Nelly to perform at 2022 Big E

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Big news came from The Big E on Tuesday as it was announced that Grammy award-winning hip-hop and R&B artist Nelly will perform at the fair this fall.

We spoke with music fans who are getting ready to secure their tickets which go on sale this Friday and sat down with fair’s talent booker to find out what’s in store for the rest of the concert lineup.

“My group chat this morning popped off right away, everybody saying ‘Nelly’s going to The Big E,’” said Stephen Arvanitis of Chicopee.

Music fans in western Massachusetts are feeling the buzz after the announcement on Tuesday morning that Nelly is set to perform at The Big E Arena this fall.

Nelly’s debut album in 2000 spent seven weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 and had several hits including “Country Grammar,” “Ride Wit Me,” and “E.I.” His second album garnered two Grammy Awards for “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma” featuring Kelly Rowland.

Most recently, Nelly released Heartlands with “Lil Bit” featuring Florida Georgia Line.

“It’s exciting to hear. Everybody loves Big E buzz. Once that’s starting up, puts people in a good mood, definitely something to look forward to,” Arvanitis added.

The Grammy award-winning artist will take the stage on Friday, September 23 during the middle weekend of the 17-day exposition. John Juliano of Mellowship Entertainment told Western Mass News the concert is a long time coming.

“It’s a party, is how exciting it is. He does give off a lot of great energy on stage. We’ve been trying for Nelly the last couple years, finally worked out this year,” Juliano explained.

So far, Nelly, as well as country stars Chase Rice and Jimmie Allen are booked for this fall’s lineup.

“The routing is so demanding. The competition is so big, everybody wants dates these days, especially after COVID, so we start well a year in advance for this stuff,” Juliano explained.

Juliano added stay tuned for announcements coming soon regarding the other seven nights of entertainment.

“We try to get as diverse as we can, so we’re gonna look at pop, we’re gonna look at rock, we’re gonna look at country, something that appeals to everybody,” Juliano added.

Tickets, which include fair admission, will go on-sale Friday, April 8 at 10 a.m. Prices range from $49 for floor seats to $39 for the bleachers. For more information on how to purchase, click here.

This year’s fair is scheduled to run from Friday, September 16 through Sunday, October 2.