and women and their families around the world.”
Tickets cost $35 to $120 and may be purchased online at BYUtickets.com or at the Marriott Center ticket office beginning Friday at 5 p.m.
Purchases can be no more than eight tickets per transaction.
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Copyright Brigham Young University 3 Mar 2009
