The band's first appearance in the city after 16 years was kickstarted by a Crowdhoster campaign launched in March by Andrew Goldin. Goldin and his fellow organizers, Brig White, John McAdorey and Lucas Krost, set a goal of selling 1,400 tickets at $50 each to the hypothetical concert in order to convince the band to return.

Donors' credit cards would only be charged if the show sold out, and the contributions would be returned if the band didn't agree to play. The campaign surpassed its goal of raising $70,000 to make the event a reality.

Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones declared September 17 "Foo Fighters Day" in the city as part of welcoming the band back to Dave Grohl's former hometown.