Friday: After a remarkable 32-year run with a record 44 No. 1 country singles and more than 65 million albums sold in the United States, Strait, 60, has embarked on his farewell tour. His Cowboy Rides Away Tour kicked off last month in his home state of Texas. We get him early, before the King of Country Music releases his next album. Backed by his long-running and most excellent Ace in the Hole Band, Strait will survey his Hall of Fame career and wrap up the show with his traditional closer, "The Cowboy Rides Away." King George rides off into the sunset June 1 after his gig at the Alamodome in San Antonio, where he lives. Opening is Martina McBride, who has had a pretty nice ride herself with such hits as "A Broken Wing" and "This One's for the Girls." (7:30 p.m. Fri. $69.50-$89.50. Xcel Energy Center, W. 7th St. and Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul.)
Special report: Go behind Minnesota's pro-athlete curtain to see how the best athletes in our state get ready for their biggest moment: gameday.