Spectators enjoyed performances by local and national groups, patriotic tributes and the headlining performance of OneRepublic at the 38th annual Stadium of Fire event on July 4.
“This is the place where we celebrate America’s birthday in grand style,” said Dave McCann, a KSL News anchor.
The stadium was packed with approximately 40,000 people – almost all dressed in red, white and blue.
“I love the Stadium of Fire. We come every year. It brings family, fireworks and festivities into our Fourth,” Erin Curtis said. Curtis and her family come from Tooele to the Stadium of Fire every year.
At the beginning of the night, all military and armed forces members in attendance were invited to stand and be recognized for their service to America. The crowd applauded and cheered loudly.
GENTRI and the 23rd Army Band took the stage to perform the National Anthem, while many in the stadium stood with hands over their hearts.
The National Anthem was followed by a performance of “Don’t Rain On My Parade” by Lexi Walker and the Stadium of Fire Dancers. A short rendition of the popular song, “The Greatest Show” from the Greatest Showman was performed next.
Following the “I Love A Parade” performance, GENTRI, Lexi Walker, the Stadium of Fire Chorus and the 23rd Army Band came together to perform “One,” a patriotic song.
Up next, the Gigg Stadium of Fire talent competition got started with the Honey Hounds and Dylan Dunlap going head-to-head in a live battle-of-the-bands showdown. The winner, Dylan Dunlap, was decided by the crowd in real time.
The Gigg talent competition was followed by three extreme stunt teams: Xpogo supercharged pogo stick acrobats, 50/50 BMX riders and World Cup Skateboarding.
After the extreme stunt performances, all of the lights went off in the stadium, except for a few on stage, as McCann welcomed OneRepublic to the Stadium of Fire. The stadium roared with energy as OneRepublic took the stage.
“It is a beautiful Utah night. Utah has to be hands-down one of my favorite places to visit,” said OneRepublic lead vocalist, Ryan Tedder.
Fans sang along to some of OneRepublic’s most popular songs, including “Secrets,” “Good Life,” “Stop And Stare,” “Apologize” and more.
“I want to give a huge shout out to military personnel here and all over the world. Thank you for all of your service and all your help. To risk your life means more than I could ever imagine,” Tedder said.
Tedder later dedicated their performance of “Come Home” to everyone who has served this country and to their families who want them to come home safely.
The Rockwell Airtime skydive team descended into the stadium shortly after OneRepublic’s concert ended for the “Skydivers in the Dark” event.
To finish the Stadium of Fire celebration, fireworks filled the sky with bright lights and brilliant colors for more than 25 minutes.
