Anything goes for FGL

Jenna Principe | Contributor

Country music fans, adorned in their cowboy boots, hats, and southern charm, packed the Sleep Train amphitheater in Chula Vista on Saturday, Oct. 3 to watch Florida Georgia Line perform on their “Anything Goes” tour. The country duo, Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, attracted thousands of fans from all over the area to witness the fun, upbeat, pop-infused music.

The pair opened up with their song, “Every Night,” setting a bold, lively, energetic tone for the night. Multi-colored lights synchronized with the mix of heavy vocals, booming drum and guitar instrumentals, and catchy pop rhythms. Flashing vibrant fervor of the entire night onto the faces of the crowd that did not shy from dancing and singing along to every lyric.

Dozens of Toreros were in attendance and had long anticipated the show, including sophomore Aidan James, who shared his excitement prior to the eventful night.

“I heard good things about their concert in Vegas on Friday night,” James said. “Apparently they played fun music to sing and dance to, so there was no way it could not be a blast!”

Devoted fans arrived at the venue hours before the concert began to enjoy parking lot tailgating in the company of other fans. Music blasted from truck beds, families and friends played corn hole and ladder golf, and people soaked in sun and good company as they waited for the concert to begin. Everyone was certainly having a great time before the concert even started, a testament to the great night ahead.

Once the gates opened, fans flooded the sold-out amphitheater to find their seats or spots on the lawn area. The tightly packed venue did not deter fans from their endless dancing, screaming, and chanting. The lights at last dimmed to welcome opening acts Frankie Ballard and Thomas Rhett.

Ballard played his hit single “Young and Crazy” and Rhett performed his popular song “Get Me Some of That,” building the energy for the much-anticipated main act. Once Florida Georgia Line finally hit the stage, the commotion of the crowd was boundless as eager fans were finally able to welcome the performance they had long awaited.

Groups of friends jammed together, jumping and singing to their favorite songs, creating lifelong memories. Senior Emily Abay was one of many fans in the crowd who shared in the excitement of the musical performance.

“One of my favorite things about country concerts is the overall vibe from everyone in the crowd,” Abay said. “Everyone is there to just enjoy the music and company. The greatest feeling is when you have your arms wrapped around some of your closest friends and you find yourself swaying back and forth singing in unison with the rest of the crowd.”

The duo did not hesitate to acknowledge the rowdy and vibrant crowd. They expressed their gratitude for their San Diego fans and their unrelenting willingness to have a good time. Not only was the audience able to connect with the performance, but they were also able to connect with each other.

The band wrapped up the night with what is perhaps their most popular single, “Cruise.” The energy of the night was definitely not lost during the last song.  Sophomore Helen Patterson thoroughly enjoyed her night with some of her closest Toreros friends.

“Everyone was happy and dancing and singing to all the songs,” Patterson said. “It was a great night!”

Not a single person in the crowd declined to sing and dance along, ending the concert on a fantastic note. The night ended complaint free and attendants were content with their night full of music and great friends.