The Department of Defense Warrior Games is pleased to announce an opening ceremony and concert taking place July 1 at 7 pm CT at Soldier Field in Chicago. The event will mark the beginning of the 2017 Warrior Games, a Paralympic-style competition for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans.

The concert will feature Grammy Award-winning artists Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson.

“The men and women that serve and protect this country on a daily basis allow the rest of us the freedoms we enjoy,” said Shelton. “I’m proud to be part of this event and root these heroes on to victory at this year’s Warrior Games.”

“I can’t wait to perform this year at the Warrior Games! Any time we can all be a part of something that lifts up and shines a light on all of these heroes that are participating is an amazing moment! We need more of these moments!” said Clarkson. “These men and women have put their lives on the line for us and have overcome so much in the process of doing that! It will be a tremendous honor to perform for them and their families who have sacrificed so much!”

The star-studded event will officially kick off the 2017 DoD Warrior Games, scheduled to take place June 30 through July 8 in Chicago. Approximately 265 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans representing teams from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), as well as the United Kingdom Armed Forces and the Australian Defence Force. Athletes will participate in eight adaptive sports: archery, cycling, field, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and wheelchair basketball.

“Warrior Games showcases the resilience and triumph of these athletes after overcoming significant injuries and illnesses,” said U.S. Navy Captain Brent Breining director of the 2017 DoD Warrior Games. “Having artists like Blake and Kelly perform at our opening ceremony concert demonstrates their support and gratitude for our military service men and women, and encourages people to get out and show their support for these heroes.”

Tickets for the DoD Warrior Games opening ceremony concert will be available online through Ticketmaster. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, June 6. Fan clubs and Citi cardmembers will have access to pre-sale tickets beginning Wednesday, May 31.