Performers added to Hall's grand opening celebration

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Even more show-stopping entertainment has been confirmed to take center stage during the NASCAR Hall of Fame grand opening festivities in Uptown Charlotte on May 11. New additions to the star-studded roster of performers include the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus at 10 a.m. ET and country-music duo Bomshel at 5 p.m., leading up to the Love and Theft concert at 7 p.m.

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The Hall of Fame will bring NASCAR's history to life and preserves that history in the appropriate environments. The facility will allow fans to have the opportunity to relive the sport's greatest moments.

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To kick off the festivities, the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus will perform the national anthem prior to the opening ceremony. Created in 1967, this nonprofit musical group is composed of division troopers representing every unit within the 82nd Airborne Division and performs throughout the United States. Later that day, Bomshel will take the stage with a high-energy performance of songs from their freshman album, Fight like a Girl. Their vivacious personalities and sense of musical adventure have catapulted Kristy Osmunson and Kelley Shepard up the country-music charts with their singles Fight like a Girl and 19 and Crazy.

"These exceptional acts are really adding to the anticipation of the grand opening," said Winston Kelley, executive director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. "Along with the talented artists we've already announced, the All-American Chorus and Bomshel are going to bring some extra excitement to the table on May 11. This celebration is set to be a great show for our guests and the community and a one-of-a-kind chance to meet NASCAR drivers, enjoy free entertainment and experience the NASCAR Hall of Fame."

The one-hour opening ceremony will begin promptly at 9 a.m. ET and culminate with NASCAR celebrities, elected officials and other dignitaries officially opening the interactive venue. The opening ceremony will be followed by a free community celebration outside the NASCAR Hall of Fame (10 a.m. through 8 p.m. ET). In addition to Bomshel, Lee Brice, and Love and Theft, other activities will include NASCAR celebrities, question-and-answer sessions, strolling entertainment and food vendors.

The star of the show that day will be the NASCAR Hall of Fame itself. Tickets to enter the high-tech, interactive attraction are on sale now and can be purchased at www.NASCARHall.com or by calling 877-231-2010. Tickets are $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors and military, $12.95 for children 5-12 and free for children younger than 5. Memberships provide unlimited entry for one year and start at $25 for children and $50 for adults. Group discounts, facility rentals and sponsorships also are available by calling 704-654-4400.

Schedule of Events (all times ET)

• 9-10 a.m. -- Opening Ceremony, Ceremonial Plaza; no ticket required
• 10 a.m.-8 p.m. -- Community celebration, Ceremonial Plaza; no ticket required
• 10 a.m.-8 p.m. -- Facility hours, NASCAR Hall of Fame; ticket required
• 10 a.m. -- 82nd Airborne All-American Chrous, Ceremonial Plaza; no ticket required
• 2 p.m. -- Lee Brice concert, Ceremonial Plaza; no ticket required (ideal for after-school kids and families)
• 5 p.m. -- Bomshel Concert Ceremonial Plaza; no ticket required (ideal for the post-work audience)
• 7 p.m. -- Love and Theft concert, Ceremonial Plaza; no ticket required (ideal for the post-work audience)

All Ceremonial Plaza activities that day are free to the public. The Ceremonial Plaza faces Martin Luther King Boulevard between Caldwell and Brevard Streets. Guests are encouraged to use the Charlotte Area Transit System.