Garth Brooks Sells Out Comeback Concerts in 90 Minutes

Every country music fan in Sioux Falls and miles around remembers October 29 - November 2, 1997. Fans welcomed Garth Brooks to the city for 5 days of concerts at the Sioux Falls Arena. Sold out crowds couldn't get enough of "Garth mania" that swept the region. The excitement reached fever-pitch at 8pm every night when the country music superstar took to the stage.

Sure, Seattle Seahawks have a loud NFL stadium, but I think, at the time, we gave them a run for their money when the crowd found out they were about to hear that elusive third verse to "Friends in Low Places."

It was a wonderful time to be a part of the country music scene in Sioux Falls. I had a chance to sit down with him before one of his shows. From backstage, it was impossible to ignore the crowd getting ready for the legend to take the stage. I've never heard the Arena that loud. The shows were stellar and Garth lived up to his reputation as a perfect gentleman and showman.

Fast forward 17 years. Really, has it been that long? Garth Brooks has officially announced his comeback tour.

This week, Brooks actually stood in Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, to announce his return, the very spot he performed his historic concerts nearly 17 years earlier. He’ll be returning to the same venue July 25 and 26, 2014 for three exciting performances before his worldwide tour kicks off in the fall.

Tickets went on sale Thursday morning, and within 90 minutes, the concerts were sold out. More than 200,000 tickets, costing 65 euros (£54) each, were up for grabs between the two Irish shows.

A short time later, a third date was announced for Sunday 27 July, which also sold-out in minutes, surpassing a quarter million tickets sold.

Die-hard fans had been camping outside music shops across Ireland for days, braving the torrential downpours and biting winds.

It was the first time an artist sold out three dates at the Dublin venue in one day.