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ACM Experience Offers Fans Access To Artists and Country Lifestyle

This year, the week before the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards offers fans a special treat. The first ever ACM Experience allows those visiting Las Vegas to completely immerse themselves in the country music lifestyle. From shopping and eating to riding trucks and attending exclusive live concerts, ACM Week has a little bit of something for everyone.

Here are just a few events to take in during ACM Week.

Thursday, March 29
The Price Is Right goes country with Montgomery Gentry. Watch the country duo help host a special edition of the game show. They're not the first country artists to appear during ACM Week as past guests include Lee Brice and this year's ACMA host, Blake Shelton. See what Shelton had to say about his experience.

The Price Is Right Goes Country by ACM - Academy of Country Music on YouTube

Friday, March 30 – Saturday, March 31

Luke Bryan headlines an evening of free performances at Fremont Street Experience on Friday. The "I Don't Want This Night To End" singer hits the stage at 10:45 after a slew of performances from ACM New Artist of the Year nominees and special guests. What's sure to be a fun night begins downtown at 7:00 in the five-block entertainment zone.

Eric Church takes over the headlining duties on Saturday night. The powerhouse country rocker performs a free show at the same location, capping off another evening of live music. Saturday's performances also get going at 7:00.

The complete lineup is below.

Friday
7:00 – Love and Theft (Vocal Duo of the of the Year Nominee) – 1st Street Stage
7:55 – Hunter Hayes (New Artist of the Year Nominee) – 1st Street Stage
8:50 – Brantley Gilbert (New Artist of the Year Nominee) – 3rd Street Stage
9:45 – Scotty McCreery (New Artist of the Year Nominee) – 1st Street Stage
10:45 – Luke Bryan – 3rd Street Stage

Saturday
7:00 – Jana Kramer – 1st Street Stage
7:55 – Craig Campbell – 1st Street Stage
8:35 – Eli Young Band (Vocal Group of the Year Nominee, Single Record of the Year Nominee & Song of the Year Nominee) – 3rd Street Stage
9:50 – Laura Bell Bundy – 1st Street Stage
10:45 – Eric Church (Album of the Year Nominee & Video of the Year Nominee) – 3rd Street Stage

Watch ACM Awards artists play Live on Letterman.

Saturday, March 31

From Friday through Sunday, The ACM Experience will host several interactive indulgences so fans fully appreciate the country lifestyle. The ACM Expo, located inside the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, is the place to go for shopping, gaming and eating. In addition to unique vendors, the area will include a "town square" performance space to showcase rising artists in country music. After a day of shopping, visit the BBQ Throwdown, where contestants compete in a barbeque competition for a $50,000 prize.

While the "Dance Y'all Showcase" allows fans to learn country dance routines, the "Dr Pepper TEN Man Cave" provides sampling, entertainment, music and sports. Meanwhile, the Ram Ride and Drive outdoor test track gives visitors the ultimate adventure. With a 13-foot mobile hill and steel suspension ramps, it's a hands-on way to experience Ram trucks.

Additionally, on Saturday the NRA will host the Second Annual NRA Country/ACM Celebrity Shoot. The event is a sporting clays shoot with 20 teams of participants and celebrity captain Blake Shelton. The two-course, 10-station, 40-target sporting clays competition will boast 20 teams of five shooters and take place at the Desert Hills Shooting Club. Country artists including Lee Brice, Craig Campbell, Edens Edge, Craig Morgan, Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett will also participate.

Sunday, April 1

Zac Brown Band will host the 2nd Annual ACM Fan Jam. Broadcast live from the Mandalay Bay Events Center, the performance will be shown throughout the Awards telecast.

Watch ACM Awards artists play CBS Radio studios.

The event country fans have been waiting for, the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards honors the hottest stars in country music. Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton will once again host the evening's festivities, which will include performances by Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert and Tim McGraw, among others. The event will air on CBS at 8:00.

Monday, April 2

ACM Presents: Lionel Richie and Friends – In Concert will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Country music performers include Luke Bryan, Sara Evans, Tim McGraw, Jennifer Nettles, Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Rascal Flats and Kenny Rogers. The event features duets with Richie and each artist from his upcoming album, Tuskegee alongside solo performances. Tickets are available for purchase on Ticketmaster.

Visit the ACM Awards section at CBS Local.

Annie Reuter is an Associate Producer for Top 40 at CBS Local and founder of music website You Sing I Write. Follow her on Twitter @yousingiwrite.

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