Trace Adkins Launches ‘Opry Circle Throwdown’ on USO Tour

Trace Adkins kicked off a special initiative while overseas on his recent 10-day USO Tour in the Middle East. The singer-songwriter launched the Opry Circle Throwdown, in honor of the Grand Ole Opry's 90th anniversary.

The original circle in the stage at the Grand Ole Opry House was brought from the Ryman Auditorium when the Opry House opened in 1974, to carry the history of early Opry members like Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and Bill Monroe into the new location, allowing newer artists to stand where the legends once stood. As part of the Opry Circle Throwdown, artists will place a replica of the famous six-foot circle in the center of their stages while performing all over the country -- and, in Adkins' case, all over the world -- then "throw" the circle to another artist. Dozens of acts are expected to join in the fun throughout the year.

It's fitting that Adkins would be the one to kick off the Opry Circle Throwdown, since he says that the Opry remains one of his favorite places to perform.

“I always look forward to any chance I get to be at the Opry," the Opry member says. "[It] is such a special place for me.”

The Louisiana native will also be part of a special Opry performance on May 19, honoring the troops along with Craig Morgan, Lee Greenwood and Kellie Pickler, among others. Anyone who books tickets for that Opry show, or any other show in May, and uses the word "salute" when checking out will send 10 percent of their ticket price to the USO and MusiCorps.

Adkins' recent USO Tour was his 10th one, but he says that he hopes to do many more in the future.

“It feels like just yesterday when I first went out," he says. "No matter how many times I go out, or which countries and bases I visit, it never gets old. As long as they are out there serving our nation and sacrificing their lives … I’ll continue to tour with the USO.”

The 53-year-old is currently working on his debut album for BBR Music Group and crossing the country on tour. A list of all of his upcoming shows is available on his website.

See a Photo From Trace Adkins' Football-Playing Days