The City of Frisco estimates the event will generate $28 million in economic impact this year.
FRISCO, Texas — There’s something about country music and North Texas that goes together perfectly.
And this week, it’s front and center at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, host of the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards.
Just a few hundred feet away from the main stage, at Dee Lincoln Prime, the energy is just as electric.
“I’m a busy lady,” said Dee Lincoln, the restaurant’s owner. She said they just opened Dee’s Table, a new, more casual restaurant at the Star nine months ago.
Her upscale steakhouse is no stranger to the stars hosting private events for the ACMs every time they come to town.
With the big show just a day away, Lincoln’s team is already bracing for the rush.
“We normally open at four, [but] we open at two,” she said. “We’ll feed about 500 people before the show and probably a couple hundred more after.”
This is the third time the ACM Awards have made a stop in Texas. The city of Frisco estimates the event will generate $28 million in economic impact this year.
“I’ve been really, really blessed,” Lincoln said. “On days like this, we’ll do six figures a day.”
Hosting the show this year is a woman who knows a thing or two about country roots: Reba McEntire.
“To have it in Texas makes it very appealing, very fun,” Reba said. “Because cowboys, country music, it all goes hand in hand.”
This marks Reba’s 18th time hosting the ACMs, and her love for Texas is as strong as ever.
“To all my North Texas fans,” she said, “Thanks for the 50 years that you stayed with me.”
From the stage lights to the dinner tables, Frisco is buzzing with excitement as visitors, fans, and stars pour into town.
And as the big night draws near, businesses are booming, music is playing, and the heart of Texas is shining.
“It’s an interesting and beautiful journey,” Lincoln said.
