It was part of a dramatic opening sequence. A video of the song "Island Boy" played on the screens, only to be interrupted on screen by mop-topped rocker Sammy Hagar welcoming the crowd to the show. A medley of pop and rock music then blared through the speakers as lights frenetically searched the stage. As the curtain dropped, Chesney was above the middle of the main floor as his band played on stage.

Chesney, who fancies himself a new millennium Jimmy Buffett, was wearing his second-most-talked about accessory--his wedding ring from his recent marriage to Renee Zwelleger--along with his most popular item, his black cowboy hat, which he wore pulled down to just above his eyes. Contrasted against the tanned skin of his stubble-covered baby face, his white teeth seemed to glow. His outfit was completed with a tie-dye shirt--sleeveless, naturally--as well as jeans and black boots.

An added accessory was his guitar. He showed his chops by strapping on the ax during "Big Star." The crowd applauded approvingly.

"Oh my goodness, what a crowd tonight," Chesney said. "It sure does seem like everybody's in a good mood tonight."

That was clear. Fans responded aptly throughout the night, especially during Chesney's performance of "Young." Audience members saluted him with their cups of beer each time he sang "Young," and sang along with the "woo woos."

Aside from Chesney, three large video screens served as the focal points of the stage. Psychedelic images interspersed with visions of Jimi Hendrix, disco dancers and flower children were the backdrops to "Love Those Songs."

Chesney does fall into the same rut as other artists, however, using videos and lines from his last tour. Indianapolis Colts quarterback and longtime friend Peyton Manning made appearances in videos for songs such as "I Go Back." Tropical beaches and a shirtless Chesney adorned the video screens during "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem."

Along with Pat Green, self-proclaimed "Redneck Woman" Gretchen Wilson [ tickets ] served as an opener. She used the opportunity to play new material from "All Jacked Up," her new album due out in September. With her everyday-woman personality, Wilson pulled off a rare stunt: winning over the audience with as-yet unreleased material. She kicked off her set with the Jack Daniels tribute song "All Jacked Up," the forthcoming set's first single.

Another new song, "Politically Uncorrect," with red-state friendly lyrics supporting troops overseas, was also well received by the crowd. (On the album, the song features Merle Haggard). The bouncy "Skoal Ring" and the Paris Hilton-dissing "California Girls" were also winners with fans.

Wilson wore her standard issue black T-shirt and blue jeans, proving she has as many outfits as Kid Rock.

Wilson was impressive, utilizing a wide vocal range on songs like "When I Feel Like Cheatin'" and her pleasing cover of Led Zeppelin's "Black Dog."

She introduced Chesney in the proper manner--by playing her hit "Here For the Party" last.