Though few specifics are available, country star George Strait [ tickets ] is lining up plans for a 21-city tour that will run from mid-January through March.

According to Strait's publicist, only one show--Jan. 31 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas--has been confirmed so far. Tickets for that appearance will go on sale on Oct. 4. Other dates will be announced "soon," a press release said.

The tour is being booked into large arenas, with a center-stage configuration that allows Strait to play to the whole audience. Opening acts for the entire outing will be Dierks Bentley [ tickets ] ("What Was I Thinkin'") and Kellie Coffey [ tickets ] ("When You Lie Next To Me").

Strait--who has sold more than 57 million records over the course of his 20-plus-year recording career--released his latest studio album, titled "Honkytonkville," in June. The 2004 dates will mark his first outing since the album's release.

One of country music's best live draws, Strait released his first concert album in February. The 16-song CD, titled "For the Last Time--Live from the Astrodome," was recorded on the closing night of the 2002 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Strait performed for more than 68,000 fans that night, including former President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush.