Eric Church Cancels Upcoming Texas Show to Attend Basketball Playoff Game

Fans holding tickets to see Eric Church's Gather Again Tour stop at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, got a surprise from the Chief this week — a cancellation.

Church sent out a message to his fan club, the Church Choir, informing them that he was canceling the April 2 show. Tour stop cancellations and postponements haven't been uncommon in the last two years, but this one was not related to COVID-19. Instead, Church will be attending the NCAA Men's Final Four matchup between Duke and North Carolina in New Orleans.

"This Saturday, my family and I are going to stand together to cheer on the Tar Heels as the team has made it to the Final Four," he writes to his fans. "As a lifelong Carolina basketball fan, I've watched Carolina and Duke battle over the years, but to have them matchup in the Final Four for the first time in the history of the NCAA Tournament is any sports enthusiast's dream."

The "Heart on Fire" singer noted how important a moment like this with his family is to him. He also made sure to acknowledge that his decision is selfish.

"This is also the most selfish thing I've ever asked the Choir to do: to give up your Saturday night plans with us so that I can have this moment with my family and sports community. However, it's that same type of passion felt by the people who fill the seats at our concerts that makes us want to be part of a crowd at a game of this significance."

As of now the show will not be made up on a later date. The letter said all purchased tickets will be refunded and no action is required on fans' behalf.

While some fans tweeted their support of Church's decision — praising him for his loyalty to the Tar Heels — others pointed out the lengths fans sometimes go to in attending a show. A few Choir members chimed in saying they had already purchased airfare and lodging so they could see the Chief perform.