Travis Tritt performs on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Blue Gate Performing Arts Center in Shipshewana, Ind. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

FORT DODGE — Travis Tritt is coming to Fort Dodge next summer; country music fans who want to see and hear him can start buying tickets on Friday.

Tritt, who has had a long string of hits including “It’s Great Day To Be Alive,” will be the headliner for the Fort Dodge Country Jam 2026 on August 8.

Leaders of Shellabration Inc., the nonprofit group that organizes the concerts, say there is a high likelihood of a sold-out show.

“This event, this show, will sell itself,” Jim Reed, the president of Shellabration Inc, said. “I think we proved last summer with the Trace Adkins concert that Fort Dodge has a thirst for high level country music.”

“This one has a high statistical likelihood of selling out,” he added.

The concert will be on the Fort Dodge Soccer Association fields at Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex, 1628 Nelson Avenue, Fort Dodge.

The concert was moved from its usual venue at Central Avenue and Ninth Street in downtown Fort Dodge because a large crowd is expected.

Along with the move came a name change; once known as the Downtown Country Jam, the concert is now called the Fort Dodge Country Jam.

Stadium Dr., a local group, will be the opening act.

That group will be followed on stage by Blake Jack & 35 South.

Then at around 9 p.m. Tritt will take the stage.

According to Reed, Shellabration Inc. conducted a survey on social media in which country music fans were asked what acts they would like to see in Fort Dodge. He said Tritt was “far and away” the No. 1 ranked artist in that survey.

“He puts on a great live show and plays a ton of hits,” said Craig Schlienz, a member of the Shellabration Inc. board. “This event is sure to sell out and be a real crowd pleaser for all in attendance.”

Tritt burst onto the country music scene in 1989 with the Top 10 hit “Country Club.” His other hits include “Help Me Hold On,” “I’m Gonna Be Somebody,” “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive,” “Love of a Woman,” “Best of Intentions” and “Strong Enough to be Your Man.”

He has performed duets with a wide variety of singers, including Marty Stuart, Hank Williams Jr., Waylon Jennings, John Mellencamp, David Lee Roth and Patti LaBelle.

Tritt has received a Grammy award, a Horizon Award and was named a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He is a member of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

Over the years, he’s had seven albums certified platinum or higher, 15 Top 10 hits, including five No. 1 songs, and 40 hits on the charts altogether.

He has sold more than 30 million albums.

Tickets for the Fort Dodge Country Jam 2026 featuring Travis Tritt go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday. Initially, they will only be available on ticketweb.com.

Beginning in April, they will be available at Hy-Vee, 115 S. 29th Street, Fort Dodge, and other locations to be announced.

Tickets will cost $45 through July 26. Starting July 27 they will cost $55.