Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift to play Xcel Center Oct. 10

The country acts, also slated to perform at We Fest in Detroit Lakes next weekend, will be the X's first concert after the GOP convention.

Last update: July 25, 2008 - 7:10 PM

The Republicans won't have the keys to the place forever.

Xcel Energy Center just announced its first concert after the Republican National Convention, an Oct. 10 show featuring country music's most well-coiffed band, Rascal Flatts, along with its hottest teen country singer, Taylor Swift. Tickets go on sale Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. for $67 and $51.75.

Both of the chart-topping country acts are also scheduled to perform at We Fest in Detroit Lakes next weekend, which is nearly sold out. We Fest's website says only 1,500 of its nearly 50,000 daily tickets are left.

Rascal Flatts joins two other post-RNC concerts already scheduled at the St. Paul arena: New Kids on the Block on Oct. 21 and the previously postponed Coldplay show on Nov. 14. The Minnesota Wild's regular-season opener is scheduled the night after Rascal Flatts, Oct. 11.

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER