Football, music focus of 'Gridiron Bash'

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Fans of college football and popular music will have the best of both worlds when the "Gridiron Bash" takes place on U.S. college campuses this spring.

Billboard reported Friday that nearly 20 universities will play host to the April 18 football stadium events. Among the musical acts scheduled to perform are ZZ Top, Counting Crows and Maroon 5.

MSL Sports and Entertainment President Shawn Garrity, whose group is heading up the multiple-site events, said it will bring music directly to college football fans.

"It's a natural way to bring in the music and bring in the fan," Garrity said. "Up and down across the board, we're thinking we'll get between 40,000 and 50,000 people per crowd."

The musical events, which also will feature performances from singers Kelly Clarkson and Taylor Swift, will cost $35 a ticket and be paired with the school's football programs.

Billboard said there will be a pep rally at each participating school, along the introduction of each team's roster, a chat with coaches, autograph-signings by former football players and a scholarship competition.