Sting is in talks to headline an NFL Super Bowl pre-game “tailgate” concert as the latest mega pop star to appear in Minneapolis for the big game, Page Six has exclusively learned.
During his set, the former Police rocker will perform one number with his recent reggae collaborator Shaggy at the pre-Super Bowl gig on Feb. 4. Other acts are also in talks for the yet-to-be-announced pre-game show. A source close to the league told us that the concert would be at a different site than US Bank Stadium, where the game will be played.
Justin Timberlake’s playing halftime, with Pink singing the national anthem and Leslie Odom Jr. crooning “America the Beautiful.”
The move to book Sting for the tailgate gig comes as the league further tries to capitalize this year on a new Super Bowl weekend initiative to increase attractions aside from the game — such as concerts, celebrity chef tastings and VIP parties, which were once the domain of third-party promoters and hospitality groups.
Dave Matthews will perform a “Night Before” concert at Xcel Energy Center, backed by CBS Radio and On Location Experiences, the “experiential hospitality” firm partially owned by NFL owners. Other shows with ties to On Location, including through its Nomadic Entertainment arm, feature Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez, Florida Georgia Line, The Chainsmokers, Imagine Dragons and Kelly Clarkson.
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are curating a free 10-day Super Bowl Live extravaganza, complete with a tribute to local legend-turned-international music icon Prince.
A source said it’s still unclear whether the Sting-headlined show will be televised, but it could potentially boost ratings as a lead-in. For the past four years, halftime performances have drawn more viewers than actual playing time.
Page Six previously reported that Sting and Shaggy are working on an album together, and the duo recently played their song “Don’t Make Me Wait” at a Shaggy & Friends benefit in Jamaica. Reps did not comment.