April 13, 2023

The Denny Sanford Premier Center is one of six arenas nominated for Arena of the Year by the Academy of Country Music Awards.

ACM awards cover categories across the live-events industry, including awards for industry leaders, venues, entertainment, albums and artists. Within the Industry Awards main category, the Premier  Center has been nominated for the award alongside Dickies Area in Fort Worth, Texas; Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida; Moody Center in Austin, Texas; Simmons Bank Arena in Little Rock, Arkansas; and Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee.

“This nomination is a huge honor. Out of all the thousands of arenas in the country, to be one of the top six, is humbling. This is why we work as hard as we do for the guests and touring artists,” said Mike Krewson, general manager of the Denny Sanford Premier Center.

Upcoming artists at the Premier Center also have been nominated for a variety of awards. Kane Brown, performing April 20 is nominated in five categories, including Entertainer of the Year alongside Jason Aldean, who is performing Aug. 18. Kelsea Ballerini, who is joining Kenny Chesney on tour for his May 11 show at the Premier Center is up for Female Artist of the Year. Brooks & Dunn, performing June 2, has been nominated for Duo of the Year. Zach Bryan, performing Aug. 14, is nominated for New Male Artist of the Year.

Past performers at the Premier are also up for a variety of awards, including Miranda Lambert, Ashely McBryde, Carly Pearce, Morgan Wallen and Chris Stapleton.

This year’s show, hosted by Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks, airs live May 11 on Prime Video from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The following day, the show will stream for free on Amazon Freevee.

After record year, Premier Center could be positioned for more concerts, campus growth