Shane Gillis Sets New Record at KFC Yum! Center

Louisville, KY (August 11, 2025) – Comedian Shane Gillis delivered a hilarious, sold‑out performance at the KFC Yum! Center Friday night, drawing more than 14,500 fans and officially claiming his spot as the venue’s highest‑grossing comedy show ever. The performance surpassed the previous record set by Kevin Hart during his show on November 4, 2022.
 
Gillis’ record-breaking show, produced by Outback Presents, reflects his fast rise to mainstream fame. In July, he hosted the 2025 ESPY Awards on ABC, bringing his sharp-edged humor to a national audience and becoming a viral sensation overnight. The performance at the ESPYs capped off a breakout year for Gillis, who’s also the star and co-creator of the hit Netflix series "Tires", and the voice behind “Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast,” one of the most popular comedy podcasts in the world.
 
Shane Gillis' brand of fearless, working-class humor has resonated with a massive fan base, helping him cross over into large-scale venues. His sold-out stop in Louisville is the latest sign of a broader trend in comedy: arena-sized shows are quickly becoming the norm for top performers.
 
Later this fall, the KFC Yum! Center will welcome two more top comedy acts: Nate Bargatze, who will make his first appearance at the venue on October 5, 2025, and Katt Williams, who returns to the arena on November 7, 2025.
 
“Hosting Shane Gillis for this record-setting performance was a thrill,” said Eric Granger, General Manager of the KFC Yum! Center. “The energy in the building was electric, and fans were clearly having a great time. It was a night of nonstop laughs and a testament to the strength of live comedy at the arena level.”
 
This milestone reinforces the KFC Yum! Center’s reputation as a premier venue for top-tier live entertainment. Alongside major comedy acts, the arena’s upcoming calendar features an exciting mix of events, including Zack Top, Billy Strings, Brandon Lake, University of Louisville basketball and many more.