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1Imagine going to a concert and walking away with a free vacation for two! That’s exactly what happened to over 35,000 lucky fans at Fenway Park on Sunday night.
During their "Love & Fear" tour stop at Boston’s famous Fenway Park, the Grammy-winning Zac Brown Band made a jaw-dropping announcement. Right before playing their song "Same Boat," lead singer Zac Brown told the crowd:
"I’m buying every single person here a cruise for two people. Every single person here gets a cruise for themselves and a loved one."
The massive screens on stage lit up with a phone number for fans to sign up right then and there.
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fans in attendance | 35,000+ |
| Value of giveaway | Nearly $40 million |
| Cruise line | Margaritaville at Sea |
| Cruise type | For two people (you + a guest) |
| When to use it | Select voyages over the next year |
IMPORTANT POINT
This is believed to be the biggest concert giveaway in history — and it came straight from Zac Brown’s own pocket as a thank-you to fans.
This wasn’t just any show. Here’s why this night was extra special:
As one fan, Zach Mattis-Roesch, put it:
"This is the greatest city in America. [Zac Brown] loves Boston… it’s become an essential Boston thing."
The surprise had a touching tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett (the "Margaritaville" singer who passed away in 2023):
Reactions ranged from total shock to playful disbelief:
| Fan | Reaction |
|---|---|
| Hannah Mattis-Roesch (Winchester) | "We were shocked… we thought it was a prank on our parents!" |
| Isabelle Cilley (Swampscott) | "We signed up hoping it’s real… if it’s free I would go, and that would be the only cruise I go on" |
| Georgia Cilley | Admitted cruises "aren’t really their thing" but would try it for free |
Even before this massive surprise, the band was giving away 4 cruises per show during their tour — but Sunday’s giveaway blew that out of the water!
Brown told the Boston Globe ahead of the show:
"I don’t think there’s going to be a time when I’m like, ‘Eh, I don’t really want to play Fenway.’ Like, I’m in. And I’ll be like Willie [Nelson], I’ll be playing until I can’t play anymore."
No! The cruise for two is completely free — Zac Brown personally covered the nearly $40 million cost.
Winners can redeem their trip on select voyages over the next year aboard Margaritaville at Sea ships (including the new Beachcomber launching in 2027).
A phone number was displayed on the stage screens during the show. If you attended, check your texts/email for instructions or visit the Margaritaville at Sea website.
You’re not alone! Some fans said cruises "aren’t their thing" — but since it’s free, many are willing to try it once. You can also gift it to someone else.
Absolutely! Brown said he’s "in" for the long haul and plans to play Fenway "until I can’t play anymore" — just like his hero Willie Nelson.
Did you attend the show? Share your experience in the comments below!