Backstreet Boys Announce Branson Theater Residency, Ushering in a New Era of 90s Pop in the Ozarks

Branson, Missouri — already one of America’s most iconic entertainment destinations — is preparing for a surge of nostalgia, excitement, and star-powered tourism. The Backstreet Boys, one of the best-selling boy bands of all time, have officially announced the opening of the brand-new Backstreet Boys Theater on Branson’s legendary Highway 76 entertainment strip. The residency, which will launch next summer, is expected to be one of the most ambitious and high-energy productions the city has ever seen.

For fans of the 90s and early 2000s pop era, the announcement feels like a dream finally made real. For Branson — a town built on family entertainment, live music, and theatrical spectacle — the arrival of one of the world’s most beloved pop groups marks a historic moment.

A Theater Built for a Legacy

The new 2,500-seat Backstreet Boys Theater has been designed from the ground up to serve as a multimedia, immersive venue. Developers confirmed that the space will include:

• State-of-the-art concert-grade sound

• High-resolution LED screen installations

• A multi-level stage engineered for high-energy choreography

• Interactive pre-show lobbies and fan-experience zones

• Rotating exhibits featuring memorabilia from the group’s 30-year career

From the moment visitors walk into the building, the goal is clear: make them feel like part of Backstreet Boys history.

“Branson has been entertaining families for decades, and we’re excited to be part of that tradition,” said band member AJ McLean, who will take a leading role in the show’s creative direction. “This residency is going to be unlike any other show we’ve ever done — bigger, more personal, and built specifically for fans who’ve grown with us.”

A Residency Designed for Every Generation of Fans

The nightly performance — which insiders say will run approximately 95–110 minutes — will feature a blend of the group’s classic hits, deep cuts rarely performed live, and brand-new arrangements created specifically for the Branson stage.

Confirmed songs include global chart-toppers:

• I Want It That Way

• Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)

• Larger Than Life

• Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)

• Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely

But the residency will also include updated choreography, behind-the-scenes storytelling, and interactive audience moments designed to bring fans closer than ever before.

“We want every person who walks in to feel like they’re getting the kind of connection you can only experience in a place like Branson,” McLean added. “It’s nostalgia, but it’s also a brand-new chapter for us.”

A Major Economic Boost for the Ozarks

Branson city officials are already preparing for a wave of economic impact. With more than 9 million visitors annually, tourism is the heartbeat of the region — and a long-term residency from a globally recognized act could elevate the city’s entertainment profile to new heights.

Local hotels and resorts are planning themed packages tailored for fans traveling from across the country. Highway 76 restaurants and shops anticipate record foot traffic, particularly during peak travel seasons. Transportation officials are even considering shuttle expansions to accommodate the expected surge.

“This is the kind of announcement that doesn’t just bring people here — it transforms the identity of our entertainment district,” said Branson Tourism Director Megan Walsh. “The Backstreet Boys’ residency has the potential to redefine what Branson means to a new generation of visitors.”

Tickets and Fan Experiences Coming Soon

Tickets for the residency are expected to go on sale later this year, with pre-sale windows likely to open for fan club members first. The venue will also include VIP meet-and-greet packages, exclusive merchandise, and the “BSB Experience Lounge,” a rotating exhibit featuring wardrobe pieces, photographs, handwritten lyrics, and artifacts from the band’s world tours.

Early demand is already skyrocketing online. Within minutes of the announcement, hashtags #BackstreetBoys, #Branson, and #BransonEntertainment began trending across multiple platforms, with fans expressing excitement — and in many cases, disbelief — that one of the world’s biggest pop groups would choose Branson for such a major project.

A New Chapter for a Legendary Group

With more than three decades in the spotlight, the Backstreet Boys have defied industry expectations, transitioning from teen idols to global icons with multi-generational appeal. Their Branson residency signals not just a return to the stage, but a commitment to evolving, innovating, and reconnecting with the fans who have stayed loyal since the beginning.

Next summer, when the lights rise inside the Backstreet Boys Theater for the very first show, one thing will be certain:

For Branson—and for millions of fans across the world—Backstreet will truly be back.