After many years of concert prohibition, Jack Trice Stadium will once again be filled with live music.

The George Strait Chevy Truck Country Music Festival will be the first musical performance to appear at the venue in nearly five years.

The last concert to be held at the stadium was the Rolling Stones concert in October of 1994, according to Sara Huber of the Iowa State Center.

There have been a few different reasons why Jack Trice Stadium has been musically stagnant for so long, but Huber felt the most influential factor was the ongoing construction of the athletic department’s varying additions to the stadium.

Now that the construction has ceased and the weather is warming up, Jack Trice Stadium is ready and raring to go — with the exception of the new turf.

Back in 1994, the field was made of artificial turf. Recently, the field has been revamped with grass, an obviously inappropriate concert floor.

Huber is working with other grass-floored venues and the athletic department to make sure the only thing tearing up the field is the Iowa State football team in the fall.

Until then, the venue has the potential to be filled with arena concerts again. Because the venue is so large, only certain acts can afford to perform at the stadium and the availability of arena performers depends on their touring schedule.

Fortunately for country music lovers, George Strait and friends have decided to stop in Ames this year.

George Strait and special guest Tim McGraw, will be joined by the Dixie Chicks, Kenny Chesney, Jo Dee Messina, Mark Wills and Asleep At The Wheel on Apr. 24, at 1 p.m.

“The hottest concert ticket includes GPC Straitland, the largest festival area associated with a tour. This area will feature the Bud Light Beer Garden, the Jack Daniels Lynchburg Live stage, vendors, lifestyle exhibits and recreational fun and games,” a press release stated.

Tickets will be available for sale Saturday via a random number selection, thus prohibiting camping out.

The random numbers will be distributed between 8:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. at the Iowa State Center ticket office, located at the north side of Stephens Auditorium. The beginning number will be drawn at 9:15 a.m.

For those who accidentally sleep in and arrive after the random numbers have been issued, you’ll have to go to the end of the line.

Also note that credit cards can only be used for phone orders on the first day of sales, by calling 233-1888.

Tickets are $29.50, $39.50, and $49.50, and can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com and at all TicketMaster centers.