Jason Aldean, Def Leppard headlining new Winnipeg summer festival

FILE - In this June 7, 2017 file photo Jason Aldean performs during a surprise pop up concert at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn. Aldean’s moving rendition of Tom Petty's “I Won’t Back Down” on “Saturday Night Live” earlier this month will soon be raising money to help victims of the Las Vegas shooting. Aldean’s representative says all proceeds from the released song will be donated to the Direct Impact Fund dedicated to victims of the tragedy. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File)

True North Sports and Entertainment is launching a new annual summer stadium festival in Winnipeg, kicking off the concert series with Def Leppard and Jason Aldean.

On Monday, True North, along with the Winnipeg Football Club (WFC), announced the new annual summer music festival called The Thunder Stadium Concert Series.

“Our vision is to make the Thunder Stadium Concert Series an annual Winnipeg musical summer tradition and a destination that brings in fans from out of market,” WFC President and CEO Wade Miller said in a news release.

The two-day festival, presented by Trans Canada Brewing Company, is set to be headlined by Def Leppard (on July 9) and Jason Aldean (on July 10). Def Leppard will be joined by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Foreigner, and Toque, while Aldean will be joined by Tyler Hubbard, Nate Smith, and Madeline Merlo.

“Stadium shows and festivals are quickly becoming summer’s hottest entertainment ticket across North America, and we are excited to create the blueprint to bring a unique festival experience to Manitoba’s backyard,” Kevin Donnelly, senior vice-president of True North’s venues and entertainment, said in a news release.

Presale tickets will be available through Ticketmaster on Tuesday at 10 a.m. for Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Valour FC, Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose season ticket holders. On Wednesday, the artists’ presale tickets will be available, while general tickets will be available Friday morning at 10 a.m.