Thomas Rhett at Golden 1 Center: Big Arena Energy and Country Heart
October 3, 2026 · Golden 1 Center · Sacramento, California
Words and photography by Aileen Savage for NorCal Country Club
A packed Golden 1 Center, three incredible performances and a night that reminded me why I love concert photography. Emily Ann Roberts, ERNEST and Thomas Rhett each brought something different to Sacramento, and I’m so glad I was there to capture it.
Emily Ann Roberts brought the energy
Emily Ann Roberts made every minute of her roughly 20 minute set count. She packed in her fan favorites and added Dolly Parton’s classic “9 to 5,” giving everyone a song they could sing along to.
From the audience’s reaction, it felt like plenty of people had come specifically to see her. The cheers and enthusiasm made it clear she already has a strong connection with Sacramento country fans.
Emily Ann told the crowd this was her second time performing in Sacramento, following last year’s visit with Cody Johnson at Golden 1 Center. Watching her command the stage, I couldn’t help thinking how quickly she is making her way up. She brought the voice, the personality and the energy to make a short set memorable.
ERNEST’s voice, songwriting and tributes
I was excited to finally see ERNEST live, and his performance delivered. One of the standout moments came from his fiddle player, who performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It was both unique and impressive, and a memorable part of the night.
ERNEST also paid tribute to Toby Keith with a couple of his songs and did an amazing job. I enjoyed his voice just as much on the covers as I did on his own material. Hearing him interpret other artists’ songs showed another side of what he brings to the stage.
He also performed a couple of Morgan Wallen songs he had co-written, which went over beautifully with the crowd. Between his own music, the familiar songs and the tributes, his set gave fans plenty to enjoy.
Thomas Rhett brought it
By the time Thomas Rhett took the stage, the arena was packed, and he brought the energy to match. He was constantly moving, working the stage and keeping the crowd with him. He is an entertainer through and through.
His familiar hits and longtime favorites were a reminder of just how many songs he has given country fans over the years. There was so much to watch and photograph, from the lights and stage action to the moments he shared with the people right in front of him.
Those fan moments were some of the sweetest. Thomas Rhett took fans’ phones and snapped selfies from the stage. I actually know one of the fans in the front row whose phone he picked up for a photo with the fan in the background. It was such a simple gesture, but it absolutely made his day.
That warmth stayed with me just as much as the performance. Thomas Rhett brought the big show while still making those individual connections.
A reminder of why I love this
As much as I enjoy photographing smaller venues, there is something about the stage, the lights and the action of a big arena show that pulls me right back in. This night made me want to get further back into the concert photography world.
Emily Ann Roberts and ERNEST were both fantastic, and Thomas Rhett gave Sacramento the full arena experience. I left grateful I had gone, excited about the photos and reminded how much I love being there to capture these moments.
