Country super-star Luke Bryan played his Kick the Dust Up Tour at the USANA Amphitheatre on Aug. 26 and 27. Photo courtesy Tom Craig CC Creative Commons
Country superstar Luke Bryan performed at USANA Amphitheater in West Valley City on his “Kick The Dust Up” tour Aug. 26 and 27.
Bryan played sold-out shows both days along with openers, including special guests Randy Houser and Dustin Lynch.
USANA is a 20,000-seat outdoor amphitheater and one of Utah’s attractive outdoor venues. The location of the amphitheater makes an exclusive experience for people all ages to enjoy outdoor concerts and events in the venue.
Austin Otto, a senior from Iowa, has never been to USANA for any concert or events before Luke Bryan made it his first visit.
“That night made the scenery a perfect night to be outside with a big group of friends,” Otto said. “Me and my friends planned this concert over the summer. It was an end to the summer and a beginning of the school year kind of concert, which made it a special one.”
Concerts can be expensive, especially as a student. USANA is located 14.7 miles away from Salt Lake City, which makes it difficult to use public transportation without being too expensive.
Chloie Dale, communication major, said she got pressured into going by her group of friends last minute.
“If someone didn’t drive out there, I wouldn’t have gone,” Dale said.
Otto, another Westminster student, said he probably would not have gone either.
“If it was a last minute thing buying a ticket later on and not planned transportation properly, I would probably not have gone,” he said. “Since it worked out and we planned it in advance, we managed to make it possible for everyone to go.”
Country fans are facing the USANA venue in West Valley City and ready to welcome Luke Bryan on stage. Photo courtesy Austin Otto
Some students looked into public transportation such as trax, Lyft and Uber, but managing money for the concert ticket and an expensive ride on top of that was not an interest.
“Since we planned the event in advance, we had two people drive two SUVs, which made it easy to get out there,” Otto said. “We talked about taking a Lyft or Uber, but it was too expensive.”
Luke Bryan made sure to put on a show for his young Country fans, thanks to his well-known party anthems for fans to sing along to.
Otto didn’t hide that his money was well worth the Country experience.
“It was something to look forward to,” he said. “When the summer started, all of my friends went different ways, so it felt good to be back together in a setting like this.”
Even though some students got pressured into going to a Country concert, Chloie Dale was sure to express her feelings about Luke Bryan.
“Country boy, shake it for me,” she laughs.
