Country music legend, John Michael Montgomery, finished his thirty plus year touring career in front of a SOLD OUT house in Lexington, Kentucky’s famed Rupp Arena, which is proudly managed by Oak View Group, on Friday December 12th.  The evening was a family affair with John Michael’s son-in-law Travis Denning opening the night of performances, followed by John Michael’s son Walker Montgomery and Montgomery Gentry, featuring Eddie Montgomery, John Michael’s brother.

Loyal fans, family and friends gathered in Lexington for the superstar’s send off.  As Montgomery took the stage and began performing hit after hit, he was interrupted mid-show by his son Walker who stepped out onto the stage behind his father and said “Hey Dad, you never left Kentucky… you never moved to Nashville… Kentucky has been your home for all of your life… so we are going to have a special surprise for you.”  Then Walker invited the family onstage to share in a momentous occasion.

Walker introduced Rupp Arena’s General Manager Brian Sipe who made an incredible presentation to the country music icon by unveiling a permanent banner that will hang in the arena commemorating John Michael Montgomery’s iconic career and The Road Home Tour, The Final Concert on 12/12/25 at Rupp.

“Well I certainly didn’t expect that tonight! As much as I have come here to watch the Cats play, and just absolutely loved seeing those banners, all of those decades and years of greatness hanging from the ceiling of this place, I don’t even have words… I cannot believe it, but I’ll tell you what… That’s the most special thing that’s happened to me in my career!” exclaimed Montgomery, who was genuinely surprised and emotional.

Then the consummate professional continued the show performing many more of his epic hits before ending the night with a rousing encore of “SOLD,” which he invited everyone back onstage to perform with him.

Outback Presents CEO Mike Smardak had this to say about the show, “Congratulations to John Michael Montgomery on a legendary career. Working with him and his team on such an unforgettable event was truly an honor.”

“What an unforgettable night celebrating Kentucky’s own John Michael Montgomery. We were honored that he chose our venue for his final concert, and it was a true privilege for our entire team to raise his name into the rafters at Rupp Arena, cementing his legacy forever,” comments Brian Sipe, General Manager of Rupp Arena.

                                                         

ABOUT JOHN MICHAEL MONTGOMERY   John Michael Montgomery turned an uncanny ability to relate to fans into one of country music’s most storied careers. Behind the string of hit records, the roomful of awards and the critical and fan accolades that have defined his phenomenal success lies a connection that goes beyond his undeniable talent and his proven knack for picking hits. Thirty-six hit singles, seven that reached Number One, and eleven studio albums which have amassed millions and millions in sales, certifying Multi-Platinum as well as Gold RIAA status.   Montgomery received the CMA “Horizon Award” and was named the ACM’s “Top New Vocalist,” setting off a long series of awards that included the CMA’s “Single of The Year,” and “Song of the Year,” Billboard’s “Top Country Artist,” and a Grammy nomination.  Montgomery retired his touring career at home in Kentucky to a SOLD OUT house at Rupp Arena on December 12, 2025.

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Country music legend, John Michael Montgomery, finished his thirty plus year touring career in front of a SOLD OUT house in Lexington, Kentucky’s famed Rupp Arena, which is proudly managed by Oak View Group, on Friday December 12th.  The evening was a family affair with John Michael’s son-in-law Travis Denning opening the night...