Indiana Woman Celebrates 50th Rascal Flatts Concert At Ford Center
What artist have you seen the most in concert? A Rockport, Indiana woman is a huge Rascal Flatts fan and, tonight at the Ford Center in Evansville, will celebrate her 'golden' anniversary with the country music trio. Yes, it will be the 50th time Nikki has seen Rascal Flatts in concert.
Nikki recalls the very first time she saw them. It was March of 2001, the same year Flatts won the ACM for Top New Vocal Duo or Group.
At that time, the trio were building a loyal fan base and Nikki was already waving that flag. She saw them at the Murat Theatre in Indianapolis. She says, "I'm pretty sure they played with Jo Dee Messina for that one."
A few shows later, at her 8th Rascal Flatts concert, Nikki had her very first meet and greet with the guys.
That photo was taken in 2004 at a show in Champaign, Illinois. Fast forward twenty-one years, Nikki is gearing up for her 50th Rascal Flatts concert. Honestly it's a milestone she wasn't sure she would reach.
See, Nikki had tickets for her 50th show a few years ago. However, Rascal Flatts' original 'farewell tour' was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nikki had secured her tickets, but "was devastated when it was announced" that the tour wouldn't be rescheduled. It was around that same time that Rascal Flatts announced they were going to split up.
But, fans got some big news late last year when it was announced they were getting back together and launching the Life Is A Highway 2025 Tour! As fate would have it, the opening date of that tour is in Evansville, IN- about 25 miles from Nikki's Rockport home!
READ MORE: Rascal Flatts Bringing Life Is A Highway Tour to Evansville, IN
Nikki's birthday is October 3rd. Tickets for Rascal Flatts' latest tour went on sale on October 4th! Of course, Nikki snagged hers immediately and is ready to go! She says, "I have a group of friends who are going with me to celebrate my 50th!" However, instead of turning 50-years-old, she's celebrating seeing Rascal Flatts for the 50th time.
She adds, "I'm pretty sure this was meant to be for me!"
Apparently, so was this photo!
In February 2012, Big Machine Records and Radio Lia flew Nikki and her husband to Jacksonville, FL for the Thaw Out Tour. The couple were treated to a private meet and greet with Rascal Flatts before the show. They also received transportation, hotel accommodations and spending cash. Nikki says, "It’s was awesome!"
Now, this February, Nikki's finally getting the chance to see that 'farewell' tour. However, I think for this particular country music trio and their dedicated superfan, their '50th anniversary' together may just be the beginning.
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Gallery Credit: Abby Monteil