All right, no! Travis And Jason Kelce hosted a live “New Heights” show at their alma mater, and it was just as chaotic as Us expected.
Travis, 34, and Jason, 36, visited their old stomping grounds at the University of Cincinnati on Thursday, April 11, for a podcast taping and the first-ever Lombaby Games (a version of the NFL’s Lombardi Trophy). The brothers hyped up the event for weeks before fans filled Fifth-Third Arena on Thursday night.
“We’ve always wanted to do something for this university, for this city,” Travis said at the start of the show. “You gave us so much love for football and so much passion.”
Thursday’s celebration included nods to some of New Heights’ most viral moments and a few not-so-subtle shout-outs to Travis’ girlfriend, Taylor Swift. Jason’s wife, Kylie Kelcewatched from the sidelines – and was even seen taking photos and Give autographs for 30 minutes after the end of the event. donna And Ed Kelce supported their sons during their honorable graduation ceremony, which ended with Travis’ favorite catchphrase: “You gotta fight for your right to party.”
Scroll down for a recap of the most exciting moments from the New Heights live show:
Welcome the Swifties
After their performance – which, of course, featured pyrotechnics – Jason and Travis took off their hats to sing National anthemand it wasn’t the worst version Us has heard. (Sorry, Fergie.)
When the brothers officially opened the celebrations, they conceded Scream to all her fans. “Bearcats, 92%ers, Swifties,” Jason began as the crowd erupted in cheers.
The Lombaby Games
Before interviewing their special guests, Jason and Travis put current UC students to the test in a tough battle between Team Academic and Team Athletic (aka Nerds vs. Jocks). The groups competed in a series of challenges to win the Lombaby Trophy, the origins of which are familiar to frequent “New Heights” listeners. In the end, the Academic team won.
Travis tries (and fails) to spell “squirrel.”
A spelling bee was part of the games and gave Travis the perfect opportunity to prove that he can actually read. Travis tried to spell “squirrel,” recalling one of his old tweets that went viral in 2023. “Fk you!” he teased after being stumped. (Team Athletic’s Jizzle James was able to spell the word with ease.)
They asked him how to spell squirrel 😭 pic.twitter.com/ganMRbAskv
– not⸆⸉ (@rwylnich) April 12, 2024
Shake off
During a round of “Name that Song,” the marching band played Swift’s “Shake It Off.” Travis immediately started dancing and gushed after the music stopped that it was “one of my favorites.” He’s not the only fan – Jason said his eldest daughter Wyatt loves it too 1989 Blow.
How many Taylor songs were played?
“Shake It Off” may have been Travis’ favorite, but the crowd went even more wild when “22 (Taylor’s Version)” came over the speakers. Another video showed “Cruel Summer” thundering through the venue – who would have thought The Eras Tour stopped in Cincinnati?
Cruel Summer plays beforehand #NewHeightsLive pic.twitter.com/T3kFhZJGtQ
– Allie “Hello baby!” N1 INDY!! (@TSwizzleStruck) April 11, 2024
“Twilight” (Kelce version)
An edited one dusk Movie poster with Jason as Edward Cullen and Kylie as Bella Swan on the big screen. In a June 2023 podcast clip, Jason proved that he is an unofficial expert on the vampire series, and he hasn’t thought about it since.
Pools with Skyline Chili
The Lombaby Games were a nod to Cincinnati famous Skyline Chili for a game inspired by Jason hilariously losing his Super Bowl ring Kelce Documentary scene. Students piled into inflatable pools full of spaghetti and chili — and things got chaotic.
Travis Kelce didn’t shy away from giving his girlfriend Taylor Swift her flowers on his podcast. The couple’s romance began shortly after Travis first mentioned the pop star on the New Heights podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother Jason Kelce. In July 2023, Travis remembered seeing Swift perform at Arrowhead Stadium […]
The sandwich cannon
While at first glance it looked like Travis was wielding an average t-shirt cannon to fire up the crowd, he was actually firing Subway sandwiches. “Lunch from the air is always enough. #Bearcats,” one participant tweeted. (Earlier in the night, Donna was seen handing out sandwiches to eager fans.)
#NewHeightsCincy Travis with THE CANNON 💥 pic.twitter.com/uSbsRJrE11
– Jake R (@Jrobidy) April 12, 2024
Jason’s rapid change
There was a break between the Lombaby Games and the podcast recording, and when Jason returned he was rocking bright red gym shorts, Timberlands and a sleeveless varsity jacket.
Taylor Swift spotted (sort of)
Not only did fans bring friendship bracelets to trade at the podcast recording, but one attendee even brought one Cardboard cutout from Swift to join them in the stands.