As part of its 2024 Homecoming celebration, Bowling Green State University invites the community to enjoy a free pre-game concert featuring country music star Phil Vassar starting at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 28, at Doyt L. Perry Stadium.

Set to hype up fans for the homecoming football matchup against Old Dominion, the free 90-minute concert will take place in Tailgate Park just south of The Doyt. Following the concert, the community is invited to watch the Falcons take on the Monarchs with kickoff set for 5 p.m. and a free fireworks show after the game.

Vassar, who made his name as a chart-topping songwriter before landing a record deal and becoming a hitmaking artist, headlines a BGSU Homecoming week that will celebrate “One University, Countless Experiences” for alumni and community members alike.

Vassar’s reign of signature songs include 10 No. 1 singles and 27 Top-40 hits. He found early success writing with famed songwriter Skip Ewing; they collaborated on a song called “Mary Go Round.” Vassar’s calendar soon began to fill with writing appointments with other accomplished Nashville writers. He soon signed a publishing deal with EMI, where he penned hits for Grand Ole Opry members Alan Jackson, Collin Raye, Tim McGraw and Jo Dee Messina. In 1999, Vassar was named ASCAP’s songwriter of the year for his accomplishments.

Pleased with the inroads he made in the songwriting community, Vassar wanted more. He wanted to sing and perform his own songs. Arista Records gave him that chance with a recording contract and his self-titled debut album in 2000. “Carlene,” the album’s first single, landed in the Top 5. The follow-up single, “Just Another Day in Paradise,” became Vassar’s first No. 1 hit as a singer of one of his songs. His second album, American Child, arrived in 2002. Shaken Not Stirred led to the No. 1 hit “In a Real Love” in 2004.

Vassar’s songwriting prowess has been recognized with numerous awards. He has received multiple ASCAP awards for his work as a songwriter and has been honored with Songwriter of the Year accolades. He was also named Top New Male Vocalist by ACM in 2002.

Starting for the 2024 season, Doyt L. Perry Stadium will be a cashless venue, including parking, concessions and tickets. Fans can purchase tickets for the BGSU Homecoming football game by clicking here.

For more information on 2024 BGSU Homecoming, visit BGSU.edu/homecoming.