Rascal Flatts To Open Kentucky Derby

Superstar trio Rascal Flatts will perform the national anthem at the 136th Kentucky Derby on May 1, and Capitol Records Nashville artists Little Big Town will serve as openers for the Derby’s sister race, Kentucky Oaks. Rascal Flatts’ performance will be broadcast by NBC Sports as part of the network’s live coverage of Kentucky Derby 3:00-6:00 PM CT.

Churchill Downs will initiate a new element within the Kentucky Oaks Day program when Little Big Town perform the national anthem live prior to the running of the Kentucky Oaks, the Derby’s sister race for 3-year-old fillies.

“The Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks are world-class entertainment events, and we are thrilled to partner with Rascal Flatts, one of the most popular and successful country music acts in history, on what we know will be an exceptional performance of “The Star Spangled Banner,” said Julie Koenig Loignon, Vice President of Brand Development and Marketing for the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs Incorporated. “The Kentucky Oaks is growing in national prominence, and we are excited to introduce a new musical element to our Oaks Day program with up-and-comers Little Big Town. We welcome these tremendously talented performers to Churchill Downs and look forward to the special contribution they will make to Derby weekend.”