The annual Rock ‘N Jock Celebrity Softball Game is making its return to Nashville, transforming a night at First Horizon Park into a blend of music, sport and charity. Scheduled as a lively prelude to CMA Fest activities, the event gathers musicians, athletes and well-known personalities for a single purpose: to entertain fans while supporting the Folds of Honor mission. Attendees can expect a festive, family-friendly environment where on-field antics and live music combine with a charitable focus aimed at benefiting the families of fallen or disabled service members and first responders.
This year’s roster highlights include country artists such as HARDY, Zach Top, Jordan Davis, Ashley Cooke and Parker McCollum, plus rising names like Priscilla Block and RaeLynn. The attraction broadens with personalities from sports and entertainment: former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler, former MLB pitcher Roger “Rocket” Clemens, X Games champion Travis Pastrana, and veteran-founded supporters like Mat Best and Rocker Steiner. Adding a patriotic touch, GRAMMY winner Lee Greenwood will perform “God Bless The USA” during the 7th-inning stretch, blending pageantry and patriotism for the crowd.
What to expect at the ballpark
Fans should anticipate an evening that feels part concert, part exhibition game and part celebration. The event is set to kick off with a scheduled first pitch and a lively opening that emphasizes accessibility and fan engagement—think in-between-inning skits, celebrity interactions and occasional friendly competition on the diamond. In previous years the gathering drew thousands, and the 2026 edition attracted over 8,000 attendees while raising more than $670,000. Organizers are pressing to exceed that mark this year with a bold target: to raise $1 million in a single night for the Folds of Honor cause, turning entertainment energy into tangible support.
Star moments and fan rituals
The game has developed a reputation for memorable moments—costumed appearances, lighthearted rivalries and quirky traditions that keep fans coming back. Expect players to mix showmanship with athletic effort: occasional viral moments, playful wardrobe choices and interactive segments designed to involve the crowd. These fan-friendly elements create photo ops and social media highlights while keeping the evening fast-paced. For attendees looking to soak up the atmosphere, the combination of celebrity access and live music delivers both spontaneity and a sense of community tied directly to the event’s charitable goals.
Charity mission and community impact
At the heart of the evening is the Folds of Honor nonprofit, founded in 2007 by Lt. Col. Dan Rooney to provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen or disabled military and first responders. Since inception the organization has awarded nearly 73,000 scholarships and distributed roughly $340 million in educational support, with Tennessee recipients accounting for 3,457 awards totaling over $16 million. The Rock ‘N Jock game amplifies that work locally by channeling ticket sales, sponsorships and on-site fundraising into scholarships that directly help families in need.
Sponsors and organizational partners
Corporate partners play a central role in achieving the event’s fundraising ambitions. Veteran-founded Black Rifle Coffee Company returns as the title sponsor alongside supporters like LKQ Corporation and Jockey. These partnerships underwrite production costs and enable a larger share of proceeds to reach beneficiaries. Organizers and sponsors alike emphasize the organization’s track record of delivering practical support—transforming an evening of entertainment into measurable educational benefit for children and spouses of service members and first responders.
Tickets, timing and how to attend
Practical details are simple: the game takes place on Monday, June 1 at First Horizon Park, with fan entry priced at $20 (plus taxes and fees). Tickets go on sale Friday, April 3 at 10:00 AM CST via FirstHorizonPark.com, and early planning is recommended given the event’s popularity. Fans should arrive early to enjoy pregame activities, concessions and the social experience; those hoping for close encounters with artists and athletes may consider premium or early-entry options when available to maximize viewing and meet-and-greet opportunities.
Whether you come for the music, the celebrity competition or the cause, the Rock ‘N Jock Celebrity Softball Game offers an evening that combines spectacle with purpose. With a star-studded lineup, ambitious fundraising goals and a track record of community impact, the event represents a lively way to support Folds of Honor while enjoying a signature Nashville night out. For fans and philanthropists alike, it’s an opportunity to cheer for both favorite performers and a meaningful mission.
