Grab your boots, Parker McCollum is coming to the Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Thursday, Sept. 25.
“The audience can look forward to an entirely new show since Parker’s last time in Knoxville,” Nick Rhodes, McCollum’s day-to-day manager, said. “New album, new set, new production,”
Student tickets went on sale on Sept. 11 and were a hot commodity, selling out in under half an hour. Kate Cattani, a junior studying retail and merchandising management, was lucky enough to secure a student ticket.
“It’s always a little stressful trying to secure a ticket before they sell out, but the process itself was easy,” Cattani said. They usually offer really good seats for a great price. I always buy two and figure out who’s going with me later.”
Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center often offers student tickets for concert events that give students access to concerts and artists they wouldn’t normally see perform.
”I love that we have access to student tickets. I think it’s such a cool and unique part of being a student here,” Cattani said. “A lot of different artists come to Thompson-Boling Arena, and it’s a privilege to be able to see them, often at a discount price.”
The student tickets are a way for long-time fans and new listeners to gain access to live shows.
“I wanted to go because I love the atmosphere. I’m not a hardcore Parker McCollum fan, but I do enjoy a few of his songs,” Cattani said. “When you can get great seats at a good price, concerts are always worth it.”
The singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Conroe, Texas, told Southern Living he played his first gig at 16 years old. He has since released five albums, drawing recognition from Rolling Stone and Billboard as an up-and-coming country star.
His most recent album, the self-titled “Parker McCollum,” came out in June this year. The 14-track collection features superb storytelling and emotional authenticity that is reminiscent of McCollum’s debut album, “Limestone Days.”
“He is a songwriter before anything else,” Rhodes said. “Some of the songs on this current record he has had for several years, one he even wrote when he was 15 years old.”
The album is a call back to traditional country with acoustic guitar, slower-paced tempos and southern twang. McCollum sings about reckless loves, loneliness and generational cycles.
“I saw firsthand the work he put into creating these songs and the intense days in the studio really getting these songs to where he thought they should be,” Rhodes said. “I think this record shows who he wants to be for the rest of his career and sheds light on his artistry. He has never been prouder of a project.”
The tour has taken the Texas native across the U.S., and will continue well into 2026. Based on reviews of previous performances, his live performances are known to be both lively and heartfelt, with sincere thanks to the audience in between toe-tapping tunes.
“He has played the Mill & Mine, the Knoxville Coliseum two years ago and now Thompson-Boling Arena,” Rhodes said. “The Knoxville market has always had a great music scene and really embraces the country music genre.”
Cattani is excited for all parts of the concert, from what she’ll wear to walking back into the arena. Cattani tries to take advantage of the student tickets, previously seeing Jon Pardi, Tim McGraw, Sam Hunt, Riley Green and the Professional Bull Riding Rodeo.
“Between the social aspect, the artist, the fashion and the energy, it’s always a good time,” Cattani said.
For students and staff who are not attending, anticipate parking adjustments. UT Parking has confirmed they will follow the night class parking during special events map. Starting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, the major lots affected include G10, Andy Holt Tower garage, McClung Tower garage and the Circle Park parking lots.
