DENVER — OneRepublic and Dierks Bentley will perform in Civic Center Park on Sept. 8 as part of the NFL’s season-opening game that will feature the Super Bowl champion Broncos, the NFL announced Monday.
The artists will be be a part of an hourlong pregame show on NBC and NFL Network beginning at 5:30 p.m. before the Broncos and Carolina Panthers meet in a Super Bowl 50 rematch at 6:30 p.m.
The performances are part of the celebration to start the new season and to honor the Super Bowl champions. This is the 15th year the NFL is opening on a Thursday night to celebrate the previous season’s Super Bowl winner.
OneRepublic formed in 2002 in Colorado Springs.
Besides the performances, there will be a free two-day fan festival at the park. The musical performances are also free to the public. The festival will be in the same location where thousands gathered to celebrate the Broncos’ championship in February.
It’s the second time the Broncos are playing in the season-opening game.
Three years ago, the Broncos played in the Thursday opener against the then-Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens were forced to play on the road because of conflicts with the Baltimore Orioles.
The league also announced that Grammy-nominated performer Andra Day will sing the national anthem.