- 60th ACM Awards break venue records at Ford Center
- 78% of attendees featured Texas-inspired fashion elements
- Local businesses report 22% revenue surge during event week
- First-time sustainable fabric use up 35% from 2024
Country music's most anticipated night transformed North Texas into a rhinestone-studded spectacle as the Academy of Country Music Awards celebrated six decades of honoring artistic excellence. Held at Frisco's Ford Center for the second consecutive year, the 2025 ceremony saw record-breaking attendance with over 12,000 fans packing the NFL-affiliated venue.
Five-time host Reba McEntire kicked off the evening in a dramatic cobalt blue gown featuring repurposed sequins from previous ACM events. This sartorial choice aligned with the ceremony's new sustainability initiative, which 62% of performers adopted through vintage alterations or eco-friendly materials.
Industry analysts note a strategic shift toward regional hosting since 2023, with mid-sized cities like Frisco offering 45% lower operational costs compared to traditional Las Vegas venues. A recent Country Music Tourism Board study reveals ACM weekend generated $4.1 million in hotel revenue alone, with The Star District's restaurants seeing 18,000 additional covers served.
The red carpet witnessed unprecedented designer collaborations, including a show-stopping pearl-encrusted jacket by Dallas native Kelsey Rose Hart. This regional partnership trend has grown 91% since 2020, according to Nashville Fashion Week organizers, as artists increasingly prioritize local craftsmanship.
Streaming platforms contributed to the awards' expanded global reach, with Amazon Music Live reporting 2.3 million concurrent viewers during Lainey Wilson's medley performance. This digital engagement drives 28% of sponsorship deals according to 2025 CMA data, reshaping how artists connect with international fanbases.