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Country Stampede Kansas<\/a> and other music events are headed to a venue in the Wichita suburbs after a new partnership that will nearly double the capacity of this year\u2019s country music festival venue in Bonner Springs, according to Kustom Entertainment, the entertainment and music festival company.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A multiyear agreement between Kustom Entertainment and Gilley\u2019s Gambling Hall<\/a> calls for the venue, on the site of the former dog track behind Gilley\u2019s in Park City, to host 20 show days next year, according to Kustom Entertainment. That location can host as many as 35,000 people. The 2027 Country Stampede Kansas event is scheduled for June 25-27 in Park City. The 2026 event is set for later this month in Bonner Springs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In total, Kustom Entertainment and Gilley\u2019s will partner for show dates and festivals next year offering a range of musical styles, according to Matt Tholen, vice president of operations for Kustom 440, the production side of Kustom Entertainment.<\/a> Tholen spoke to The Eagle by phone Monday morning.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ll be all different genres,\u201d Tholen said. \u201cWe are literally looking at all genres. Obviously country, but we\u2019ll potentially be bringing in EDM (electronic dance music), rock shows, possibly jazz. There\u2019s nothing out of the picture.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kustom Entertainment\u2019s first event in partnership with Gilley\u2019s will be this fall, Tholen said. He said it will be at least a Friday and Saturday event. Kustom 440 is still lining up artists and Tholen said on June 8 that it was not ready to announce the genre or artists.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAs soon as we get artist confirmations we\u2019ll start the advertising,\u201d Tholen said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The move to Gilley\u2019s will allow Kustom Entertainment to expand the festival experience with larger crowds, camping, food and beverage options, and other on-site amenities, including more premium fan experiences, according to a statement from Kustom Entertainment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Phil Ruffin, owner of Gilley\u2019s Gambling Hall, said in a statement that he is excited about the partnership and the long-term opportunity it creates.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCountry Stampede and Gilley\u2019s share a strong connection through country music and live entertainment,\u201d said Ruffin. \u201cOur country and western atmosphere, guest experience, and hospitality make Gilley\u2019s an ideal setting for this iconic event. We are honored to partner with Country Stampede as it begins its next chapter in Park City.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n