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Lil Wayne concert set State Fair attendance record

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Illinois

* Wow…

Lil Wayne brought big numbers to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand Wednesday night.

Illinois State Fair officials announced that 15,427 people attended the show, surpassing previous records set in 2011.

The top ticket seller was previously Jason Aldean who packed 15,329 seats in 2011, followed by Florida Georgia Line in 2014 with 15,204 tickets sold. Reba McEntire sold 14,823 in 2019 and Hootie and the Blowfish round out the top five record holders with 13,956 tickets sold in 1995.

“The Illinois State Fair brings people together,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Yesterday, our naturalization ceremony welcomed nearly 200 new citizens from 49 countries. That night, Lil Wayne smashed concert attendance records. Both events provided opportunities for people of all backgrounds, faiths and musical tastes to come together and celebrate our differences as well as our similarities.”

“Our team worked hard to ensure something for everyone at the Grandstand, and Lil Wayne is a rap legend,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “To break the previous attendance records underscores the importance of a diverse lineup at the Illinois State Fair.”

Grandstand shows continue through Sunday with the Jonas Brothers tonight, Smashing Pumpkins Friday night, Miranda Lambert Saturday night and Shaboozey closes out the fair Sunday night. Concert tickets are still available online at ticketmaster.com or at the Grandstand box office.

Jerry’s really hitting his stride over there.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Aug 15, 24 @ 4:24 pm

Comments

Kudos to Jerry, but I think it also helps to have a governor who enjoys drinking a beer while listening to some good music and just have fun.

Pritzker is the most joyful governor we have had in my lifetime, a happy warrior. Jerry is defn following his lead, and unafraid to take some risks by raising the bar for himself next year.

I just hope we have not missed the chance to celebrate the career of Buddy Guy on the state fair stage.

Comment by Thomas Paine Thursday, Aug 15, 24 @ 4:35 pm
Seem to remember a lot of comments on this very site saying that Lil Wayne was a bad pick. Hmmm

Comment by Alton Sinkhole Thursday, Aug 15, 24 @ 5:24 pm
Just me. Don’t like Rap. Don’t like Opera.

Comment by Mason County Thursday, Aug 15, 24 @ 5:27 pm
Just think how large the crowd would’ve been if Big Wayne had performed. I’ll show myself out…

Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, Aug 16, 24 @ 12:12 pm
Kudos to Jerry and the Dept of Ag, the grounds are in much better shape then I remember. It makes a world of difference.

Comment by Annon3 Friday, Aug 16, 24 @ 1:47 pm