Country phenoms the Dixie Chicks [ tickets ] launched their new fan club on Wednesday (2/5), and fans who buy a membership will have a first shot at tickets to the group's upcoming tour.

The official fan club's list of member benefits includes access to pre-sale concert tickets, exclusive videos and performances from the tour, contests that offer front-row seats as a prize, online chats with the Dixie Chicks and more, according to the club's website. A one-year membership costs $30.

The Chicks-- Emily Robison, Martie Maguire and Natalie Maines--launched the club in association with Yahoo!, and were closely involved in the planning, according to Maines.

"Control freaks that we are, Martie, Emily and I spent considerable time with Yahoo! coming up with some great new ways we can better serve the people who have made us what we are today--the fans," Maines said in a statement. "We have renewed enthusiasm about actively participating in our official website, we're grateful to the people at Yahoo! for understanding us, and we're excited that the new and improved site is up and running."

On Feb. 20, the Dixie Chicks plan to announce the dates for their 2003 tour. Fan-club members will have access to a ticket pre-sale that takes place on Feb. 26 and 27.

The Dixie Chicks' 2003 tour will support last year's "Home." The set, which hit stores in late August, was the fourth best-selling album of 2002.

Last month, the Dixie Chicks were nominated for GRAMMY^® awards in the Album of the Year, Best Country Album, Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, and Best Country Instrumental Performance categories. The ceremony takes place on February 23, and will be broadcast on CBS.