ARLINGTON, Texas – DJ Diesel, aka Shaquille O'Neal, is coming to the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic!

The NBA Hall of Famer and sports commentator will headline the Goodyear Huddle Up Fan Fest and kick start the festivities surrounding the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the 89th Classic on Friday, Jan. 10.

DJ Diesel will take center stage in the West Plaza of AT&T Stadium at 4:30 p.m. CT as the feature attraction of the Goodyear Huddle Up Fan Fest slated to open at 3:30 p.m. and remain open until kickoff at 6:30 p.m.

"Shaq is one of the most recognized athletes of all time, and he's also one of the most talented entertainers in the country," said Kelvin Walker, Chair, Cotton Bowl Athletic Association. "Everyone should come out early to AT&T Stadium to enjoy DJ Diesel's energetic show and all the other great activations we have planned for the Fan Fest."

Fans must have a game ticket for entry into the Goodyear Huddle Up Fan Fest to enjoy Shaq's performance. Tickets via the Classic's ticket office are sold out. Secondary market tickets may be available via SeatGeek, the official ticket provider of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. Suites are available for purchase by calling 817-892-4470 or sending an e-mail to suites@dallascowboys.net.
 
O'Neal's affinity for DJing began as a teenager, according to his bio. At 14, he joined 5,000 other people to see the pioneering hip-hop group Public Enemy for the first time. That performance spurred him to do odd jobs so he could buy a $200 turntable at a pawn shop.

It was not until 2014, though, that O'Neal developed a penchant for electronic music. He became hooked on the genre after hearing Tiësto, Steve Aoki and Skrillex perform at the TomorrowWorld festival in 2014.

The former college and professional basketball star compared the adrenaline rush of DJing a festival to playing in the NBA Finals in an interview with The Dallas Morning News last year.

"When I get done with [DJing], I feel like I just played a Game Seven — energetic crowd going up and down, everybody having fun, kids just out there jamming," said O'Neal.

Fans and followers can keep up with the latest information on Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic activities and events at GoodyearCottonBowl.com. Follow the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.