As we approach another exciting year at the K-LOVE Fan Awards, we wanted to take a moment and talk about the different ways you can enjoy the ultimate fan experience. When we talk about the “best” way to do something, we have to remember that not everyone has the same priorities. A single person in her thirties is probably going to plan out a weekend at the K-LOVE Fan Awards differently than a multi-generational family might. Then there are fans with disabilities, people who have been to the show multiple years, and so on. Instead of making a list of things that you “absolutely must do,” let’s look at a few of the options you may want to consider during a weekend full of concerts, meet and greets, and other fun opportunities.
So if one were to sign up to attend the K-LOVE Fan Awards, the first thing you’ll have to think about is what kind of package you are going to purchase. The most popular way to enjoy the weekend, and what we recommend if you’ll be joining us, is to register for a three-night package. This means that you will get to be a part of absolutely everything the K-LOVE Fan Awards has to offer. From the opening Kick Off Concert (featuring Tauren Wells, Jordan Feliz, and Casting Crowns in 2018) to the actual awards show on Sunday night, you get to see all of the action. You’ll also get to stay in one of the country’s most luxurious places to lay your head, the Gaylord Opryland Resort. For those who can’t join us on Friday, there are some two-night packages as well. Sadly these people have to miss out on a fun opening concert, but the rest of the weekend’s festivities are up for grabs.
Nashville, TN is not only the home of country music, as many Christian artists have also flocked to the city over the years. At the same time the city has become one of the hottest destinations in America for people looking to pick up and move. That means that the K-LOVE Fan Awards has plenty of attendees who don’t care to stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. For people in this situation or something similar, we have the Event Only package. We’d like to remind you that this package is not only for the awards show on Sunday night, but all of the weekend’s events. The main difference is that you will miss out on two free breakfasts and you won’t be staying at the resort with everyone else. For some this is the perfect setup, but most people still opt for the regular three-night package we listed above.
What would an awards show be without a red carpet, right? We’ve all watched the Oscars or similar programs and imagined ourselves walking down the star-studded entrance. At the K-LOVE Fan Awards you can witness the experience for yourself, watching as your favorite Christian musicians and entertainers make their way to the year’s biggest fan event. Attending the red carpet is the best opportunity to see artists like Francesca Battistelli and Tauren Wells up close and personal. While you may not get to speak with each performer, it’s exciting to see all of these people whose music you enjoy congregated together.
The positive aspects of attending the red carpet should be pretty self-evident, but what should fans expect going in? If you want to ensure that you claim some prime real estate against the rails, you’ll probably want to arrive early. The only downside to this (and something you’ll have to weigh the pros/cons on) is that you better be comfortable. The thing about red carpets is that no one really knows what time an artist will arrive. If there’s one specific artist you are hoping to see, it might be a long wait. Also, remember to look at the weather and plan ahead. If there is heavy rain or excessive heat, you’ll want to be prepared. Witnessing the red carpet is something you will definitely enjoy, but do your homework and talk with your group before committing one way or the other.
In other words, you want to make time management decisions. Not just when it comes to the awards show finale, but throughout the weekend you and/or your family will have to decide how much time you want to devote to certain activities, how early you want to arrive, where you would like to sit, etc. Let’s look at a few areas, aside from the red carpet, where you’ll need to manage your time.
This is probably one of the biggest reasons why you are attending the K-LOVE Fan Awards. It’s amazing that you can see such a large number of today’s biggest acts in one place, whether it be at the Kick Off Concert, the Songwriters Showcase, or the big show on Sunday night. While the K-LOVE Fan Awards has assigned seats for everyone attending (which you’ll find on your ticket for the ceremony), other concerts throughout the weekend are more of a first-come, first-serve basis. That means you’ll need to prioritize arriving early and standing in line if the best seats mean that much to you. For people with small children or certain medical needs, maybe that time and effort isn’t worth it. After all, the best seats aren’t the only good seats.
Part of what makes the K-LOVE Fan Awards such a big experience for the fans is that they have the opportunity to meet several of the biggest entertainers in Christian music. As you can imagine, meet and greets can equal long lines. Budget your time accordingly. One thing you might want to think about is picking which artists you want to meet most. You may have time to meet everyone, but just in case the worst happens, think about which people you are the biggest fans of and make sure you can come by and see them.
Meals are another big part of the weekend, but mainly that’s just because we all need food to survive. If you have registered for one of the overnight packages, you will have two free breakfasts. That still leaves you with several meals on your own. The Gaylord Opryland Resort has several great places to eat, but there can be heavy traffic at times. Think about your meal options and how much time they will take. You don’t want to miss a meet and greet just because your family didn’t think ahead when they wanted to try some hot chicken place 20 minutes away.
As you’re thinking about your upcoming K-LOVE Fan Awards experience, try to open up your mind to what a successful weekend looks like. “What does that even mean?” Sometimes we go into a conference, movie, family vacation, or business opportunity and think “If (insert the blank) doesn’t happen, then this whole thing was a waste of time.” Stop that. You’re setting yourself up for failure. At the K-LOVE Fan Awards you are going to see a ridiculous number of talented Christian musicians doing the thing that God has put them on the earth to do. You might also get to enjoy a city you’ve never been to, meet new friends, find a life-changing book, and share a few laughs with your family. Don’t come into the experience limiting what it means to have a successful trip. If you take off the blinders and relax, you’re going to have a great time and you might even find a new favorite band.
Do you know what the K-LOVE Fan Awards has that the Academy Awards doesn’t? The ability for your vote to matter. Only at this awards show do you have the ability to freely vote for your favorite Christian singers and songs, both at the nomination level and for the eventual award. Make your voice heard and vote for the artists who have made the biggest impact on your life. That’s the easiest way to experience the K-LOVE Fan Awards.
Whether you are able to join us for the big show or not, we hope that you will vote for these musicians and entertainers and continue to support them through album sales, requesting them on K-LOVE, prayer, and so much more.
The K-LOVE Fan Awards is the year’s biggest event for fans and we would love to have you join us. Click on the banner below to find out how you can be a part of the action.
We know that making travel plans for you and your family can be a bit of a hassle. That’s why we wrote our own Nashville Travel Guide to help you out. Tennessee’s state capital is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, so come see what all the fuss is about.
