Photos: Florida Georgia Line headlines sellout night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena

Originally Posted on Emerald Media via UWIRE

Florida Georgia Line’s quadruple platinum hit song “Cruise” has dominated Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart, holding the No. 1 spot for 19 straight weeks. That is the longest stretch for any song in the past 50 years. On Friday night, they headlined a sellout crowd at Matthew Knight Arena, estimated at 9,500. The group claimed it was the fastest sellout for a country show at the venue.

Florida Georgia Line has skyrocketed since releasing back-to-back, multi-week #1 smashes in the US and Canada with the platinum-certified “Get Your Shine On” and “Cruise.” The record–breaking duo, comprised of Georgian native Tyler Hubbard and Florida’s Brian Kelley is the first in 21 years to top the Country airplay charts with their first two singles.

Confetti rains down from the rafters at Matthew Knight Arena as Florida Georgia Line's 90-minutes set draws to a close. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Confetti rains down from the rafters at Matthew Knight Arena as Florida Georgia Line’s 90-minute set draws to a close. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley are spotlighted onstage at Matthew Knight Arena midway through their set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley are spotlighted onstage at Matthew Knight Arena midway through their set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line drummer Sean Fuller kept the beats rocking all night for the band's 90-minute set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line drummer Sean Fuller kept the beats rocking all night for the band’s 90-minute set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line's Brian Kelley, left, and Tyler Hubbard rock out as their set begins. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, left, and Tyler Hubbard rock out as their set begins. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

University roommates and best friends Emily Kline, left, and Megan Tiller let loose at the front of the stage as Colt Ford closes out his set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

University roommates and best friends Emily Kline, left, and Megan Tiller let loose at the front of the stage as Colt Ford closes out his set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

The Florida Georgia Line set was replete with jaw-dropping visuals, including smoke machines, elaborate laser performances, and roving spotlights. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

The Florida Georgia Line set was complete with jaw-dropping visuals, including smoke machines, elaborate laser performances and roving spotlights. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line's Brian Kelley, left, and Tyler Hubbard share a bottle of Fireball whiskey onstage between songs. By the end of the show, the band had emptied the bottle together. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, left, and Tyler Hubbard share a bottle of Fireball Whisky onstage between songs. By the end of the show, the band had emptied the bottle together. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line's Brian Kelley, left, and Tyler Hubbard rock out as their set begins. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, left, and Tyler Hubbard rock out as their set begins. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line's Brian Kelley, left, and Tyler Hubbard play to a sellout crowd at Matthew Knight Arena, estimated at 9,500. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, left, and Tyler Hubbard play to a sellout crowd at Matthew Knight Arena. The crowd size was estimated at 9,500. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line's guitarist Brian Bonds enjoys a solo moment onstage. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line’s guitarist Brian Bonds enjoys a solo moment onstage. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Colt Ford's set was heavy on American patriotism, and his stage set was no exception to the theme. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Colt Ford’s set was heavy on American patriotism, and the stage exemplified the theme. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard throws his Oregon Ducks hat into the sellout crowd at the end of his set as confetti rains down from the rafters at Matthew Knight Arena. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard throws his Oregon Ducks hat into the sellout crowd at the end of his set as confetti rains down from the rafters at Matthew Knight Arena. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard sports an Oregon Ducks t-shirt and baseball cap during the second half of their set, and he referenced playing a pickup game of basketball with a handful of Oregon women's basketball players before the evening's show. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard sports an Oregon Ducks t-shirt and baseball cap during the second half of their set, and he referenced playing a pickup game of basketball with a handful of Oregon women’s basketball players before the evening’s show. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line's Brian Kelley, left, and Tyler Hubbard acknowledge the sellout crowd at the end of his set as confetti rains down from the rafters at Matthew Knight Arena. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, left, and Tyler Hubbard acknowledge the sellout crowd at the end of their set as confetti rains down from the rafters at Matthew Knight Arena. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard acknowledges the sellout crowd at the end of his set as confetti rains down from the rafters at Matthew Knight Arena. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard acknowledges the sellout crowd at the end of his set as confetti rains down from the rafters at Matthew Knight Arena. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Confetti rains down from the rafters at Matthew Knight Arena as Florida Georgia Line's 90-minutes set draws to a close. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Confetti rains down from the rafters at Matthew Knight Arena as Florida Georgia Line’s 90-minutes set draws to a close. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Many fans took to crowd surfing during the night's performances. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Many fans took to crowd surfing during the night’s performances. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard acknowledges the sellout crowd as his set draws to a close. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard acknowledges the sellout crowd as his set draws to a close. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line's Brian Kelley, left, and guitarist Brian Bonds rock out as their set nears the end. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, left, and guitarist Brian Bonds rock out as their set nears the end. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley are spotlighted onstage at Matthew Knight Arena midway through their set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley are spotlighted onstage at Matthew Knight Arena midway through their set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line lead singer Tyler Hubbard sings as the band makes their way through a 90-minute set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line lead singer Tyler Hubbard sings as the band makes their way through a 90-minute set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard throws his Oregon Ducks t-shirt into the sellout crowd at the end of his set as confetti rains down from the rafters at Matthew Knight Arena. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard throws his Oregon Ducks t-shirt into the sellout crowd at the end of his set as confetti rains down from the rafters at Matthew Knight Arena. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Colt Ford acknowledges the sellout crowd at Matthew Knight Arena as he closes out his set. Some 9,500 people were estimated in attendance. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Colt Ford acknowledges the sellout crowd at Matthew Knight Arena as he closes out his set.  Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line lead singer Tyler Hubbard pauses between sets. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line lead singer Tyler Hubbard pauses between sets. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Sara Trusty, left, and Kelly Bennett rock out in the lower bowl at Matthew Knight Arena between sets. The Salem residents have seen Florida Georgia Line some 2-3 times before. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Sara Trusty, left, and Kelly Bennett rock out in the lower bowl at Matthew Knight Arena between sets. The Salem residents have seen Florida Georgia Line 2-3 times before. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line guitarist Brian Bonds provides plenty of entertainment for the crowd as the 90-minute set kicks off. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line guitarist Brian Bonds provides plenty of entertainment for the crowd as the 90-minute set kicks off. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line's Brian Kelley, left, and Tyler Hubbard, far right, are joined onstage by Colt Ford, center, for a joint song. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, left, and Tyler Hubbard, far right, are joined onstage by Colt Ford, center, for a joint song. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line's Brian Kelley acknowledges a fan with an outstretched cowboy hat midway through the band's set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley acknowledges a fan with an outstretched cowboy hat midway through the band’s set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line's Brian Kelley transitions between songs. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley transitions between songs. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

