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Garth Brooks Rumored to Play Auditorium Shores at SXSW

The word on the street in Austin is that Garth Brooks may take Saturday's headliner slot at the Auditorium Shores free concert series.

Here's what we know so far. South By Southwest announced Thursday and Friday's lineup for the free concerts on the same day Brooks announced he'll be the keynote speaker at the music conference. As of today (3/16), Saturday's lineup is still a blank on the books.

To top it off, Brooks announced that he's going to hold a "very special" press conference at 11 a.m. on Friday (3/17).

So far, a Garth Brooks SXSW performance is just a rumor, but we'll know more on Friday morning.

Austin is in for an incredible evening if the rumor is true. SXSW's Auditorium Shores series, held along Lady Bird Lake downtown, is the conference's largest free music event. Anyone who has a SXSW guest pass or badge can attend.

According to Austin360, the outdoor venue's capacity is 20,000. Brooks regularly sells out venues of 50,000 and up. Add the fact that it's a free concert, and things could get nutty in the Capitol City, especially during a week when the city is already packed to the brim.

We'll keep you updated on this story as we learn more.

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