Billy Joel and Sting will perform at Rice-Eccles Stadium in May. President of Live Nation Utah Jason Farrell announced the concert on Thursday morning. Farrell told reporters it is sure to be one of the largest concert experiences of the year.
“I think people here [in Salt Lake] want the same level of entertainment that you can get in any major city, and we’re getting it,” Farrell said. “It’s awesome.”
The two artists will be sharing the stage at Rice-Eccles for one night only on May 23, 2025. Tickets go on sale through Ticketmaster on Friday, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m. Those with a Citi card will be able to access presale tickets on Monday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m.
Billy Joel and Sting
In his announcement, Farrell described Billy Joel and Sting as two of the most respected artists of all time, making their performance at Rice-Eccles such a big deal.
Billy Joel, the man behind iconic songs like “Piano Man” and “Vienna,” and Sting, British singer-songwriter and former front man of the band “The Police” kicked off their tour in February 2024. The setlist on their opening night included some of their most recognizable songs like “Shape of My Heart,” “Roxanne,” “Only the Good Die Young” and “Uptown Girl.”
This performance will be Billy Joel’s first time back in Salt Lake City since 2017. It will also be both artists’ first time playing in Rice-Eccles Stadium.
“It’s significant that we’re at a point that we can sustain and maintain productions and quality entertainment of this size,” Farrell said. “I’ve been doing this for 30 years, and I didn’t see this coming. But, it’s happening because the people in the state are awesome and they’re super excited.”
Farrell added that Billy Joel and Sting’s visit to Rice-Eccles is a great financial opportunity. Rice-Eccles Stadium has a capacity of 51,444 and according to its seat map on Ticketmaster, there will be 10 sections of floor seats available. More information on how to get tickets is available on the Live Nation website and Ticketmaster.
Events at Rice-Eccles Stadium
Bill Riley, the U Athletics director of broadcasting, opened the press conference with an homage to the stadium’s most iconic events. The events included the 2002 Winter Olympics opening and closing ceremonies, Garth Brooks’ two sold out shows in 2022 and the yearly AMA Supercross finals. He said this concert will be the next “big moment” for Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Riley added he hopes to see the stadium continue to sell out not only for the concert but for all of its upcoming events. Information about events happening at Rice-Eccles can be found on its website.
Kyle Whittingham, the U’s head football coach, also expressed his excitement for the announcement.
“I was fired up about Billy Joel when I heard he was coming, absolutely elated about that. Been listening to Billy for 50-plus years,” Whittingham said. “Can’t wait for the concert, I’ll be here, hopefully I can get tickets.”
