Croatian cello duo 2Cellos, consisting of Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser, opened the stage for Elton with a set of cover songs before the Elton John Band opened with “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting.”

The full set lasted an impressive two and a half hours, including classics and fan-favorites like “Daniel,” “Your Song” and “Rocket Man.” This was John’s first performance at the USF Sun Dome since 1988’s Reg Strikes Back Tour.

The renovations, completed in April, feature the addition of a concourse seating level, center scoreboard and improved sound system, and were fully utilized at the performance.

The added concourse seating level proved invaluable in hosting the show’s large attendance, and the venue’s improved sound system flawlessly brought crisp and clear sound quality to the audience.

Renovated, the Sun Dome can now comfortably seat over 10,000 guests.

Winner of multiple Grammy awards, an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award, Sir Elton John made his rock debut in 1969 with “Empty Sky,” and is currently working on his 30th studio album, “The Diving Board.”

An open homosexual, John has strongly supported the LGBT community, and has donated millions of dollars to AIDS research through the American Foundation for AIDS Research and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.