Sacramento State to celebrate MAC debut with Diplo, other homecoming shows through new partnership
Ahead of its debut in the FBS’ Mid-American Conference (MAC), Sacramento State announced Thursday a series of homecoming concerts in partnership with NPU Live, a music and entertainment company.
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Producer and DJ Diplo, country artists Dustin Lynch and Karley Scott Collins, and Mexican American EDM artist Deorro are among the acts through NPU Live comprising what is being billed as a weekend full of homecoming events, including the Oct. 16 game against the Ohio Bobcats.
“Homecoming is about celebrating our Hornet family, and this partnership will build a campus that is dynamic, engaging and connected to our region,” Sac State President Luke Wood said in a joint news release. “NPU Live has deep roots in Northern California and a track record of producing exceptional live entertainment around the country, making them the perfect partner. Our partnership with NPU Live reflects our commitment to building a vibrant campus community where students, alumni and the Sacramento region can come together through music, culture and shared experiences.”
A historic shift to FBS
The push for Sac State to join FBS is almost two years in the making, when local politicians, business and union leaders, and a former NFL player who is also a Hornet alumnus launched the SAC 12 committee in September 2024.
Sac State President Luke Wood has also been instrumental in advocating for the university to play at the FBS level. This year, Sac State will have at least five appearances on national television, the most in program history.
The entry fee for joining the MAC is $23 million over the next five years, but Athletic Director Mark Orr, in February, said he was confident the university would generate revenue through football game guarantees, ticket sales, sponsorships and philanthropic gifts.
Homecoming 2026 lineup
On Oct. 16, the Friday before the game, Diplo will blend electronic music with country as he presents Blazin’ Saddles under his real name: Thomas Wesley. Joining him are multi-platinum Nashville artist Dustin Lynch and Karley Scott Collins, dubbed by NPU Live as a rising Sony Music Nashville singer-songwriter.
Grammy-nominated producer WUKI will perform along with local acts Nico Crespo and Chango.
On Oct. 18, Deorro is set to bring a “Botas Y Rave” show, with guest performances from Farruko, 3BallMTY, Jessica Audiffred, JUOS and Banda La Más Pedida.
The shows will take place at Sac State’s property on 3001 Ramona Avenue.
According to the joint news release, NPU Live plans to host additional events each calendar year and is working with the university to offer internships and a credit course for students interested in careers in live entertainment production and venue management.
NPU Live also plans on renovating the Great World. Co to create a new venue with two indoor performances spaces and a capacity for about 2,800 people overall.
The concerts will take place roughly a year after a post-game Lil Yachty concert ended with people getting trampled and barriers being knocked down. Wood said the rapper did the concert as a favor, charging $100,000, which is half of what he normally charges.
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