2025 Stadium of Fire makes changes after fireworks accident, Rascal Flatts headlines

PROVO, Utah (ABC4) — This Fourth of July marked one year since the 2024 Stadium of Fire, where fireworks exploded into the crowd. Inside this year’s event, you could hear chattering, fireworks, the county music band Rascal Flatts and more.  

The Stadium Fire is a longstanding tradition in Provo, as part of the America’s Freedom Festival.

“I love the fireworks and the singers that come,” American Fork resident Kennedy McKinney said.

Another American Fork resident, Hannah Hanson, said, “It’s a tradition, we come as a family every year.”

Event staff said it’s one of the nation’s largest fireworks shows, and people are coming far and wide to see it.

Organizers also said that they made some changes this year. Last year, fireworks exploded into the crowd, seriously injuring just under 30 people. Staff said that the whistle fireworks that malfunctioned last year will not be used anymore, and they have a different fireworks vendor now.

Some people were concerned about coming back, like McKinney.

“We saw the firework explode last year, so we’re hoping we don’t get blown up by one this year,” she said.

Others were not concerned at all, and they were excited about the show.

“I hadn’t even thought about it. We were just excited to come,” Alpine resident Christine Morley said.

“If it happens, it happens,” South Jordan resident Joshua Johnson said. “But I’m not too concerned about it. I guess I’ll keep an eye out.”

Country music band Rascall Flatts headlined the Stadium of Fire as part of their reunion tour, which is celebrating the 25 years the band has been in music. The event also featured fireworks, of course, a drone show, a flyover by F-35 jets from Hill Air Force Base, and tributes to military and civilian heroes.