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March 19, 2024

Garth Brooks sets four-pack at Las Vegas Arena for July ’16

Garth Brooks

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Garth Brooks.

Garth Brooks @The Wynn

Garth Brooks. Launch slideshow »

AEG and MGM Resorts Arena Groundbreaking

Confetti flies as AEG and MGM Resorts International representatives and celebrities break ground on a new world-class indoor arena in Las Vegas onThursday, May 1, 2014.  The 20,000-seat sports and entertainment venue will be located near the heart of the famed Las Vegas Strip and adjacent to the I-15 corridor. Launch slideshow »

Las Vegas Arena is becoming one of the biggest arenas in country, if not the country.

Garth Brooks is set to bring his world tour to Las Vegas Arena for shows from July 2-4 at the arena, four performances in all: 7 p.m. July 2, 7 and 10:30 p.m. July 3 and 5 p.m. July 4.

Tickets are on sale to the general public Dec. 11 (American Express card holders are offered a presale beginning Dec. 4). The price for all tickets is $85, taxes and fees included (go to GarthVegas.com or call (855) 411-4849 to purchase).

Brooks is the third country superstar act to be booked at Las Vegas Arena, following the announcements of George Strait, who performs six shows April, September and December; and Dixie Chicks, set for a July 16 stop on their “DCX MMXVI World Tour.”

(In the non-country music world, Janet Jackson has been booked for a date at the new arena in May.)

Credited with being the biggest-selling solo recording artist ever, Brooks has reportedly sold more tickets on tour in 2015 than any performer while touring in support of his November 2014 release, “Man Against Machine.” His most recent arena dates in Las Vegas were four sold-out shows at the Thomas & Mack Center in 1998.

Nonetheless, Brooks is a familiar performer in Las Vegas. He was especially busy on the Strip a decade later with his run at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas, which covered three years until closing in November 2012.

That show was famously, even rebelliously, devoid of any theatrics, staging or backing musicians, with Brooks wearing a ball cap, hoodie, jeans and work boots and strumming an acoustic guitar. The show served as an autobiographical rollout of the music that inspired Brooks’ life and music career.

This tour seems not at all like what was presented at Encore Theater. Brooks promises to make full use of the new arena’s technology and vast space — maybe “Man With Machine” would be a more apt title — and even enveloping the two-acre Toshiba Plaza at the arena entrance.

Also promised is a Las Vegas-centered promotional campaign involving Brooks, which has yet been specified but will soon be.

In the news release issued today, Brooks said, “Vegas has to be different. The city, the venue and the people demand it. With the help of the city itself, this run of shows will be a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience.”

Added Rick Arpin, senior vice president of entertainment for MGM Resorts International: “We are truly honored that Garth Brooks will perform a unique series of live concerts during the Las Vegas Arena’s opening season.

“Garth has delighted fans for years, and we are thrilled that his loyal supporters in Las Vegas and around the world will have the opportunity to see this one-of-a-kind performance combined with a citywide celebration. This announcement proves yet again that Las Vegas is the Entertainment Capital of the World.”

Bob Newman, president of AEG Facilities, an arena partner with MGM Resorts, said, “We are excited to bring one of the world’s most iconic artists to what has already proven to be one of the world’s most-sought-after venues.

“Knowing that Garth is planning something very special as part of our opening season will truly make his appearances even more unforgettable.”

Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at Twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow “Kats With the Dish” at Twitter.com/KatsWiththeDish.

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