From the AP: Chesney to perform at stadiums this summer:

[ZetaPhi708]

By Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Country superstar Kenny Chesney will perform at football and soccer stadiums in several U.S. cities this year, including a July 8 show at Nashville's Coliseum.

"The last time I played this stadium was with George Strait," Chesney said Thursday at the stadium where the Tennessee Titans NFL football team plays.

That concert was back in 2000, before Chesney became one of the top-selling touring acts of any musical genre. Last year he grossed $63 million, fourth among all touring acts, and his attendance of 1.2 million was second only to U2.

Gretchen Wilson, Dierks Bentley, Big & Rich and Little Big Town will open the concert.

Chesney also will perform at professional football stadiums in Seattle (June 24), Boston (July 16), Detroit and Tampa and at professional soccer stadiums in Dallas, Chicago, Columbus, Ohio, and Los Angeles. Dates were not yet announced for all the shows.

Wearing a blue ball cap instead of his trademark cowboy hat, the Knoxville native said he's excited about the Nashville concert.

"It's been my hometown for 14 years," he said.

Recalling one of his earliest performances in the city, at a small club with a tip jar in front of him, he said, "Being able to do the kind of things we're doing today makes you very appreciative."