“It was also so sweet of them to surprise us with front row seats!”
— Missy Stevens of Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, who delivered free Freddy’s custard to Taylor Swift and her entourage before Thursday’s show and unexpectedly got to stay for the concert
WICHITA — According to the Brooks & Dunn Web site, the duo is bringing its “Last Rodeo” tour here on May 27.
But most of the country act’s 47 dates for its farewell tour don’t have announced venues yet. So will Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn play Intrust Bank Arena or Hartman Arena?
Hartman is known for having some top country acts. For instance, Alan Jackson was the arena’s debut concert earlier this year, and Martina McBride played there Friday night.
But Intrust already has country acts booked for next year, including the popular Taylor Swift, whose show sold out in 15 minutes on Friday.
Intrust spokeswoman Beth King gave her standard, “I can neither confirm nor deny,” response. But, as it turns out, her oldest brother, Scott Edwards, is the tour manager for Brooks & Dunn. Surely he wouldn’t risk upsetting his sister and going to Hartman, right?
“Oh,” King says, “I don’t have any control over that.”
WICHITA — If you want tickets to any of the upcoming shows at Intrust Bank Arena, don’t call Intrust Bank.
That may seem obvious, but apparently it’s not to everyone.
“You heard that I was Ticketmaster or something?” says Diane Iseman, vice president of corporate communications.
It’s true, she says.
“I’ve been getting calls.”
WICHITA — Country fans have a lot to like about Intrust Bank Arena so far.
Brad Paisley is the arena’s inaugural act Jan. 9. News of Taylor Swift’s April 1st show came shortly after that. And Tim McGraw announced he’ll play there June 11.
Now, country legends George Strait and Reba McEntire will play the arena together Feb. 19.
“The ‘King of Country’ is back!” heralds a press release from the tour promoter, and “. . . this time, he’s bringing along one very special lady.”
Strait is a 17-time CMA Entertainer of the Year.
McEntire is a four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year.
WICHITA — Intrust Bank Arena may not be touting all the acts it has booked yet, but it’s clearly lining up a variety of them.
According to comedian Jeff Dunham’s Web site, he’ll perform at the arena March 12.
If you’re not familiar with Dunham, he’s apparently America’s leading comedic ventriloquist. He has a self-titled show that debuts on Comedy Central next week.
Tickets for his Wichita show go on sale Nov. 14.
The arena so far has announced that Brad Paisley is its debut act Jan. 9. The Harlem Globetrotters are coming Jan. 22.
And, though the arena has yet to confirm it, it looks like Taylor Swift is coming April 1.
“Security needs to be extra tight that night to keep Kanye from bum-rushing the stage.”
— Associated public relations director Shawn Steward’s comment on this blog after hearing Taylor Swift is coming to Intrust Bank Arena
WICHITA — Among the varied reactions to the Brad Paisley news yesterday — he’s the debut act for Intrust Bank Arena on Jan. 9 — one comment was: “They should have gotten Taylor Swift.”
Well, it looks like they have, though not until April 1.
According to www.taylorswift.com, she’s playing Wichita on that date. The site doesn’t list the venue, but indications are Intrust is it.
“We can neither confirm nor deny that Taylor Swift is performing at the Intrust Bank Arena,” says Beth King of King Merj Public Relations. King also is spokeswoman for SMG, which manages the arena.
Look for more news on Swift’s appearance soon.
In the meantime, take one of our polls here or here on the arena’s choices so far.