Kenny Chesney set to kick off 2018 tour in Tampa

Country music star Kenny Chesney’s 2018 Trip Around the Sun Tour will kick off in the Sunshine State. Where else?

The North American tour will make its first stop at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on April 21. Pre-sale ticket purchases begin Wednesday on Chesney’s website. General sales begin Oct. 27.

Chesney spent a couple of weeks working alongside various organizations for disaster relief in the Virgin Islands. He says he’s finally ready to get back his fans.

"Listening to all those tapes of all those shows led to Live in No Shoes Nation," Chesney said. "And playing those two nights in Foxboro this year made me really want to get out there with all the people who live this music. We have so much fun, so much life, so many memories — all tied up in these shows and these songs — I am ready to get out there and kick into another summer where we can all celebrate how lucky we are to love life and be able to come together."

Chesney will play songs from his latest albums — “Cosmic Hallelujah” and “The Big Revival” — as well as fan favorites during the tour. He will be accompanied by Thomas Rhett, Old Dominion and Brandon Lay.

“There’s nothing like a stadium full of people coming together to remind you what life’s about,” Chesney said. “The energy, the moments, the fun. Every single one of these artists who’re coming out with us for Trip Around the Sun live their lives the exact same way: they work hard, they appreciate what they’re given and they love music every bit as much as they love life. I, personally, can’t wait to see this show hit the road.”

Chesney won’t be the only star to visit Tampa in early 2018. Billy Joel is coming to Amalie Arena Feb. 9. Ticket sales begin Oct. 23 for American Express cardholders and will open Oct. 27 for general public. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

Trip Around the Sun 2018 tour dates:

• April 21 - Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL)
• April 28 - Miller Park (Milwaukee, WI)
• May 5 - US Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, MN)
• May 19 - AT&T Stadium (Dallas, TX)
• May 26 - Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
• June 2 - Heinz Field (Pittsburgh, PA)
• June 9 - Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA)
• June 16 - Mapfre Stadium (Columbus, OH)
• June 23 - Chase Field (Phoenix, AZ)
• June 30 - Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium (Denver, CO)
• July 7 - Centurylink Field (Seattle, WA)
• July 14 - Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
• July 21 - Busch Stadium (St. Louis, MO)
• July 28 - Soldier Field (Chicago, IL)
• August 4 - Ford Field (Detroit, MI)
• August 11 - Nissan Stadium (Nashville, TN)
• August 18 - MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
• August 24 - Gillette Stadium (Foxboro, MA)

This story was originally published October 18, 2017 at 9:55 AM with the headline "Kenny Chesney set to kick off 2018 tour in Tampa."