
XSF & Friends Set the Stage at Cowboy Stadium
Since 1997, the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day football game has marked the kickoff of The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, the oldest annual charitable fundraiser in the United States! This year, country music star Lainey Wilson headlined the halftime show, delivering a fabulous performance that also included a duet of “Save Me” with Jelly Roll.
Behind the scenes, a carefully coordinated team (as listed below) ensured the production was executed flawlessly, going off “without a hitch” despite the demanding and tight timeline required.
Precision on a Tight Schedule
The halftime show required assembling and disassembling the stage in record time. Crews had just six minutes to roll out the stage sections, position them on the field, and complete the assembly. After the performance, they had only three minutes to disassemble and remove everything. This level of precision required extensive planning, coordination, and the use of specialized equipment.
The stage rollout involved moving multiple segments onto the field, each equipped with casters mounted to a custom-made bracket that bolts onto XSF plated corner blocks. This innovative system allowed for seamless movement and ensured the stage could be positioned quickly and securely.
Entertainment Staffing Services provided the skilled labor team to manage the rollout, assembly, and teardown, while E+Rigging supplied rigging solutions. XSF Truss systems served as the backbone of the show design, offering a lightweight yet durable structure that ensured fast and safe assembly.
A Proven Partnership
This year’s production built on the success of the 2023 halftime show, which featured the legendary Dolly Parton. The same collaboration of companies handled the design, setup, and execution of that event, refining their approach to deliver exceptional results under similar constraints. This continued partnership has been crucial in the support of the Cowboys’ iconic Thanksgiving Day celebrations.
More Than Entertainment
The Thanksgiving halftime show is more than a performance—it’s a platform for giving back. Since its inception, The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign has raised essential funds to help those in need across communities nationwide. The Cowboys’ ongoing collaboration with the campaign brings vital attention to this cause, and this year’s show reflected the spirit of generosity and community.
Watch The Show
The combination of Lainey Wilson’s captivating performance, Jelly Roll’s heartfelt duet, and the flawless stage execution made this year’s halftime show an unforgettable moment.
You can watch the entire performance on the NFL’s YouTube channel Lainey Wilson FULL 2024 Thanksgiving Halftime Show