Zac Brown Band gives away free cruise trip to more than 37,000 fans at Fenway Park show: ‘The biggest giveaway in history’
Everyone’s in the ‘Same Boat.’
The Zac Brown Band handed out free cruise tickets to more than 37,000 revelers at its Fenway Park show in what the country star branded “the biggest giveaway in history” worth a whopping $40 million.
Brown, 48, announced the reward just before he performed the track “Same Boat” — a song he collaborated on with the late “Margaritaville” artist in 2021.
“I’m buying every single person here a cruise for two people on the boat,” the Atlanta-born singer told the legion of fans that packed the famous ballpark, home to the Boston Red Sox, on Sunday, NBC10 reported.
Zac Brown of the Zac Brown Band announces a major giveaway at Fenway Park Sunday.
“This is the biggest giveaway in history ladies and gentlemen, right here at Fenway Park.”
Concert-goers were told to text “SameBoatBoston” to a special number before 11:59 p.m. Sunday night in order to claim their free cruise.
Zac Brown and his band hold the record for the most consecutive sold-out concerts at Fenway Park. Sunday’s gig was the band’s 15th sold-out show and the giveaway coincided with that milestone.
His band has teamed up with Margaritaville at Sea Cruises, which is the lead sponsor for his “Love & Fear” tour, for the giveaway worth an estimated $40 million.
“We were honored to work alongside Zac to help bring this incredible surprise to life for his fans,” Margaritaville at Sea CEO Christopher Ivy said.
“This was an extraordinary way to thank the fans who have supported him throughout his career, and we’re proud to have helped make that incredible vision a once-in-a-lifetime reality.”
Revelers can enjoy their free cruise on certain sailings next year.
The audience of more than 37,000 people cheers during the sold-out show.
“Super excited, looking forward to it,” Jeff Miner, who went to the concert with his wife, told WJAR.
Gianna Lemarier said her fellow fans were initially a little skeptical.
“They’re thinking, ‘What’s the catch?’ But then Zac’s like, ‘No, this is what it is,’ ” she told WHDH.
“How often do you get something completely comped like that? This is amazing.”
Nathan Whitcomb, who attended the show with his girlfriend and his parents, told WBZ his first reaction was, “Is he serious? I didn’t believe it. It didn’t seem real. It was just amazing. I’m still speechless.”
Zac Brown (above) had teased there would be an “amazing surprise” at the show, according to one fan. Zac Brown Band/PR Newswire
Serina Ryder, who also attended the show, said Brown had mentioned there would be an “amazing surprise” and she initially thought he would be performing with Snoop Dogg.
The Zac Brown Band and the iconic rapper collaborated on the 2025 track “Let it Run.”
“Never thought when he announced that he would be giving away a free cruise to every single person in the audience,” Ryder said.
Brown had teased back in April that his “Love & Fear” tour would feature something memorable for fans to treasure.
“We’ve got some new stuff as well because we always want to have a different show whenever we come out,” he told USA Today.
“I wanted to show our dedication to them [the fans] and give them something unique.”
The Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber liner, which will take to the seas in January 2027, features a live music room entitled “Same Boat.”
“Inspired by Zac’s life on the road and passion for the sea, this artist-designed space blends southern soul with signature island state of mind,” the cruise company says.
“Every detail, from the handcrafted stage and artwork to the acoustics and menu, was shaped to reflect Zac’s signature style and the ship’s laid-back rhythms.”
The “Love & Fear” tour rolls onto Pittsburgh on Aug. 13, where Brown will headline PPG Paints Arena.
He will then perform in Columbus, Ohio, the following night and Columbia, Maryland, on Aug. 15.
Brown will head to New York at the end of the month, performing at Queens’ Forest Hills Stadium on Aug. 27 and Aug. 28.
Singer-songwriter Grace Potter will support the Zac Brown Band for the New York concerts.
The 27-date tour, which started on July 17, runs until Nov. 21, where Brown will round off at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.
The Zac Brown Band will also perform in Nassau, the Bahamas, in January for Margaritaville at Sea’s meet-up event that will feature its three vessels: Paradise, Islander and Beachcomber.
