Recapping the Most Unhinged Moments From Travis and Jason Kelce's Live 'New Heights' in Cincinnati
Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce. Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Travis and Jason Kelce, former students of the University of Cincinnati, recently hosted a live show called "New Heights" at their alma mater. The event was full of excitement and energy, just as we expected.
The Kelce brothers, Travis aged 34 and Jason aged 36, returned to their old school on April 11 for a podcast recording and the inaugural Lombaby Games, a playful nod to the NFL's Lombardi Trophy. Leading up to the event, the brothers had been building anticipation and excitement among fans, who packed Fifth-Third Arena on Thursday night.
Travis expressed his gratitude towards the university and city at the start of the show, mentioning the love and passion for football that they have instilled in him and his team.
During Thursday's event, there were references to memorable "New Heights" moments and subtle mentions of Travis' girlfriend, Taylor Swift. Jason's wife, Kylie Kelce, was seen on the sidelines taking photos and signing autographs even after the event ended. Donna and Ed Kelce showed their support for their sons during the honorary graduation ceremony, where Travis ended with his trademark catchphrase: "You gotta fight for your right to party."
Scroll down for a recap of the most unhinged moments from the live “New Heights” show:
Welcoming the Swifties
Jason and Travis made grand entrances with pyrotechnics before removing their hats to sing the national anthem. Surprisingly, it wasn't the worst rendition Us has heard. (Sorry, Fergie.)
The brothers then officially started the festivities by giving a shout-out to all their fans. "Bearcats, 92%ers, Swifties," Jason exclaimed as the crowd erupted into cheers.
The Lombaby Games
Jason and Travis started off the show by hosting a fun competition called The Lombaby Games. They divided the current UC students into two teams: Team Academic and Team Athletic (also known as nerds vs. jocks). The teams competed in various challenges to win the Lombaby Trophy, a prize with a special meaning for fans of the show "New Heights." In the end, Team Academic emerged as the winners of the competition.
Travis Attempts to Spell ‘Squirrel’
Travis took on the challenge of spelling 'squirrel' during a spelling bee game. This was his chance to show off his reading skills. However, he struggled with the word and jokingly exclaimed, “F—k you guys!” Team Athletic’s Jizzle James effortlessly spelled the word correctly, stealing the spotlight.
Shaking It Off
During a round of “name that song,” the marching band played Swift’s “Shake It Off.” Travis immediately started dancing, expressing that it’s “one of my favorites” after the music stopped. Jason mentioned that his eldest daughter, Wyatt, also loves the 1989 hit.
Which Taylor Swift Rerecord Is Your Favorite?
Number of Taylor Songs Played
Travis may love "Shake It Off," but the crowd went crazy when "22 (Taylor’s Version)" came on. Another video showed "Cruel Summer" playing at the venue - who knew The Eras Tour was in Cincinnati?
‘Twilight’ (Kelce Version)
Pools of Skyline Chili
The big screen lit up with an edited Twilight movie poster featuring Jason as Edward Cullen and Kylie as Bella Swan. Back in June 2023, Jason showcased his impressive knowledge of the vampire series in a podcast clip, earning him the unofficial title of an expert on the subject. Since then, he has become known for his Twilight expertise.
Students at the Lombaby Games had a blast participating in "The Sandwich Cannon" activity.
Travis surprised the crowd by using a T-shirt cannon to shoot Subway sandwiches instead. One attendee tweeted, "Aerial lunchmeat always does the trick. #Bearcats." Earlier, Donna was seen giving out sandwiches to excited fans.
Jason’s Stylish Transformation
During the break between the Lombaby Games and the podcast taping, Jason made a quick change and came back sporting a cool new look. He was now wearing bright red gym shorts, Timberland boots, and a sleeveless varsity jacket.
Taylor Swift Spotted (Sort Of)
Not only did fans bring friendship bracelets to trade at the podcast taping, but one attendee even brought a cardboard cutout of Swift to join them in the stands.
Editor's P/S:
The live "New Heights" show hosted by Travis and Jason Kelce was a resounding success, leaving attendees with unforgettable memories. The event was a testament to the brothers' close bond with their alma mater, the University of Cincinnati, and their unwavering passion for football. The Lombaby Games added a playful element to the festivities, while the references to Travis' girlfriend, Taylor Swift, elicited enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
The Kelce brothers' witty banter and genuine connection with the audience made for a truly engaging experience. Their willingness to embrace the absurd, such as the "Twilight" (Kelce version) poster and the T-shirt cannon filled with Subway sandwiches, showcased their playful nature and ability to entertain. Overall, the live "New Heights" show was a celebration of the Kelce brothers' journey, their love for their hometown, and the enduring spirit of university pride.