IRVING, Texas – Country music star Kenny Chesney’s halftime Red Kettle Kickoff Show will highlight the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving entertainment festivities on Thursday.
The four-time Country Music Association entertainer of the year’s performance will begin The Salvation Army’s 122nd annual Red Kettle Campaign, which collected a record $147.6 million last year to support those most in need.
“I hope my music will elevate awareness for the Red Kettle Campaign, and in the end, help provide a warm meal, clothing or a bed for someone this holiday season,” Chesney said.
Chesney will perform top hits from his past albums, as well as those from his most recent studio album, Welcome to the Fishbowl, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart. Chesney, the Cowboys and The Salvation Army will also celebrate youth football by bringing 350 young players on the field as a part of the halftime show and will highlight notable youth football videos as part of the Boys of Fall contest.
Families across the country submitted short videos with their youth football highlights, with a selection of those videos being featured during Chesney’s halftime performance on Thanksgiving Day on the stage and stadium’s video board. With nearly 2,000 votes, Mike Markham’s video of his son, Garrett, won the grand-prize of four game tickets. Highlight videos can be viewed at www.youtube.com/user/SalvationArmyUSA.
In addition to the halftime show, musical entertainment will also be provided before the game. Kevin Rudolf will perform on the East Plaza Main Stage from 2-2:20 p.m. and 2:50-3:10 p.m., while Ann Wilson of the rock band Heart will sing with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra during the national anthem.
The East Plaza will also have five Batmobile car displays, while a Tumbler Car and Motorcycle will be featured on the West Plaza, where free face painting, balloon animals, inflatable games, a trampoline and Play 60 kids’ contests are also available.
Those traveling to the stadium should note the roof and doors are scheduled to be open, barring any changes in weather. The East Plaza will open at 11 a.m. for a tailgate party for all ticketed patrons, while stadium gates and the West Plaza will open at 1 p.m. Parking lots will open at 10 a.m.
