NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Thousands of fans stormed on downtown for Thursday night's big Garth Brooks concert. It was the first and second of nine concerts Brooks will hold over the next five days.
The concerts are expected to have a huge impact across the city, from hotels to local businesses. Music City officials expect the concerts to bring in about $20 million across the city.
Concert proceeds benefit victims of the May 2010 floods that devastated Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
"There's a lot of people that still haven't recovered so it's a great reminder. It's a great holiday gift for the city and sales tax, businesses, the community foundation, the impact reaches far and wide," said Butch Spyridon with the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau.
"Every day when he's in you'll notice we'll pickup and we will continue to pick up each day. We'll continue that through the concert series," said Melanie Fly with the Downtown Nashville Hilton.
Since Brooks announced the concerts, phones have been ringing off the hook at the Downtown Nashville Hilton. Fly said people have been checking in from all over the country to have a fun weekend in Music City.
Local restaurants and shops are also seeing a huge boost.
All of the shows at Bridgestone Arena have sold out. Tickets cost just $25 to make the show accessible to everyone.
Brooks' expressed his love for the city at a news conference Thursday, and explained why he chose to hold the benefit.
"For those picking up after something like [the flood], they have my respect – and if there's any way, through the gift that I can give of playing music, to make that a little bit better, then that makes me proud," said Brooks.
The first concert starts Thursday at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The second concert begins at 10 p.m.
The weekend of concerts is expected to bring in about $3.5 million for flood relief.
Shuttle service will be provided for those who park at LP Field for $3 per vehicle. Shuttles will run until 2 a.m.
Toys for Tots will collect unwrapped toys at each concert. The donated toys will be distributed to children in need throughout Middle Tennessee.
Concerts:
Show 1
Thursday, Dec 16 at 7:00 PM
Doors open at 5:30 PM
Show 2
Thursday, Dec 16 at 10:00 PM
Doors open at 9:45 PM
Show 3
Friday, Dec 17 at 7:00 PM
Doors open at 5:30 PM
Show 4
Sunday, Dec 19 at 7:30 PM
Doors open at 6:00 PM
Show 5
Monday, Dec 20 at 7:30 PM
Doors open at 6:00 PM
Show 6
Tuesday, Dec 21 at 6:00 PM
Doors open at 4:30 PM
Show 7
Tuesday, Dec 21 at 9:00 PM
Doors open at 8:45 PM
Show 8
Wednesday, Dec 22 at 6:00 PM
Doors open at 4:30 PM
Show 9
Wednesday, Dec 22 at 9:00 PM
Doors open at 8:45 PM
Garth Brooks talks at a kick-off news conference before Thursday's concerts.
Garth Brooks announced his decision in November 2010 to hold flood relief concerts in Nashville.
