KALAMAZOO, Mich. – When fans make their way to Kalamazoo this fall for Western Michigan football games, they will be welcomed by a new and exciting gameday experience, as Buster's Block Party will be getting fans ready for game day! To kick-off this new game day experience, WMU is excited to be welcoming country music star Chase Bryant, who will be performing at the first Block Party on Saturday, September 17, prior to the Broncos' home opener against defending ACC champion Pittsburgh.
 
Kickoff between the Broncos and Panthers is set for 7:30 pm, but the fun begins long before kickoff, as the tailgate lots open four hours prior to the start of the game. Buster's Block Party is a free pregame event for all Bronco fans, featuring interactive fan activities, entertainment, giveaways and concluding with the concert. Local country radio station WIN 98.5 will be on hand doing a live remote broadcast leading up to the concert at 5:30 pm.
 
"We're committed to making Bronco Football gamedays a top-notch experience for all of our fans, and what better way to kick it all off than with a big-name country music star like Chase Bryant, followed by a night game against the reigning ACC champs!" WMU Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae said. "I'm looking forward to seeing Bronco Nation PACK WALDO for PITT on September 17! Go Broncos!"
 
Bryant burst onto the country music scene in 2015 when his debut single, "Take It On Back", became a top-10 single on Billboard's Country Airplay chart. His second single, "Little Bit of You", climbed all the way up to number four on the Country Airplay chart. Last year, Bryant released his latest album, Upbringing.
 
Buster's Block Party will be held in Lot 13, which is located on the corner of West Michigan Avenue and Ring Road, in between the Student Recreation Center and Kanley Track on the WMU campus. The lot will be closed for parking and cars, and can only be accessed on foot on game days. The tailgate concert is a free event.