A fan makes the Oregon "O" with his hands during the Florida Georgia Line performance. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

A fan makes the Oregon “O” with his hands during the Florida Georgia Line performance. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Thousands of cell phones illuminate Matthew Knight Arena as Colt Ford ends his set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Thousands of cell phones illuminate Matthew Knight Arena as Colt Ford ends his set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line guitarist Brian Bonds provides plenty of entertainment for the crowd as the 90-minute set kicks off. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line guitarist Brian Bonds provides plenty of entertainment for the crowd as the 90-minute set kicks off. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line lead singer Tyler Hubbard acknowledges the crowd as he opens the set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line lead singer Tyler Hubbard acknowledges the crowd as he opens the set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line lead singer Tyler Hubbard acknowledges the crowd as he opens the set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line lead singer Tyler Hubbard acknowledges the crowd as he opens the set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Thousands of fans patiently wait in the cold outside of Matthew Knight Arena. (Michael Shaw/Emerald)

Thousands of fans patiently wait in the cold outside of Matthew Knight Arena. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew King arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Shaw/Emerald)

 
Florida Georgia Line's Brian Kelley kicks off their 90-minute set. Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley kicks off their 90-minute set. Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

A guitarist for Dallas Smith warms up the crowd as the evening kicks off. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

A guitarist for Dallas Smith warms up the crowd as the evening kicks off. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

A pair of country fans line dance together during the final songs of Colt Ford's set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

A pair of country fans line dance together during the final songs of Colt Ford’s set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Fans high up in the upper level at Matthew Knight Arena didn't let their distance from the stage keep them from enjoying more than three hours of country music. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Fans high up in the upper level at Matthew Knight Arena didn’t let their distance from the stage keep them from enjoying more than three hours of country music. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Colt Ford sings into his personal "shotgun" microphone. His songs were deeply patriotic, paying frequent tribute to the United States and her armed forces. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Colt Ford sings into his personal “shotgun” microphone. His songs were deeply patriotic, paying frequent tribute to the United States and the armed forces. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Athens, Georgia native Colt Ford kicks off his hourlong set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Athens, Georgia native Colt Ford kicks off his hour long set. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Dallas Smith begins the night with their rock-infused blend of country music. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

Dallas Smith begins the night with their rock-infused blend of country music. Florida Georgia Line headlines a night of country music at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. on Dec. 13. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)

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