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Country-music fans in Utah have waited 17 years for the return of Garth Brooks.

So the long security lines and a delayed start time, while frustrating for fans, only added to the anticipation Thursday night as Brooks and Trisha Yearwood — his wife and fellow country singer — kicked off the first of four Salt Lake City shows.

For those attending the remaining shows Friday and Saturday at the newly renamed Vivint Arena — formerly Energy Solutions Arena — know this: It's worth the wait.

First song • Brooks kicked off the energetic show with "Man Against Machine," the title song of his 2014 album and the first to be released in some 15 years. The clunky, mechanical "Mad Max"-looking set — which included a dome-shaped cage for the drummer — matched the music. That was it for new songs as Brooks proclaimed, "I like to play the old stuff." He followed through with a string of well-known favorites: "Rodeo," "Beaches of Cheyenne," "Piña Colada," "Pappa Loved Mamma" and "Ain't Going Down (Till the Sun Comes Up)."

Highlight • Maybe it's his longevity, or his theatrical personality, but Brooks has a way of getting the crowd to sing along to every song. And about halfway into the show, the Thursday night crowd showed Utah's got talent by giving a goosebump-inducing performance of "Unanswered Prayers."

Best quote • Brooks appreciated the crowd participation. "We've played drinking songs, cowboy songs and cheating songs and you've treated every one like your favorite."

Low notes • The frustration for fans began before the music started. The arena plaza was fenced off, creating a bottleneck at the security lines, which stretched down the block. Once inside, it was a long wait before the show began and people clearly got antsy; Brooks didn't hit the stage until 8:45. Brooks and crew will have to be a little more respectful of their guests' time if they plan to squeeze in the planned 7 and 10:30 p.m. shows on Friday.

Halftime • Brooks got what seemed like a much-needed break about halfway through the show, when Yearwood stepped onstage for a duet of "In Another's Eyes." Yearwood went solo after that with "XXX's and OOO's (American Girl)" and "How Do I Live" from the movie "ConAir." The ho-hum songs were overshadowed by what was on the big screen, including silly outtakes from her cooking show on The Food Network and the "Kiss Cam" clips during "She's in Love With the Boy."

Second half • A revived Brooks returned to the stage for a few more favorites, including "Shameless," "Calling Baton Rouge," "Friends in Low Places" and "The Dance." The 20-minute encore featured covers of "Fever" and "Amarillo by Morning," as well as two Brooks favorites: "Much Too Young (to Be This Damn Old)" and "Standing Outside the Fire."

In the crowd • There was a good mix of old fans who likely saw Brooks' last show, 17 years ago at the arena when it was known as the Delta Center, and a new set of younger fans. Earlier in the day, Brooks told reporters that 48 percent of the tour ticket holders were 10 or younger — or not even born — the last time he went on tour.

Opening act • Singer-songwriter Karyn Rochell — who also is a backup singer in the Brooks band— performed four songs, including "Red High Heels," which she wrote with "American Idol" alum Kellie Pickler. —

Garth Brooks

The country star energizes the Utah crowd with a full slate of hit songs in his first visit in 17 years.

When • Reviewed Thursday; repeats Friday at 7 and 10:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7 p.m.

Where • Vivint SmartHome Arena, 301 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $75; smithstix.com